The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released new foundational research that statistically demonstrates motor carriers who are active in state and national membership associations are safer than both former members and carriers who have never been members.
It has long been assumed anecdotally that association membership supports safety through various services and resources, but the necessary industry safety data and methodology had not previously been assessed. This new empirical research analyzed public safety data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) using a series of statistical tools to confirm the relationship between association membership and safety performance.
Specifically, the research compared motor carrier MCMIS crash and violation data for trucking fleets classified as Current, Former, or Never members. Carrier status data came from a geographically representative sample of state trucking associations as well as from the American Trucking Associations.
The Welch’s Two-Sample T-Test results confirmed that among the three carrier groups, Current members had fewer overall crashes and violations than Former members, who in turn had fewer than Never members. Almost all results were significant at the 95 percent or 99 percent confidence levels. Due to the rarity of fatal truck crashes among all carriers, this specific crash type was not statistically significant for either state or national membership.
“All safety stakeholders in the trucking industry are looking for strategies and solutions to improve large-truck safety,” noted Dr. Brenda Lantz, Associate Director of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. “This new ATRI research confirms that association membership is another important and proven safety tool for trucking companies.”
The ATRI association safety research also provides guidance on how the findings might be applicable to commercial transportation insurers, enforcement agencies, and academic researchers.
📄 A copy of the full report is available here:
https://www.mdtrucking.org/files/ATRI_SafeMembersFlyer_MD.pdf
ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It conducts critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient transportation system.
Security Reminder: Labor Day Weekend
Have you prepared your terminal facility for the upcoming Labor Day weekend?
It is not uncommon for thieves to target truck terminals over the holidays, knowing facilities are often unattended. Take extra precautions to secure trucks and valuable items at your terminal.
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If your units do not have anti-siphon devices or locking caps, instruct drivers not to fill units at the end of the day.
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Ensure all security alarms are working properly.
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Walk the perimeter to confirm fencing is intact.
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Move units and materials (pallets, tires, etc.) far enough away from fences so they cannot be used to climb over.
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Consider blocking entrances and exits to prevent unit theft.
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Assign management personnel to randomly check the terminal throughout the three-day weekend.
A little prevention and common sense can go a long way in deterring theft at your facility.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week: September 14–20, 2025
Nearly every aspect of daily life is made possible because a truck driver delivered the goods and resources people need.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an important time for America to recognize and thank all professional truck drivers for their hard work and
commitment in undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and essential jobs.
These 3.5 million professional men and women not only deliver goods safely, securely, and on time, they also play a vital role in keeping our highways safe.
Over the years, Americans and Canadians alike have found extraordinary ways to show their appreciation for truck drivers—from children passing out lunches to “I ♥ Trucking” signs along highways. The public has taken notice of the essential role drivers play in their lives.
As we reflect on the past three years, we are reminded of the critical role truck drivers played during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering personal protective equipment (PPE), food, medical supplies, and more. Without their dedication, it’s hard to imagine where we would be today.
