The state of the economy and a new federal regulatory system for motor carriers and driver safety top a list of critical issues facing the trucking industry, according to the American Transportation Research Institute.
The Arlington, VA-based nonprofit research institute on Oct. 17 released its report (.pdf file) based on survey results of more than 4,000 trucking industry executives. Survey results show concerns about the economy topped the list, while the launch of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new regulatory framework for evaluation of carriers and driver safety — Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 — ranked second.
Government regulation, which was the second most pressing issue last year, dropped to No. 3, while driver shortage returned to the top 10 list this year.
Researchers said the industry, shippers and environmentalists have an interest in revising truck size and weight limitations. Exactly how revisions would affect highway safety and road infrastructure has been debated this year.
