LAS VEGAS — The state of the U.S. economy is still top of mind for many North American fleet owners.

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) — the research division of the American Trucking Associations — unveiled its latest list of the top ten critical issues facing the industry at the ATA management conference in Las Vegas.

More than 5,000 trucking industry executives from the U.S. and a few member carriers from Canada were interviewed.

Government regulation, which has been on a steady climb since the inaugural survey in 2005, came in as the second most pressing issue this year.

Other issues included fuel, congestion, Hours-of-Service, and the environment, among others. Truck size and weight appeared for the first time in the 2009 survey as a key productivity issue that many industry stakeholders feel must be addressed.

The ATA-commissioned survey results will be used by the ATA in its lobbying efforts.

“The annual ATRI survey proves invaluable in helping us chart a course of action for the future,” said ATA Chairman Charles “Shorty” Whittington of Grammer Industries.

Added ATA President Bill Braves: “On every legislative and regulatory topic, issues come and go so quickly today.

“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.”