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Trucking Operational Costs on the Rise Despite Lower Fuel
ATRI Research Finds Industry’s Operational Costs on the Rise Again

 

 Arlington, VA – The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released the findings of its 2015 update to An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking. Using financial data provided directly by motor carriers throughout the country, this research documents and analyzes trucking costs from 2008 through 2014 providing motor carriers with a high level benchmarking tool, and government agencies with a baseline for future transportation infrastructure improvement analyses.

The average marginal cost per mile in 2014 was $1.70, an increase from the $1.68 found in 2013. Despite falling fuel prices, the rise in average operating costs in 2014 is attributed to an increase in equipment purchases, as well as driver wage increases driven by the ongoing driver shortage and the need to retain the industry’s most experienced professional drivers.

“ATRI’s release of its annual Operational Costs of Trucking research is among our association members most eagerly anticipated. They understand and appreciate the value of ATRI’s operational cost analysis to their own fleet benchmarking and as such, are always willing participants when ATRI issues its call for cost data,” said Brenda Neville, President and CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association and a member of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee.

Since its original publication in 2008, ATRI has received nearly 10,000 requests for its Operational Costs of Trucking report, which continues to be among the most popular of ATRI’s research studies. In addition to average costs per mile, ATRI’s report documents average costs per hour, cost breakouts by industry sector, and operating cost comparisons by region of operations.

 

A copy of this report is available from ATRI at www.atri-online.org.

 

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

 

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Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Rule Pushed to at Least October 30

The new ELD rule that all US truckers have been waiting on has been moved – the forecast date is now October 30.

Electronic logs have been around since 1988, and the rule we currently operate under is 395.15.  Carriers and fleets who are required to complete log books (RODS) may choose to voluntarily use electronic logs.  Carriers who use electronic logs for these past 27 years do so because;

  1. Helps with compliance – eliminating “form and manner” issues and reduces violations caused by lack of management oversight.
  2. Creates a safety environment.  In addition to logs, many devices also help manage and measure driving metrics.
  3. Streamline operations, by providing visibility and connectivity to each vehicle and driver.
  4. Ease the administrative burden by automating some functions and recordkeeping.
  5. Reduce training time for new drivers/
  6. Reduce vehicle operating costs by managing variables that affect fuel economy and routing.

The new ELD rule would change the requirements on ELD providers, with stricter requirements that accommodate today’s technology.

The new ELD rule will require all drivers who must now complete a log book to begin using an ELD;

  1. In 4 years, if they are already using an AOBRD (device that meets the 1988 rule)
  2. In 2 years, if they are using paper logs or a non-compliant logging device

We recommend that fleet owners and decision makers start their process now.  It will take time to find, purchase, and implement the right technology for your fleet.  You have a choice;  wait until the last minute and do the bare minimum, or use a technology that will help you reduce costs and maximize revenue opportunities.

Between now and September 30 I am giving away our special report, “How to Find, Install, and Use the Right Vehicle Technology for Your Fleet”.  This is a $195 value for those who go to the bottom of our home page and sign up for our newsletter in the next 10 days.

For more information – contact us.