Shipping & Freight News

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) plays a critical role in tackling the challenges facing the trucking industry. With a focus on producing actionable, data-driven insights, ATRI addresses pressing issues such as traffic congestion, infrastructure inefficiencies, and the environmental impact of trucking. This important work promotes greater efficiency in the supply chain and helps make the nation’s roads more drivable for everyone.

“Every time I interview a candidate to come to work at ATRI, I tell them nobody wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I want to do trucking research for my career.’ But once you do it, it is so fascinating,” says Rebecca Brewster, ATRI’s Chief Operating Officer.

Each year, ATRI identifies the top 100 bottlenecks for trucks across the U.S. using a comprehensive dataset of GPS information from freight vehicles. This analysis considers factors like speed and traffic volume over a full calendar year to pinpoint the most problematic areas for truck movement.

For six consecutive years, the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey, has held the dubious title of the nation’s worst bottleneck. It’s a prime example of how intersecting roadways and toll systems can exacerbate congestion. Chicago, a perennial contender for bottleneck hotspots, has seen significant improvements at its Jane Byrne Interchange thanks to targeted infrastructure investments. Once ranked the worst bottleneck in the U.S., it now ranks outside the top ten, showcasing the impact of long-term construction projects.

“We’re very fortunate at ATRI to work with the dataset of truck GPS data, and so we have hundreds of thousands of trucks worth of GPS data that comes into us in real time,” Brewster explains.

ATRI’s research extends beyond identifying bottlenecks. Their Cost of Congestion analysis estimates that traffic congestion results in 1.27 billion hours of lost productivity annually. This staggering figure equates to 460,000 truck drivers sitting idle for an entire year, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure investment to optimize freight movement.

How does the ATRI’s research shape trucking and supply chain operations across the nation? Watch the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast to learn more.

By providing empirical data, ATRI empowers policymakers and industry stakeholders to allocate resources effectively. For example, their bottleneck studies guide infrastructure improvement projects, ensuring that investments target areas with the greatest potential impact on safety, efficiency, and the environment.

While infrastructure upgrades ultimately enhance road conditions, they often increase congestion in the short term. ATRI’s insights help mitigate these disruptions by monitoring traffic patterns and recommending alternative routes. In one instance, a rockslide on I-40 between North Carolina and Tennessee led ATRI to identify a more efficient detour based on truck GPS data, a solution later adopted by local authorities.

The recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act offers a silver lining for the trucking industry. While construction projects may initially create new challenges, the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure promise smoother freight operations, reduced congestion, and greater productivity.

ATRI’s work underscores the importance of research-driven decision-making in solving the complex challenges of the trucking industry. By leveraging real-time data and offering practical recommendations, they pave the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient transportation network.

As the trucking industry continues to evolve, ATRI remains a vital partner in shaping its future. Through their commitment to research and innovation, they ensure that trucking stays at the forefront of American commerce and infrastructure development.

At Triple T Transport, we understand the challenges posed by traffic congestion and bottlenecks in the logistics industry. By staying informed about the latest research and leveraging insights like those shared by ATRI, we work tirelessly to optimize routes, reduce delays, and ensure timely deliveries for our clients. Whether navigating the nation’s most congested highways or finding efficient alternatives, our team is dedicated to delivering solutions that keep your supply chain running smoothly. Partner with Triple T Transport for 3PL services that are always ahead of the curve.