NEW ORLEANS, La. – The cost of fuel and the US economy have displaced hours-of-service and the driver shortage as the two main concerns on the minds of US trucking executives.

That’s according to this year’s American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) survey, which polls some 5,000 trucking industry executives.

The Top 10 list of trucking industry worries included: the driver shortage and retention; government regulation; hours-of-service; congestion and tolls; and highway funding among others.

The survey also asked respondents for potential solutions to each of the challenges. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) will use that information to develop policies over the next year.

“The annual ATRI survey proves invaluable in helping us chart a course of action for the future,” said incoming ATA Chairman Charles ‘Shorty’ Whittington. “And as ATA Chairman I will work to see that the industry-identified strategies are implemented.”

“On every legislative and regulatory topic, issues come and go so quickly today,” added Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. “If we’re not at the table with sound, science-based information and a common sense plan of action, then we’re going to get left behind, and saddled with solutions that have no bearing on moving America’s freight safely and efficiently.”