Top 10 Concerns in the Trucking Industry for 2023
In 2023, the American trucking industry is undergoing a significant shift in its top concerns. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the U.S. economy has overtaken record-high fuel costs as the most pressing issue for truckers. ATRI's yearly survey has uncovered that inflation, rising interest rates, and diesel prices are making it super expensive to run those big rigs.
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The result? The highest operating costs per mile ever, and this is hurting freight demand. So, the economy is now in the top 10 concerns for both truckers and owner-operators. It's a sign of the challenging times the industry faces in 2023.
Shifting Priorities in the Trucking Industry
While the economy has become the top concern, it is important to recognize that some of the trucking industry's previous top priorities remain relevant. Fuel costs and the ongoing driver shortage remain among the top five priorities for the industry, according to the survey. The results were formally released at the American Trucking Association's 2023 Management Conference & Exhibition.
Commenting on ATRI's list, Dan Van Alstine, president and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, who also serves as chairman of the American Trucking Associations, said, "Costs are up and demand is down, all while we deal with numerous workforce and regulatory issues”.
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Strategies to Address Economic Challenges
So, how do we deal with these tough economic times? Well, ATRI's survey tells the smart move is to change or get rid of rules that make trucking more expensive without good reasons. Other ideas include figuring out how these higher costs affect the supply chain and the whole economy. There's also a push to make more stuff in the U.S. and nearby to be less dependent on things from other countries.
Different Priorities for Truckers and Carriers
While truckers and carriers shared several concerns, the results highlighted the different priorities of these two groups. Although they share some concerns, the results show that they see things differently. The companies are mainly worried about the economy, the trucker shortage, and dealing with lawsuits. But truckers, including owner-operators, are more concerned about how much they get paid, and finding a place to park.
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Notably, zero-emission vehicles entered the industry-wide top 10 list for the first time in 2023. This emergence is attributed to an increased focus by state and federal agencies on transitioning the nation's vehicle fleet away from internal combustion engines.
The debate over autonomous trucks, which many drivers see as a threat to their jobs, has been part of contract negotiations, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has attempted to ban driverless trucks in California.
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“The survey received an impressive response from more than 4,000 trucking industry stakeholders. Of the respondents, approximately 48% were carrier executives and personnel, 29% were drivers, and approximately 23% represented other stakeholders, including suppliers, driver trainers, and law enforcement.”
So, the American trucking industry faces a transformative year in 2023, with the economy taking center stage as the most pressing concern. However, long-standing challenges like fuel costs and the driver shortage continue to demand attention.
Addressing these economic concerns requires strategies such as regulatory reform and supply chain optimization. The industry has to adapt to these changes to ensure its continued growth and stability. The trucking industry must navigate these critical issues and current challenges to ensure a sustainable future, with driver retention being a significant concern.
by Stuart Nelson
