ATRI launched the research on September 16 with the goal of developing a framework that can measure both the costs and benefits associated with trucking regulations. The first phase will focus specifically on HOS and ELD requirements, giving drivers, motor carriers and law enforcement an opportunity to share their experiences through a new industry survey.

Survey Takes a Closer Look at HOS and ELD Requirements

Rather than asking participants to evaluate the regulations as a whole, the survey breaks them into individual components.

Respondents will evaluate the overall HOS rules, the ELD mandate and nine specific provisions within the two regulations. Each will be considered in terms of its perceived safety benefits and the cost of complying with it.

Participants can also recommend changes they believe could improve safety benefits or reduce compliance costs, giving ATRI additional information about where existing requirements may have room for improvement.

Research Could Extend Beyond HOS and ELD Rules

The project grew out of a broader research priority identified by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee earlier this year.

In April, ATRI announced plans to develop a framework for evaluating trucking regulations based on their benefits and costs. The organization identified the project as one of its research priorities for 2026.

HOS and ELD requirements will serve as the first test of that approach, but the framework is being designed for wider use. Future research could apply the same methodology to regulations involving trucking safety, workforce issues and environmental requirements.

Drivers Have Until October 16 to Participate

ATRI is accepting responses from truck drivers, motor carriers and law enforcement through October 16, 2026. Individual responses will remain confidential, with findings presented only in aggregated and anonymized form.

Drivers who want to provide feedback can complete ATRI’s HOS and ELD survey here.

The responses will help ATRI build a method for comparing the intended benefits of trucking regulations with the costs associated with complying with them, beginning with two requirements that directly affect day-to-day operations across the industry.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 21, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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The survey is part of the TechCelerate program, a research initiative sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and supported by ATRI, the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council, and the OOIDA Foundation.

Researchers will use the latest responses to compare current feedback with information gathered during the original TechCelerate survey conducted in 2023.

Three Years After the Original Study

When the first TechCelerate survey was conducted in 2023, the goal was to better understand how trucking companies and drivers viewed onboard safety systems.

Since then, technology adoption has continued to evolve across the industry, creating an opportunity to revisit many of the same topics and see whether opinions and experiences have changed.

According to ATRI, the updated survey will help researchers compare findings from both studies while identifying areas where additional communication or issue resolution may be needed.

Drivers And Carriers Will Answer Different Questions

The project includes separate surveys for truck drivers and motor carriers. Drivers are being asked about their familiarity with onboard safety technology and their experiences using those systems during daily operations. The driver survey also asks participants which technologies they believe provide the greatest safety benefits and which provide the fewest benefits from a driver’s perspective.

Motor carriers will focus on a different set of issues, including technology preferences, adoption levels, driver acceptance, maintenance and repair concerns, and perceived safety benefits. The survey can be found here.

ATRI estimates that both surveys take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Researchers Hope to Track Industry Trends

One objective of the follow-up survey is to better understand how adoption levels and user perspectives have shifted since 2023. Comparing the two sets of responses may help researchers identify emerging trends, common concerns, and changes in how onboard safety systems are being viewed throughout the trucking industry.

The information collected will also support efforts to improve messaging surrounding onboard safety technology.

TechCelerate Continues Its Research Efforts

The TechCelerate program brings together industry organizations to study how technology is being adopted and experienced across trucking operations. The latest survey represents another step in that effort, providing updated feedback from both drivers and carriers as onboard safety systems become increasingly common throughout the industry.

Researchers say the information will help support future work focused on truck safety, operational efficiency, and technology adoption.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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The Federal Highway Administration is conducting a nationwide survey to assess how well states are providing parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate transportation. The effort is aimed at better understanding current capacity, gaps, and limitations related to truck parking infrastructure.

Separate Surveys for Drivers and Carriers

FHWA is collecting feedback through two separate surveys, one designed specifically for truck drivers and another for motor carriers. By separating responses, the agency is seeking clearer insight into how parking availability affects both day-to-day operations and broader fleet planning.

The survey focuses on the ability of states to support required rest periods and safe parking needs tied to hours-of-service compliance.

Deadline and Contact Information

Survey responses must be submitted by February 27.

Anyone with questions about the survey or participation process may contact Walter Satterfield at walter.satterfield@dot.gov.

FHWA’s findings are expected to inform future discussions around truck parking policy, funding priorities, and infrastructure planning at the state and federal level.

