Top Three Concerns of Truck Drivers and Executives: A Look into the American Transportation Research Institute Report
Have you wondered what the top concerns of truck drivers are? Well, you’re not alone.
Driven Too Far, the popular trucking industry podcast hosted by Andrew Winkler, General Manager of Chief Carriers, recently discussed the top concerns of trucking industry stakeholders. In this recent podcast episode, Andrew delves into the top three concerns of both drivers and executives.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) releases a list of the top 10 trucking industry concerns every year.
The results of the survey show that the concerns of truck drivers and executives are not the same. Out of the 20 concerns from the driver and executive sides, only four are common.
According to Andrew, this disparity is due to the differing outlooks of each group. Drivers focus on their short-term financial situation, like their weekly paycheck and ability to put food on the table, while executives think about the long-term viability of their business and take a more future-oriented approach.
Top Three Concerns for Truckers:
- Truck Parking
- Hours of Service
- Compensation and Benefits
Let’s dive into each of these three top concerns for truck drivers.
Truck Parking
The top concern for truck drivers in 2022 was truck parking. Andrew admitted that this issue is something that he had not given much thought to in the past but has become more aware of as a result of increased complaints from drivers.
According to Andrew, truck stops used to offer discounts on fuel to attract truckers, and their real source of income was the food, drinks, and other products sold in convenience stores. However, as the shortage of truck parking became a problem, truck stops started charging for parking to capitalize on their valuable real estate.
Andrew initially resisted this change, but as he learned more about the impact it was having on drivers, he changed his tune. With truck stops filling up early in the day, drivers were pulling off the road early and not being able to complete their workday.
Hours of Service
The second concern for truck drivers was hours of service (HOS) regulations. According to Andrew, these regulations are important for drivers’ safety but can also impact their earning potential. He added that the trucking industry is still trying to find a balance between safety and the needs of the drivers.
Compensation and Benefits
The third concern for truck drivers was compensation and benefits. Andrew stated that this issue is crucial for drivers and their families, and he emphasized the importance of paying drivers fairly for their hard work and sacrifice. He added that it’s the trucking companies’ responsibility to provide drivers with the benefits they deserve.
Top Concerns for Executives of Trucking Companies
Turning to the top concerns of executives, the first on the list was electronic logging device (ELD) mandate compliance. According to Andrew, the mandate has been a source of controversy in the industry, but it has also led to increased transparency and improved safety.
The second concern for executives was the driver shortage. Andrew acknowledged that the trucking industry is facing a severe shortage of drivers, and this is having a major impact on the industry’s ability to meet demand. He added that the industry must work together to find solutions to this issue, such as increasing pay and benefits, improving working conditions, and providing more training opportunities for drivers.
Finally, the third concern for executives was the cost of regulatory compliance. Andrew stated that complying with regulations can be expensive and time-consuming for trucking companies, and it’s essential for the industry to find ways to make compliance more efficient and cost-effective.
Truck drivers and executives have different concerns, but they both play important roles in the success of the trucking industry. According to Andrew, it’s crucial for the industry to work together to find solutions to these concerns, improve working conditions for drivers, and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
You can listen to this full-length trucking podcast on your favorite listening platform. Click to listen on Apple or Spotify now. Interested in watching the video podcast format on YouTube? Click to learn more about the TOP three concerns for truck drivers.
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