The economy is the top concern among trucking industry executives in North America, according to a recent survey by the American Transportation Research Institute
. ATRI solicited responses from more than 5,000 industry professionals.

Other major issues facing the industry include government regulation, which came in second, fuel, congestion, hours of service and the environment. For the first time in the 2009 survey, truck size and weight came up as a key productivity issue.

The American Trucking Associations-commissioned survey results and proposed strategies will be used by the ATA Federation to better focus its advocacy role on behalf of the U.S. trucking industry and ATA Federation stakeholders.

"The annual ATRI survey proves invaluable in helping us chart a course of action for the future," said Charles Whittington, ATA chairman.

"On every legislative and regulatory topic, issues come and go so quickly today," said Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. "If we're not at the table with sound, science-based information and a common sense plan of action, then we're going to get left behind, and saddled with solutions that have no bearing on moving America's freight safely and efficiently."

More info: www.atri-online.org