The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s CSA program tops the list of critical issues that are top of mind for North American motor carriers, followed by hours-of-service changes and last year’s top concern, the economy.
The list of top ten critical issues facing the North American trucking industry was compiled by the American Transportation Research Institute.
Ongoing concerns with recent as well as potential changes in the federal hours-of-service regulations caused that issue to remain in the number two position for the second consecutive year. Many in the industry are concerned over how changes to the 34-hour restart provision, the addition of a mandatory rest break after 8 hours of driving, and threats to reduce total drive time will impact industry operations.
Last year’s top industry issue, the economy, fell two spots this year to third place. That issue topped the list for a record three consecutive years and remains a source of concern for many in the industry, says ATRI.
Worry over the increasing driver shortage put that issue at number four.
“Economic recovery, CSA and HOS changes may be contributing factors to a shrinking pool of qualified drivers according to some in the industry,” states the report.
The ATA-commissioned survey results and proposed strategies will be utilized by the ATA Federation to better focus its advocacy role on behalf of the U.S. trucking industry and ATA Federation stakeholders.