Source: Truckers News

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According to ATRI’s 2025 report, the freight recession that started nearly three years ago is still weighing heavily on the industry. More than 4,200 people took part in the survey, including over 1,000 drivers and carriers who said the economy is the biggest issue affecting their work.

“Now three years into a historic freight recession, freight rates and tonnage have remained stagnant across the trucking industry at the same time that per-mile costs increased considerably faster than inflation, a perfect storm that is squeezing fleet operating margins and necessitating extensive cost-cutting measures,” ATRI wrote in its report. “Total trucking employment and driver employment specifically continued to fall year over year amid layoffs, market exits, and bankruptcies. Unfortunately, the challenging economic conditions keep these freight capacity reductions from translating into improved rates.”

For the third year in a row, the economy was ranked as the top concern across the industry. It has become clear that drivers and carriers alike are struggling to stay profitable while operating costs keep climbing.

Rising Costs and Fewer Loads

Drivers on the road every day have seen it firsthand. Freight has been slow, spot market rates have dipped, and steady runs are harder to come by. The cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance has not backed down either, which means many fleets are doing more with less. Some have even shut down or cut routes to stay afloat.

ATRI’s data mirrors what truckers have been talking about for months. After years of higher pay and strong freight demand, the market has cooled to the point that even large carriers are tightening their budgets.

What Truckers Are Most Concerned About

The survey showed that concerns stretch far beyond just rates and loads. Lawsuit abuse reform and insurance costs jumped ahead of other issues this year, showing how expensive it has become to operate a truck safely and legally. Truck parking, which ranked second in 2024, fell to fourth on the 2025 list.

Here are ATRI’s overall top 10 issues for 2025:

1. Economy
2. Lawsuit abuse reform
3. Insurance cost and availability
4. Truck parking
5. Driver compensation
6. CSA
7. English language proficiency
8. Diesel emission regulations
9. Driver training standards
10. AI in trucking

About 46 percent of survey respondents were from motor carriers, 30 percent were truck drivers, and the rest were other freight stakeholders.

Drivers and Carriers See the Market Differently

While everyone agrees that money is the biggest concern, the way each group views the challenges is slightly different. Drivers placed compensation as their top issue, while motor carriers focused on the economy as a whole. Both groups pointed to new technology, regulations, and detention delays as growing frustrations.

2025 Top Concerns for Truck Drivers:

1. Driver compensation
2. Truck parking
3. English language proficiency for drivers
4. Broker issues
5. Detention and delays at customer facilities
6. AI in trucking
7. Driver training standards
8. Autonomous trucks
9. ELD mandate
10. Diesel emission regulations

Motor Carrier Top Concerns for 2025:

1. Economy
2. Lawsuit abuse reform
3. Insurance cost and availability
4. CSA
5. Driver shortage
6. Driver retention
7. Driver distraction
8. Diesel emission regulations
9. Truck parking
10. Broker issues

Life on the Road Reflects the Data

The report may come from spreadsheets and survey responses, but the story it tells is one every driver already lives. When freight slows down, everyone feels it. For drivers who are paid by the mile, every empty trailer and canceled load adds stress. For carriers, keeping trucks running and drivers paid without solid freight rates is a constant balancing act.

Until freight demand rebounds, the numbers from ATRI will likely stay the same. For now, truckers continue to grind through one of the toughest markets in recent memory, hoping the road ahead brings better rates and more stability for everyone behind the wheel.

Source: Land Line Media

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According to a recent Truckstop.com survey of more than 500 U.S.-based freight carriers, 60% of drivers say they’re feeling positive about the future of the industry. And it’s not just wishful thinking — drivers are pointing to real improvements thanks to tools that are finally starting to lighten the load.

From AI-powered route planning to better fraud protection, truckers are seeing the upside of newer tech in their daily work. Decision-making is becoming quicker, more accurate, and a lot less stressful. That means less second-guessing on dispatches, fewer headaches from scams, and smoother trip planning overall.

“What we found is that carriers are adopting technology faster than ever, and they’re seeing the results,” said Todd Waldron, vice-president of carrier experience. “From stronger fraud prevention to smarter routing, tools like the ones we’re building are giving carriers more confidence and control over their operations.”

Younger drivers are especially leaning in. Nearly 70% of all respondents — and 79% of those under 35 — say they’re comfortable using the latest tech tools. That includes everything from electronic logging devices (ELDs) and AI-based dispatch tools to advanced telematics and predictive maintenance systems that help catch problems before they sideline a rig.

