The American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI) has released its 21st Annual Top Industry Issues report, highlighting the primary concerns of the trucking industry for 2025. The report indicates that the state of the economy remains the most significant issue for the third consecutive year, with lawsuit abuse and insurance availability following closely behind.
Andy Owens, President of A&M Transport, commented on the situation: “We’re in the third year of this extended freight recession and the pain is real. Operating costs climbed to their highest ever at the same time that freight pricing has bottomed out.”
This year’s survey results show several shifts in industry priorities. Four new topics entered the Top 10 list: English language proficiency for drivers, diesel emission regulations, driver training standards, and artificial intelligence in trucking. Meanwhile, concern over truck parking availability dropped two places to fourth on the list, while driver compensation remained steady at fifth.
Driver training standards appeared as a top concern across all respondents for the first time this year, reaching ninth overall and ranking seventh among truck drivers specifically.
Participation in ATRI’s annual survey increased by 14% compared to last year, with more than 4,200 stakeholders responding. These included motor carrier executives and personnel (46%), truck drivers (30%), and freight stakeholders (23%). The survey also highlighted differences between groups: truck drivers identified compensation, parking availability, and English language proficiency as their main concerns; motor carriers prioritized economic conditions, lawsuit abuse reform, and insurance cost and availability.
The full report is available on ATRI’s website.
