Chicago, IL — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has opened a nationwide survey targeting motor carriers and owner‑operators to collect detailed information on truck driver detention, a problem that has long strained the freight network.

Detention refers to the time a driver spends waiting at a shipper or receiver site outside of loading or unloading. The delay can add hours to a trip, push drivers toward overtime, and push freight costs higher. ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) believes that the cumulative impact of detention reaches beyond drivers to affect carrier profitability, fleet scheduling, and the overall economy. The new data collection effort is designed to quantify those ripple effects and to identify mitigation strategies that carriers already employ.

The initial carrier survey is concise yet comprehensive. Respondents will report average detention hours per trip, the number of detention incidents in a month, and the monetary impact on revenue and fuel budgets. ATRI plans to release two follow‑up surveys later in the year—one for company drivers and another for shippers and receivers—so that the study captures every stakeholder’s perspective. The research will feed into future policy recommendations and industry best practices.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators will see a clearer picture of how detention affects their earnings. If a driver typically earns $1,500 per trip, an average detention of 30 minutes can cost up to $150 in lost mileage and fuel. Fleet managers can use the data to adjust routing and scheduling, reducing the need for overtime and helping drivers maintain better work‑life balance. The survey also offers a platform for drivers to share mitigation tactics, such as pre‑trip communication with shippers or real‑time traffic updates.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across the country have responded positively to ATRI’s initiative, recognizing the need for a data‑driven solution to a problem that costs the industry billions each year. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has urged its members to participate, citing the potential for improved operational efficiency and cost savings. Owner‑operators in the Midwest have already begun filling out the survey, noting that the results could lead to better contract terms and clearer expectations with shippers.

Key Points

• ATRI is gathering detention data from carriers and owner‑operators nationwide.
• The survey will capture average detention hours, incident frequency, and financial impact.
• Two additional surveys for drivers and shippers will follow in the coming months.
• Results aim to inform industry best practices and policy recommendations.

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