ATRI’s approach is to bring critical expertise to all research undertaken by the Institute. Our research capabilities lie in the following areas:

Research Design

Given the economic and operational complexities of the trucking industry, ATRI has been particularly successful in developing research objectives and methodologies that are relevant, scalable and quantifiable in design. Furthermore, the ATRI staff brings sophisticated tracking and communication tools to research coordination and outreach.

An Understanding of the Industry

ATRI is extremely cognizant of the complex operational issues and competitive environment that exists in freight transportation. This knowledge, along with industry support, makes ATRI uniquely qualified to identify, recruit and manage industry participation in research. Furthermore, ATRI's industry communication and outreach efforts are second to none in creating awareness of, and interest in, state and federal research initiatives.

Operational Testing

Over the last decade, ATRI and its predecessor (the ATA Foundation) have been involved with Federal agencies to conduct many large-scale, nationally significant operational research projects through the development of comprehensive research methodologies and implementation plans, system designs, project evaluations and analyses, and project management and budgeting.

Institutional Issues and Policy Analysis

ATRI has conducted numerous institutional issues studies and policy analyses -- often in the context of broader research efforts -- to analyze the effects, impacts and consequences that systems, programs, and research initiatives may have on the transportation industry as well as the public sector. ATRI's institutional issue studies typically include:

• Cost-Benefit Analyses
• Policy Development & Impacts
• Barriers to Access (policy, infrastructure, operational impacts)
• Market Development & Business Planning
• Research Evaluation

Carefully designed and implemented evaluation plans are a critical part of all ATRI research. ATRI utilizes a variety of quantitative and qualitative research tools including:

• Statistical Modeling
• Automated Data Collection
• Field Measurements
• Surveys
• Focus Groups and Interviews
• Secondary Research Applications (Literature Reviews and Analyses)

Suggest a research topic

Please use our research suggestion form if there is something you would like us to look into.