Driver shortage top issue in ATRI survey

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ORLANDO, FL – The driver shortage has been ranked as the top issue in trucking based on the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI’s) annual industry survey.

Top strategies recommended by industry stakeholders include working with state and federal authorities to develop a graduated Commercial Drivers Licence program to attract safe, younger drivers, and partnering with the U.S. Department of Labor to formalize a national driver recruitment program, ATRI says.

The survey is based on more than 1,500 responses.

The pending mandate for Electronic Logging Devices, which held the top spot last year, slipped to the second position. That technology will be required as of December 18.

Hours of Service rounded out the top three issues as carriers and drivers look for increased flexibility, despite the recent permanent removal of 34-hour restart provisions.

The lack of available truck parking was in the fourth spot overall, but sits in the second position among commercial drivers. Driver retention was ranked fifth.

The final five positions on the list included:

  • Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA)
  • Economic impacts of trucking regulations
  • Driver distraction
  • Infrastructure and congestion
  • Driver health and wellness
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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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