When asked what’s going to shape the next five years in trucking, three things rose to the top: fuel prices, freight availability, and — you guessed it — technology. AI, in particular, is expected to bring the most impact to route optimization, dispatch efficiency, and maintenance planning.

In a job where every minute and mile count, these tools aren’t just bells and whistles anymore — they’re turning into essentials. And for many drivers, that’s a step in the right direction.

Source: Truck News

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MoDOT’s Freight Plan and the Focus on Truck Parking

MoDOT is currently revisiting its State Freight and Rail Plan, described by Levi Woods, administrator of freight and waterways, as a “strategic document that outlines the visions, goals and priorities of Missouri’s freight and passenger rail systems.” This comprehensive plan covers a variety of transportation sectors, including trucks, rail, air, and waterways.

An essential aspect of this plan is truck parking, which MoDOT acknowledges as a critical element for transportation safety. Missouri’s previous 2022 plan included an extensive 106-page truck parking profile, which was created with significant input from truck drivers.

“Who’s better to ask than the folks using the system themselves?” Woods explained. “We want to hear from the experts, the people in there doing it day in, day out.”

Truck Drivers’ Voices Needed in Updated Parking Analysis

To ensure the new plan effectively addresses truck parking challenges, MoDOT is collecting data through an updated truck parking analysis. The revised analysis will include a fresh parking survey designed for truck drivers, gathering feedback on their experiences and identifying areas where improvements are most needed.

Truckers have until March 16 to complete the survey, which can be accessed here or by scanning the QR code provided below. The survey is mobile-friendly, takes under 10 minutes to complete, and guarantees confidentiality.

Drivers will answer questions covering topics such as preferred parking amenities and locations where additional parking is required.

The more responses MoDOT receives, the more comprehensive and effective the planning process can be. However, participation has historically been low—during the 2022 analysis, MoDOT sent nearly 8,000 emails to Missouri-based truck drivers, but only 16 completed the survey in full.

“I know these folks get inundated with surveys all the time, but this information really is valuable to us in making the best decisions going forward possible to help them and again, to keep everyone safe,” Woods emphasized.

Focused Efforts on Interstate 70 and Beyond

Feedback from the survey could help guide the expansion of truck parking options, particularly along Interstate 70, a key artery for freight movement in Missouri. Other areas may also see improvements if truck drivers highlight recurring parking challenges in those regions.

Federal funding could play a significant role in these initiatives. MoDOT’s website explains that freight and rail plans are tied to federal grants, which can include funding for truck parking improvements.

Additionally, nationwide efforts to address truck parking shortages are underway. On February 27, Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., reintroduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which aims to allocate $755 million toward parking expansion across the country.

Source: Land Line

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Interestingly, the survey also highlighted a generational divide in perceptions of safety. Younger drivers tend to feel less safe than their older counterparts, although most truckers do report feeling secure overall. Here’s a breakdown of how safe different age groups feel at truck stops:

• 59% of Gen Z (born 1997-2012) feel safe

• 78% of Millennials (born 1981-1996) feel safe

• 86% of Gen X (born 1965-1980) feel safe

• 84% of Boomers (born 1946-1964) feel safe

Willingness to Pay for Safety

Truck drivers are not just voicing concerns—they’re willing to invest in solutions. A full 80% of survey respondents said they would pay at least 5% more for services at truck stops they perceive as safe and clean. Remarkably, 40% reported that they’d be willing to spend up to 25% or more for these added assurances.

Safety Concerns for Women Truckers

The survey also shed light on safety concerns specific to women in the industry. Female drivers are reported to be twice as likely as male drivers to feel unsafe sleeping overnight at a truck stop. Over a quarter of women said they would feel “somewhat unsafe,” with an additional 24% feeling “very unsafe.”

This heightened concern impacts their choices on the road, as the data shows women are 12% more likely than men to choose a hotel over a poorly maintained or questionable truck stop.

Safety and cleanliness are clearly high priorities for truckers, with many willing to pay extra for peace of mind. These insights highlight the importance for truck stop operators and service providers to prioritize these aspects to cater to the needs of both men and women on the road.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: FindItParts

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The reasons why drivers are seeking new opportunities offer additional insights into their motivations. For many, the imbalanced freight market remains a significant factor, with an 11% increase in drivers seeking consistent miles compared to the Spring 2024 survey. Additionally, drivers are increasingly concerned about their benefits, with nearly 25% more drivers this year seeking improved benefits compared to the spring. As the industry faces these challenges, providing drivers with high-quality, consistent work, better pay, and upgraded equipment can be a key component of retaining top talent. This growing demand for quality equipment, which has increased by 20% since the last survey, underscores the importance of offering drivers well-maintained trucks that support their ability to achieve consistent miles.

