(For a review of the top 5 concerns, visit our previous blog post)
Continuing with our review of top industry concerns for 2022, as identified by ATRI’s report, let’s dive into the issues that made it to the bottom of the top 10. It’s important to remember the issues listed below have been ranked as top concerns by a very large sample of individuals who are active members of the trucking industry. Ranked by motor carriers, owner-operators, and commercial drivers alike, here are the issues that occupy spots 6 through 10 in this year’s top concerns.
More Trucking Industry Concerns from 2022 (from #6 to #10 in importance)
- Detention and delay at customer facilities: continue to be one of the main issues that affect drivers all around the country. The time spent waiting at a customer’s facility negatively impacts the driver’s pay, which becomes intertwined with other factors like driver retention and compensation. On top of that, not all customer facilities have enough parking spaces for the drivers to wait, or provide accommodations like restrooms or refreshments for the drivers.
- Driver Retention, is listed as #7 on the list. ATRI’s report points to a significant increase in retention bonuses, which reflects companies’ efforts to keep its drivers from leaving them. Click here to do a deep dive into the best driver retention strategies, and understand what drivers are really looking for.
- Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) occupies spot #8 in the industry’s top concerns. Inaccurate representations of a carrier’s risk profile, along with performance evaluation methodologies. Find out how CSA scores can affect your business here.
- Speed Limiters:This item makes its debut as a concerning issue, largely because of the FMCSA’s intent to implement a speed limiter rule in 2023. The idea to implement speed limiters did not land well with most drivers as they argue it’s not a realistic way to keep the roads safe, and they were quick to point out different ways in which speed limiters might be counterproductive. For more information on speed limiters and what they might imply for your business click here.
- The Lawsuit abuse reform. This is the third year in a row that this issue makes the top 10 list. The trucking industry in general, and drivers in particular are suffering the negative consequences of personal injury firms that take advantage of current laws in litigations. These firms and their constant lawsuits have influenced the insurance markets in the trucking industry to the point where Florida Trucking reports that insurance coverage to MCs is becoming scarce.
With these issues in mind, we must unite as an industry and create solutions that will truly benefit us all. Speed limiters might look good on paper, but we should start to really listen to the drivers and carriers who experience these challenges firsthand, and come together to ensure our industry continues to grow and evolve! Let’s keep trucking together!
FAQs
How are rising insurance costs and “nuclear verdicts” impacting the trucking industry?
Rising insurance premiums and the growing frequency of so-called “nuclear verdicts” have become major concerns for trucking companies of all sizes. In recent years, high-dollar settlements and jury awards in accident-related lawsuits have pushed insurers to reassess their risk exposure, raise premiums, and in some cases reduce available coverage limits for motor carriers. For small fleets and owner-operators, this can mean that insurance becomes one of the largest fixed costs in the business, eroding already tight margins and making it harder to stay competitive.
Beyond cost alone, the threat of catastrophic legal exposure also influences how carriers manage safety programs, driver training, and claims handling. Companies are under pressure to document their compliance efforts, maintain detailed records of inspections and maintenance, and demonstrate that they have robust safety policies in place. In practice, this requires greater investment in safety technology, legal support, and risk management procedures, adding another layer of complexity to running a trucking operation.
How can carriers respond to increasing regulatory and compliance pressures in the trucking sector?
Carriers can respond to rising regulatory and compliance pressures by treating compliance as an integrated part of their business strategy rather than a series of isolated tasks. This starts with a clear understanding of applicable federal and state rules—covering areas such as driver qualification, Hours of Service, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and electronic recordkeeping—and ensuring that responsibilities for each area are clearly assigned within the organization. Regular internal audits, policy reviews, and file checks help identify gaps before they become violations during a roadside inspection or safety audit.
At the operational level, many fleets are adopting technology such as ELDs, telematics, and digital document management systems to make compliance more consistent and transparent. These tools can support accurate logging, improve visibility into driver behavior and equipment status, and simplify the process of producing records when requested by enforcement agencies or insurers. Training is equally important: drivers, dispatchers, and safety staff need ongoing guidance on how regulations apply to daily operations and what is expected of them. By combining clear policies, reliable systems, and continuous training, carriers can reduce the risk of fines, protect their safety ratings, and maintain customer confidence even as regulatory demands continue to evolve.