Driver Shortage Tops ELD As Top Concern For Truckers

by Jake Tully - Published: 10/23/2017

Though several topics may have contributed to the top concerns within the trucking industry, some sources are reporting that the shortage of commercial drivers is a chief concern at this time.

According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the top industry issues report reveled earlier today indicated the top then critical issues that the North American trucking industry is facing, with driver shortage topping the list.

The ATRI reports that for the first time since 2006, driver shortage is the top-ranked issue for the trucking industry, rising six places within the top 10 concerns since last year’s report. 

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear reports that confronting the driver shortage problem is a paramount concern for the industry, though the process may require a myriad of entities within the industry to work towards a solution.

“Identifying the right mix of partners and strategies to effectively address the driver shortage is one of our top goals for the industry” said Spear. “ATA and its federation partners rely on ATRI’s annual analysis to ensure we successfully navigate the important issues now and into the future.”

Second to the driver shortage in terms of concerns was the upcoming ELD mandate, dropping from its place as top concern in last year’s report, with the Hours of Service rules coming in at third.

According to the ATRI, the results of the annual survey were collected from over 1,500 commercial drivers and motor carriers.

In addition to collecting concerns from the industry, the report from the ATRI includes strategies for addressing each concern.

The full report can be viewed at atri-online.org.