Arlington, VA — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) officially announced its 2025-2026 Research Advisory Committee (RAC) roster on September 9, 2026, selecting a group of industry professionals to dictate the organization’s upcoming research initiatives. Chosen by ATRI’s Board of Directors from a pool of over 160 applicants, this committee is responsible for pinpointing the primary challenges currently facing the national freight network.

This committee acts as the backbone for ATRI’s agenda, which frequently influences FMCSA regulations and operational standards across the country. By pulling from a diverse cross-section of the industry—including fleet executives, law enforcement, academic researchers, and government officials—the board aims to ensure that its data-driven reports reflect the realities of the road. Andy Owens, serving as the CEO of A&M Transport, has been appointed to lead the committee as Chairman for the duration of this term.

ATRI president Rebecca Brewster emphasized that the selection process was highly competitive, given the record-high number of applicants vying for a seat. The committee’s mandate is to filter through the noise of daily operations to focus on systemic issues that impact the bottom line for every CDL-A driver and carrier in the United States. This cycle of research will address everything from infrastructure bottlenecks to the evolving technical requirements of modern heavy-duty equipment.

What This Means for Drivers

The research priorities set by this committee often serve as the foundation for future legislative shifts that affect a CDL-A driver’s daily life. When the RAC prioritizes studies on detention time, electronic logging device data, or parking availability, they are providing the evidence base that regulators use to write new rules. For the average owner-operator, these findings can eventually lead to improvements in safety enforcement or changes to hours-of-service requirements. Drivers should keep an eye on these developments, as the committee’s influence on national policy directly impacts how trucking companies hiring in your region adjust their pay and operational safety standards.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry maintains a heavy reliance on ATRI’s data to advocate for policy changes in Washington. By including stakeholders from all corners of the supply chain, the organization attempts to bridge the gap between corporate fleet management and the practical experience of an OTR truck driver. Industry leaders view these committee appointments as a way to ensure that research remains grounded in current field conditions rather than ivory-tower theory, which is vital as the industry faces ongoing shifts in technology and driver recruitment.

Key Points

• The committee will serve a two-year term for the 2025-2026 cycle.
• Andy Owens of A&M Transport has been selected as the new RAC Chairman.
• More than 160 industry professionals applied for the advisory positions.
• The committee includes members from government, law enforcement, academia, and private motor carriers.

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