ATRI Releases New Research Priorities for 2024

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is tackling critical issues facing the trucking industry with its newly announced research priorities for 2024.

These priorities, identified by ATRI's Research Advisory Committee, focus on workforce development, infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.

• Nuclear Verdicts Update: Following a 2020 study on excessive jury awards in truck crashes, ATRI will analyze how these verdicts have impacted insurance costs, factors contributing to them, and potential effects of recent lawsuit reform laws.
  
• Truck Bottleneck Costs: ATRI will leverage its vast GPS data to pinpoint the economic burden of congestion at critical bottleneck locations on major highways. This will be complemented by case studies showcasing the benefits of infrastructure improvements in reducing congestion.
  
• Understanding Cargo Theft: To combat the growing threat of cargo theft, ATRI will analyze existing data and assist carriers in quantifying its scope and frequency. The research will also explore best practices in cargo theft prevention and recovery programs.
  
• Federal Excise Tax Impact: A 12% federal tax on heavy-duty truck purchases is suspected to discourage investment in safer, cleaner vehicles. ATRI will investigate how this tax influences carrier decisions and the potential benefits of newer equipment in terms of safety and emissions.
  
• Driver Demographics and Recruitment: ATRI will analyze decades of driver data to understand changing demographics and identify untapped talent pools. This will help the industry develop better strategies for attracting and retaining drivers.