ATRI Sets 2026 Research Agenda to Tackle Trucking's Safety, Health, and Regulatory Challenges

Event summary

  • ATRI's Board of Directors approved 2026 research priorities at a meeting in Atlanta on April 16, 2026.
  • The priorities were identified by ATRI's Research Advisory Committee (RAC) during its annual meeting in Washington, DC, on March 10-11, 2026.
  • Key research areas include safety coaching practices, 'Beyond Compliance' incentives, state benchmarking for trucking, regulatory cost-benefit analyses, driver health impacts, and weather event preparedness.
  • Derek Leathers of Werner Enterprises chairs ATRI's Board of Directors.

The big picture

ATRI's 2026 research agenda reflects the trucking industry's growing focus on safety, regulatory efficiency, and driver well-being. The priorities aim to address critical issues that impact operational costs and productivity, aligning with broader industry trends toward data-driven decision-making and proactive risk management. The research could influence policy and operational strategies, potentially reshaping the industry's approach to safety and compliance.

What we're watching

Safety Coaching
How ATRI's research on coaching practices will identify best practices for improving safety outcomes in the trucking industry.
Regulatory Impact
Whether ATRI's regulatory cost-benefit analyses will influence future state and federal regulations affecting the trucking industry.
Driver Health
The pace at which ATRI's findings on driver health and operational costs will lead to industry-wide health and wellness initiatives.