The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry's not-for-profit research organization, has released its 22nd annual Top Industry Issues report identifying the sector's leading challenges. This year's list features Fuel Prices, Lawsuit Abuse Reform, CSA and Insurance Cost/Availability. Two topics that first appeared on the 2025 list continue as top 10 concerns this year: Artificial Intelligence in Trucking and Diesel Emissions Regulations.

"Just as positive signs emerged in the freight economy, diesel costs climbed above $6.50 per gallon," said Ben Banks, TCW President. "Operating costs keep rising overall, making this fuel spike especially difficult for small- to mid-size fleets. ATRI's yearly analysis helps the industry quantify these issues and determine collective steps to address them."

After holding the top spot for three consecutive years, the Economy fell to number 6 overall, signaling cautious optimism among motor carriers. Positive economic indicators allowed workforce issues to reenter the top 10, with Driver Shortage at number 5 and Driver Retention at number 10. Driver Compensation stayed in the top 10 at number 9.

More than 48 percent of survey respondents were motor carrier executives and personnel, while truck drivers accounted for 26 percent and other freight stakeholders made up the remaining 26 percent. Among truck driver respondents, including owner-operators and company drivers, the top three concerns were Fuel Prices, Truck Parking and Driver Compensation. Motor carriers ranked Lawsuit Abuse Reform, Fuel Prices and the Driver Shortage as their leading issues.

Nearly 3,100 trucking industry stakeholders took part in this year's survey, including motor carriers, truck drivers, industry suppliers, driver trainers and law enforcement. The report also analyzes top concerns among law enforcement personnel, who ranked Electronic Logging Device Fraud highest. States with sufficient response rates received state-specific analyses.

The complete survey results were released during the 2026 American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition. The full report is available on ATRI's website.

ATRI is the trucking industry's 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It conducts critical research on freight transportation's role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

SOURCE American Transportation Research Institute