Top 10 Challenges in the Trucking Industry - Truckers' Trucking Forum

Cybergal · **^ Top** #1 11.04.2008

Top 10 Challenges in the Trucking Industry

Quote:

The ATRI, part of the American Trucking Associations Federation, determined the following as the top 10 challenges the trucking industry currently faces, along with these direct observations:

Fuel Costs — "Though motor carriers in 2008 aggressively sought to recoup fuel cost increases with fuel surcharges, the industry simply could not keep pace with the unprecedented rise in diesel fuel costs... . The year 2008 was ... significant in that fuel replaced labor costs as the top operating expense for most carriers."

Economy — "As high fuel prices, a deepening credit crisis and rising inflationary pressures take a greater toll on the U.S. economy, the industry is pressed by increasing regulations, slumping demand, excess capacity and increases in both fixed and marginal key cost centers."

Driver Shortage/Retention — "Although the persistent sluggishness of the economy relieves some pressure, respondents clearly remain concerned. Driver training, compensation and other issues create new difficulties in attracting new driver entrants and reducing driver turnover."

Government Regulation — "Though primary safety regulation is the mandate of FMCSA, carriers face other significant regulations imposed by federal, state and local authorities. Examples include security-related driver credentials, owner-operator classification status and anti-idling laws."

Hours-of-Services — "[T]he long-term status of HOS requirements remains uncertain as legal challenges and appeals are likely to continue. Respondents indicate a need to retain several elements of previous HOS regulations and that HOS regulations should be made more flexible in certain areas."

Congestion — "Though congestion had seen a steady increase in the rankings since 2005, this latest drop may be explained by recent declines in vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled resulting from fuel price increases for all road users.

Tolls/Highway Funding — "In 2008, tolls/highway funding issues gained prominence from several events, including the U.S. DOT announcement that the Highway Trust Fund was running out of money and the rejection of a congestion pricing program in New York City."

Environmental Issues — "The proliferation of anti-idling regulations and other emission-reduction initiatives sought by more state and local governments has created concern that the compliance costs may exceed benefits."

Tort Reform — "Tort reform seeks to minimize industry harm caused by inadequate and excessive civil judgments against trucking firms. The trucking industry, reflective of many other industries, seeks to clarify the distinction between civil tort liability and punitive damage awards."

Onboard Truck Technology — "[T]he industry understands and supports many of the potential benefits of these technologies, even though many questions remain. The most prolific technology topic is electronic onboard recorders, most often cited as a potentially effective tool for monitoring HOS compliance."

http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archiv...two-spots.html

walleye · **^ Top** #2 11.04.2008

Driver shortage????.......I can't belive they are still trying to sell that!!!!

Lilbit · **^ Top** #3 11.04.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by walleye

Driver shortage????.......I can't belive they are still trying to sell that!!!!

No kidding! There have been over 100,000 trucks taken off the road this year already.

heyns57 · **^ Top** #4 11.04.2008

"ATA found that the industry will need approximately 110,000 more drivers in 2014 in order to meet expected freight demand."

Transport Topics 9/22/08/ page 51.

Lilbit · **^ Top** #5 11.04.2008

That may have been before the economy tanked. It will be interesting to see what happens.

rikdev50s · **^ Top** #6 11.04.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilbit

That may have been before the economy tanked. It will be interesting to see what happens.

The ATRI study was published in Oct of this year... the economy had already tanked. I know some drivers have left the industry in search of a better paying job because they are not making enuff money with the few miles we are getting in this soft freight environment, and could not afford to wait it out. I'm glad someone else had to prioritize that list... tough call. In todays economy I can understand how there got there...

walleye · **^ Top** #7 11.04.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyns57

"ATA found that the industry will need approximately 110,000 more drivers in 2014 in order to meet expected freight demand."

Transport Topics 9/22/08/ page 51.

Well then maybe wages had better go up and working conditions better improve,....the only shortage I am aware of is companies that pay decent and treat drivers like their human....
If things continue like they are,....new drivers will be very hard to find.......

LBZ · **^ Top** #8 11.08.2008

I did notice that the blanket ads hiring drivers in our Sunday papers classified section has went from approximately 25 entries to maybe three or four in recent weeks...

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