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Operational Costs of Trucking on the Rise


By ReBecca BReWSteR Contributing Writer


Benchmarking fleet financial performance


is a key way that carriers keep costs in check and identify areas where operational efficiencies can be gained. Since 2008, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has provided the industry with a key benchmarking tool through its publication, Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking. ATRI recently released the findings of its


2014 update to the “Ops Costs” report. Te research, which identifies trucking costs from 2008 through 2013 derived directly from fleets’ financial and operational data not only provides motor carriers with an important high-level benchmarking tool, but also guides public sector transportation analyses for future infrastructure improvement based on real- world data. Te average marginal cost per mile to


operate a truck in 2013 was $1.68, a three percent increase over 2012. Two cost centers, fuel and driver costs, account for 64 percent of the total cost per mile. Te largest line-item increases in 2013


occurred in the driver-based costs. Te average driver wage cost per mile increased to $0.44 in 2013 compared to the average of $0.42 per mile found in 2012. Additionally, the average driver benefit cost per mile increased to $0.13, up from the $0.12 per mile found last year. Te increase in driver costs is attributed


in large part to the growing driver shortage that continues to plague the trucking industry. Te American Trucking Associations (ATA)


8 NEBRASKA TRUCKER — ISSUE 4, 2014 — www.nebtrucking.com


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