The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released a study analyzing detailed trucking costs from 2008 to 2019.
According to the study, from 2018 to 2019, the average marginal cost/mile incurred by motor carriers decreased 9.3% to $1.65.
Still, that average was 6 cents higher than in 2016, the last time the freight market softened. Costs in most other categories also decreased.
From 2018 to 2019, combined driver wage and benefits decreased from 77.6 cents per mile to 69.3 cents per mile. Although total driver compensation declined, bonuses, particularly retention bonuses, increased by over 80% because of a driver shortage.
Accurate operational cost data are key to public agencies’ decisions to fund roadway projects, and the efficient movement of freight and commodities, including grain, depend on these projects.
