3 Ways Leasing Addresses Top Industry Concerns
The trucking industry has continued to navigate both opportunities and challenges amid shifting freight volumes, challenging economic conditions, an uncertain operating environment and ongoing financial pressures. Full-service leasing continues to offer solutions to many of the industry’s top challenges identified by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) in its Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry 2025 report, which is based on survey responses from more than 4,200 industry stakeholders across North America.
1. Operating Costs and the Economy
For the third consecutive year, the economy ranked as the top issue facing the trucking industry. The freight recession that began in 2022 has stretched longer than expected. Historically, past downturns lasted one and a half to two years.
At the same time, per-mile costs have continued climbing faster than inflation. ATRI's annual Operational Costs of Trucking report found that non-fuel operating costs reached $1.779 per mile in 2025, the highest amount ever recorded in the report. Equipment costs have also increased, rising more than 50% over the past five years.
Full-service leasing directly addresses some of the cost pressures fleets are facing by converting unpredictable capital expenses into fixed monthly operating costs that are easier to budget for and plan.
2. Insurance Cost and Availability
Insurance cost and availability ranked third overall in the 2025 ATRI survey. ATRI's research documented insurance premium cost increases of 36% over the past eight years, with renewals in the first half of 2025 rising by nearly 10%. Inflation, the rising cost of claims and the increase in nuclear verdicts are all contributing to higher rates, and ATRI noted a direct connection between insurance costs and lawsuit abuse reform, which ranked as the second overall concern in the survey.
Safety is critical, and well-maintained, late-model equipment reduces the risk of mechanical failures that can contribute to collisions and over-the-road failures. Onboard safety technologies, including collision mitigation systems, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and forward-facing cameras, can reduce the risk of a crash.
3. Driver Compensation
Driver compensation ranked fifth overall in the 2025 ATRI survey, right behind truck parking, and ranked first among drivers. Drivers cited compensation as their top concern. ATRI found that driver wages rose just 2.4% recently, which means it isn’t keeping up with inflation, and 81% of drivers said predictable pay is a reason they would leave a carrier.
There are several indirect ways that full-service leasing supports drivers. Reliable, well-maintained equipment reduces unscheduled downtime, which is critical for drivers paid by the mile or load. Having access to 24/7 roadside service and replacement equipment can help keep drivers and freight moving. Additionally, late-model trucks tend to offer improved comfort, ergonomics and in-cab technology that contribute to drivers’ quality-of-life.