The American Transportation Research Institute launched a new data collection initiative to better understand the motivating factors for being an owner-operator, independent contractor, or company driver. This research was identified by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee as a top research priority in 2020.

ATRI is asking drivers to provide input through an online data collection form that will measure what job-related factors contributed to becoming an owner-operator, independent contractor, or company driver and whether those expectations have been met.

This research will provide valuable insight into understanding how drivers could be impacted by legislative and regulatory actions that may impact the way in which drivers are classified, ATRI officials said in a press release.

“This ATRI data collection initiative will be critical to understanding why drivers choose the type of employment they do. The motivations behind these choices and their level of satisfaction are important for understanding what types of employment opportunities drivers are looking for and why,” said Tom Weakley, OOIDA Foundation director of operationsand a member of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee.

The data collection form is available online and drivers are asked to complete the survey by Sept. 17, 2021. All submitted data will be kept confidential and participants will receive an advance copy of the full report.