Top Trucker Problems of 2025? ATRI Asked. We Answered—with Real Talk.

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Every year, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) drops a fancy report asking carriers, drivers, and other industry folks to rank the biggest issues in trucking. Sounds helpful, right?

Well, this year’s 2025 version came out, and let’s just say—it’s got some familiar problems, some head-scratchers, and a whole lotta things truckers been hollering about for years.

So instead of reading a dry PDF over your 30-minute break, we’re breakin’ it down Diesel GPT style — with wit, real talk, and a little sauce. 🍔

🚨 Top Problems in Trucking, According to the ATRI Survey

ATRI asked thousands of stakeholders—company execs, dispatchers, and yes, drivers—to rank their biggest concerns.

Here’s what made the Top 5 (no surprise for anyone behind the wheel):

1. Driver Shortage – Again? Really? We’ve been saying it for years: It’s not a driver shortage — it’s a respect shortage.
2. Driver Compensation – Now we’re talking. If pay was fair, turnover would drop faster than fuel prices after an election.
3. Truck Parking – Still barely exists. Drivers are being told to shut down and “plan better,” but where exactly? Behind a Dollar General dumpster?
4. Fuel Prices – Spiking like a TikTok trend. And guess who’s footing the bill? Not the office folks sipping lattes.
5. Hours of Service Rules – Outdated, rigid, and written by people who’ve never had to pee in a bottle during traffic on I-40.

🧠 The Trucker’s Perspective: What the Survey Missed

🔥 Burnout – Not even in the Top 10. But every real driver knows the mental toll is real.
📱 Tech Overload – E-logs, driver-facing cameras, apps, and now AI dispatchers? The truck is starting to feel more like a surveillance van.
🛣️ Infrastructure & Construction – Constant detours and roadwork slow down your day, eat up drive time, and kill efficiency.
💰 Mega-Carriers vs. Independents – Independent owner-ops get crushed while mega-fleets stack bonuses and government breaks.

💡 Solutions That ACTUALLY Make Sense (But Probably Won’t Happen)

Raise Base Pay – Not just bonuses or CPM games. Real pay for real miles and real time.
Guaranteed Parking Access – Give drivers access to safe, designated truck parking at every major stop. Period.
Flexible HOS Rules – Let drivers rest when tired, not when the app says so.
Stop the One-Size-Fits-All Mandates – What works for local guys don’t work for long-haul warriors.

🚛 Industry Reactions: Mixed Bag as Usual

The big carriers?
They’ll say they agree… then send drivers a pizza party and call it “driver appreciation.”

Regulators?
Will probably form a task force and schedule a Zoom meeting sometime in 2026.

Truckers on social media?
“Y’all just now noticing this?! We been screaming it for a decade.”

Independent drivers?
Skeptical. Tired. Ready to switch careers—or at least side hustle their way out.

🧠 The Bottom Line: Talk Is Cheap, Parking Ain’t

Every year, these surveys highlight problems drivers already know too well. The question is—will the industry finally listen?

Until then, here’s what you CAN do:

Advocate for smarter regulations that actually involve drivers

Support independent parking apps and push for change at the local level

Start building your exit plan so you’re not stuck in a broken system

Because let’s be honest: Trucking pays the bills, but it shouldn’t cost you your health, your sanity, or your freedom.

💥 Call to Action

If you're nodding along with all this, you’re not alone.

👉 For real talk and resources on how to build a better trucking life, visit LifeAsATrucker.com
.
👉 Thinking of an off-ramp from the grind? Check out RetireFromTrucking.com
and grab the free AI income training.

It’s time truckers start planning like CEOs. Because nobody’s gonna save you—but you can save yourself.

This ain’t just news... it’s your roadmap.
Let’s roll. 💥