Industry Trends and Concerns The American Trucking Associations’ recent conference highlighted several key issues facing the trucking industryOperational costs are on the rise, with insurance and driver pay seeing significant increases1. The industry is also dealing with safety and security challenges, as well as regulatory pressures.

Insurance and Litigation Insurance rates are climbing due to litigation costs, catastrophic losses, and weather-related disasters. Carriers are exploring self-insurance and captive groups as alternatives, although joining these groups can be challenging.

Safety Management Despite a slight decrease in liability crashes in 2023, fatalities are on the rise. Carriers are encouraged to actively review and analyze data through the Safety Management System to improve business outcomes2.

Driver Shortage and Workforce The industry continues to struggle with a driver shortage and an aging workforce3. Efforts to attract new drivers include increasing wages and supporting initiatives like ATA’s Women In Motion and the FMCSA’s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot.

Regulatory Requirements Decarbonization efforts are pushing for battery-electric vehicles, adding new burdens on manufacturers and fleets4. There is a call to shift the narrative from ‘EVs or bust’ to minimizing the environmental impact of transportation.

Security Concerns Security budgets are often cut to accommodate financial constraints, which is concerning as criminals become more sophisticated5. A lack of safe parking is a notable security issue, compounded by hours-of-service requirements.

This article encapsulates the current challenges and considerations within the trucking industry, as discussed at the ATA conference. It underscores the need for strategic planning and collaboration to navigate these complex issues.

Reference: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trucking-ata-industry-trends