ATRI Releases Findings of New Report Detailing Trucking Costs

by Jake Tully - Published: 10/02/2018

Earlier today, the American Transportation Research Institute announced the findings of its 2018 update to the Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking report.

Utilizing data provided by motor carriers throughout the country, the report looks at trucking costs from 2008 through 2017 in order to provide the industry with a benchmarking tool as well as government agencies with data for infrastructure improvement analyses.

"ATRI's Operational Costs research is such a powerful tool for fleets of all sizes,” said Dean Kaplan, K-Limited Carrier CEO. “Better understanding how our costs stack up against our industry peers enables us to implement operational efficiencies and improve our bottom line."

The ATRI reports that with a strong economy in 2017, costs per mile among motor carriers increased by nearly six percent, as did driver wages increasing for a fifth consecutive year.

The report also brings into consideration fuel prices increasing as well as more sophisticated truck models driving up costs for repair and maintenance as well as new purchases of trucks.

Additionally, reports the ATRI, the 2018 report includes a new section entitled “Industry Sector in Focus” analyzing operational costs for operators of tank fleets.

Interested parties may view the report in full at TruckingResearch.org.