ATRI’s newly released 21st annual Top Industry Issues report highlights the challenges facing trucking at a time when operating costs remain high and freight markets remain soft.

The issues shaping trucking right now.

The 2025 report identifies the following as the top five concerns across the trucking industry:

• Economy
• Lawsuit Abuse Reform
• Insurance Cost and Availability
• Truck Parking
• Driver Compensation

Several new issues also appeared on the list for the first time, including English Language Proficiency requirements for drivers and the growing role of artificial intelligence in trucking operations.

Industry leaders say the continued dominance of economic concerns reflects prolonged pressure across the freight market.

“We’re in the third year of this extended freight recession, and the pain is real,” said Andy Owens, A&M Transport president. “Operating costs climbed to their highest ever at the same time that freight pricing has bottomed out. ATRI’s annual analysis is so critical for our industry to not only quantify the issues, but more importantly, to understand what we can collectively do as an industry to address each.”

Shifts within the top rankings

While the economy held its position as the number one concern, other issues shifted slightly within the rankings.

“While the Economy retained its #1 spot, Lawsuit Abuse Reform and Insurance Cost and Availability each rose one spot, to be the #2 and #3 top concerns, respectively,” ATRI said. “The lack of available Truck Parking dropped two spots this year to the #4 concern, and Driver Compensation held on to its #5 position.”

Driver Training Standards, which had appeared on truck driver issue lists since 2019, climbed higher this year. It ranked ninth overall among all respondents and seventh among truck driver respondents.

Different priorities for drivers and carriers

The survey results also highlight how concerns differ depending on role within the industry.

Among truck drivers, the top three issues were Driver Compensation, Truck Parking, and English Language Proficiency. Motor carriers, on the other hand, ranked the Economy, Lawsuit Abuse Reform, and Insurance Cost and Availability as their leading concerns.

ATRI noted that more than 46 percent of respondents were motor carrier executives or personnel. Truck drivers accounted for 30 percent of respondents, with the remaining 23 percent representing other freight stakeholders.

Growing participation across the industry

This year’s survey included responses from more than 4,200 trucking industry stakeholders, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the 2024 survey. Participants represented a wide range of industry roles, including motor carriers, professional drivers, industry suppliers, driver trainers, and law enforcement.

The full findings were released during the 2025 American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference and Exhibition. The complete report is available through ATRI.

What the results signal for the industry

The survey results underscore the ongoing strain created by a weak freight economy combined with rising costs. While drivers and carriers experience these pressures differently, the data shows broad agreement that economic stability remains the foundation for addressing many of trucking’s other challenges.

As the industry continues to navigate freight cycles, insurance pressures, and workforce issues, ATRI’s findings provide a snapshot of where concerns are most concentrated and where attention is likely to remain in the year ahead.

Source: The Trucker

The post Economy Continues to Top Trucking’s List of Concerns, ATRI Survey Finds appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

But beyond the numbers, what does this actually mean for drivers like you today?

Growing Demand, More Freight, More Chances

Even with the ups and downs in recent years, freight hauling is still going strong. Online shopping keeps booming, and businesses need trucks to keep things moving. That means more work and, hopefully, better pay if you play your cards right.

Specializing in hot spots like refrigerated goods or regional hauls might just open up steadier gigs. The ATA predicts freight volume will keep climbing through 2025, so the demand for drivers isn’t going anywhere.

Technology and Teamwork Make a Difference

With millions of trucks on the road, the industry’s gotten smarter. Tools like load boards and routing apps help you plan better and avoid wasted miles. Staying connected with carriers and shippers means less downtime and more steady runs.

You’re not just out there alone anymore — tech is making it easier to find loads and get paid quicker.

Parking is Getting Some Attention

Parking has always been a headache for drivers. But the good news is there’s federal money now going into building more truck parking spots and improving rest areas. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is helping push those projects forward.

That means more places to park safely during your breaks, which everyone knows makes a huge difference.

Roads Are Improving, Slowly but Surely

The roads and bridges we drive on aren’t exactly perfect, but investments are coming. More funds are being poured into fixing highways and easing congestion, which should make your trips smoother and less hard on your truck.

Better infrastructure means fewer unexpected repairs and less time stuck in traffic.

Staying Ahead in a Crowded Field

Knowing how many trucks are out there helps you see the bigger picture. The key is to stay updated on industry changes, whether new rules, tech trends, or freight demands.

Finding your niche — like hauling specialty loads or regional runs — could give you a leg up in this busy field.

Bottom Line

About 3 million semi trucks on the road mean trucking is alive and kicking. For drivers, that means plenty of chances to find good work and grow your career if you keep learning and adapting.

The post How Many Semi Trucks Are on the Road in the US and What It Means for Drivers Right Now appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello paints a promising picture of what lies ahead. “In this edition of Forecast, you will see that the trucking industry continues to dominate the freight transportation industry in terms of both tonnage and revenue, comprising 72.2% of tonnage and 79.2% of revenue in 2022,” he explained. This stronghold is projected to remain well into the future as the nation continues to rely on trucks to move the majority of freight.

Sustained Growth in Tonnage and Revenue

The ATA’s Freight Transportation Forecast projects significant growth for trucking. Overall truck tonnage is estimated to grow from 11.3 billion tons this year to 14.2 billion tons by 2034. This represents 72.4% of the freight tonnage in 2023, with a slight increase to 72.6% by the end of the forecast period.

Revenue growth is equally impressive. Trucking’s revenue is expected to grow from $1.01 trillion to $1.51 trillion over the same period, accounting for 78.8% of the freight market. These numbers highlight trucking’s resilience and its critical role in driving the economy forward.

Trucking in the Bigger Freight Picture

While trucking leads the way, other modes of freight transportation are also evolving. Rail intermodal revenues, for example, are projected to grow from $21.7 billion in 2023 to $35.2 billion in the coming years, reflecting its complementary role in logistics. Similarly, pipelines and air cargo will see steady increases in their shares.

Strategic Insights for Leaders

These projections serve as a valuable guide for policymakers and industry leaders. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized their importance: “Knowing where our industry and economy are headed is critical for decision makers. This Freight Forecast should be top of mind for policymakers in Washington, Sacramento, and wherever decisions are being made that affect trucking.”

Whether planning infrastructure investments or shaping regulations, decision-makers can rely on trucking’s consistent growth to inform their strategies.

Source: ATA

The post The Road Ahead: Insights from Bob Costello on the Future of Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.