The findings below are taken from the report titled CRITICAL ISSUES IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY – 2021 and was prepared by The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). ATRI survey was conducted in late 2021 and their analysis relies on a robust data collection methodology, thus presenting the state of play in terms of participants’ perceptions in year 2022.

1. DRIVER SHORTAGE
For the fifth consecutive year, the driver shortage is the trucking industry’s top concern on the overall list, with more than four times as many first-place votes as the next issue on the 2021 Top Industry Issues list. According to the ATA, the industry’s current shortage of over 60,000 drivers could grow to over 160,000 by 2028.

2. DRIVER RETENTION
With the driver shortage ranked as the top industry issue for the fifth year in a row, keeping those drivers currently in the industry – driver retention – rose four positions to become the second most critical issue overall this year.

3. DRIVER COMPENSATION
For the third year in a row, driver compensation is a top 10 issue. Many drivers believe that the driver shortage and driver compensation are one and the same issue, and that the solution to the shortage is simply to increase driver pay. However, as fleets continue to raise driver pay to recruit and retain drivers in response to the shortage, motor carriers are also concerned about driver compensation and the sustainability of continually raising driver pay.

4. LAWSUIT ABUSE REFORM
Lawsuit Abuse Reform (previously referred to as Tort Reform in prior years’ surveys) rose three spots this year to become the fourth highest issue of concern. Significant attention has been brought to the issues surrounding truck crash litigation over the past two years including the rise in nuclear verdicts.

5. TRUCK PARKING
This is the 10th year that the lack of available truck parking has made the top 10 list of industry concerns, and among commercial drivers it has consistently ranked in their top three.

Here are some other concerns the survey has emphasized:

– DETENTION/DELAY AT CUSTOMER FACILITIES
– TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE/CONGESTION/ FUNDING
– INSURANCE COST/AVAILABILITY
– DIESEL TECHNICIAN SHORTAGE

(Source: truckingresearch.org)