On the flip side, while 40.7% of drivers are actively job hunting, 59.3% of respondents said they are not currently seeking a new position. However, many of these drivers are still feeling the effects of the freight market and are closely watching for signs of improvement. For example, 21.5% of drivers indicated they are waiting for the economy to improve before making a move, reflecting a significant increase from 16.2% in the Spring 2024 survey. When combined with those already actively searching for a new job, it’s clear that 61% of drivers are either looking or could soon be considering a move. This statistic underscores the importance of retaining the drivers you already have and addressing their concerns before they decide to leave.

Understanding the cost of turnover is the first step toward improving retention. Fleets that do not yet have a solid retention plan in place must prioritize creating one to combat the rising turnover rates. Without a clear plan, the cost of losing experienced drivers can be staggering. Retention should be a focal point for any fleet looking to stay competitive in the evolving market.

Looking ahead to 2025, drivers are divided on whether the upcoming year will be better than 2024. According to the survey, 51.1% of drivers are optimistic that 2025 will bring improvements, while 48.9% are less certain. The mixed sentiment reflects the broader economic uncertainty, though many drivers are holding out hope for a rebound in the freight industry. Fleet managers should take note of this optimism and share positive news with their drivers, particularly if freight levels are showing signs of recovery. Highlighting wins from the sales team and improvements in freight can help to keep morale high and retain drivers who are watching for positive changes in the market.

In conclusion, the insights from the Fall 2024 Truck Driver Survey emphasize the importance of understanding what drives driver decisions and the need for proactive communication and retention strategies. By addressing issues such as pay, benefits, and equipment quality, fleets can better position themselves to retain their drivers and attract new talent. With driver sentiment indicating both caution and optimism for the future, fleets that adapt to these trends will be better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and set themselves up for success in 2025. Download the survey here for more insights from drivers!

Source: Conversion Interactive Agency & PDA Fall 2024 Truck Driver Survey

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Insights into the Changing Driver Landscape

ATRI has crafted a streamlined survey to delve deep into the lives of truck drivers today, both in their professional journeys and personal stories. By exploring these shifts, ATRI hopes to capture how the heart of the trucking community has changed over the past two decades. Protecting the privacy of participants is paramount, as all responses are kept strictly confidential.

Comparing Trends Across Two Decades

With a treasure trove of over 20 years of survey data on truck drivers, ATRI’s latest research is set to reveal new insights into who today’s trucking professionals are, and will identify trends and transformations, offering a window into the evolving nature of the industry.

Inclusive Recruitment Efforts

This study is intertwined with ATRI’s mission to develop inclusive recruitment strategies, particularly for underrepresented groups in trucking. The spotlight is on bringing more women into the fold, as well as reaching out to individuals with backgrounds in foster care and those who have been incarcerated.

“As a driver with 33 years on the road, I have seen our driver workforce change over time. Understanding what the truck driver population looks like today is crucial to ensuring that our needs are properly addressed – whether through support, training, or policies that are specifically tailored to truck drivers. This survey will provide valuable insights into the driver community and highlight areas where we can continue to grow,” said Richard Frazer, an America’s Road Team Captain and professional driver with Walmart Transportation.

To participate in the survey, click here.

Source: Truckers News

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ATRI’s Vice President, Jeffrey Short, recently discussed the survey’s significance, highlighting the urgency of this research, Short pointed to alarming FBI estimates indicating that cargo thieves cost the industry $15 billion to $30 billion each year.

The survey seeks detailed insights, such as hotspots for theft and effective prevention strategies. A key focus is identifying which items are most frequently stolen. “We definitely want to figure out what the most targeted products are out there, so that we can inform them, ‘This is the kind of thing you want to keep an eye out for,'” Short explained.

Regardless of the size of the carrier, thieves tend to focus more on the cargo itself rather than the company transporting it. “I don’t think larger carriers or smaller carriers are being targeted more often. I think it more has to do with what it is they’re hauling,” Short stated. He noted that easy-to-sell items are prime targets for thieves.

ATRI has already received around 100 responses from motor carriers and brokers. The deadline to submit your input is September 30. Participants can fill out the survey online here or download a PDF version to return by mail. Rest assured, all information provided will remain confidential, and participants will be given an early copy of the comprehensive report.

Source: Land Line

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