ATRI Survey: Economy Drops to #6 as Diesel Tops $6.50 Per Gallon
Charlotte – October 18, 2026 -- The economy fell to #6 on the American Transportation Research Institute's (ATRI) 22nd annual Top Industry Issues list after three consecutive years at #1, as fuel prices, lawsuit abuse reform, CSA and insurance cost and availability moved to the forefront of trucking concerns.
Diesel above $6.50 per gallon squeezes smaller fleets
Ben Banks, TCW President, said diesel topping $6.50 per gallon arrived just as the freight economy showed positive signs. He called the spike "particularly painful" for small- to mid-size fleets, given that overall operating costs keep climbing.
Workforce issues return to the top 10
Driver Shortage ranked #5 and Driver Retention #10. Driver Compensation held its top 10 position at #9. Artificial Intelligence in Trucking and Diesel Emissions Regulations, both new to the list in 2025, remain top 10 concerns.