Throwback: Stick to the Stats - Using Industry Research to Improve your Operation and the Way the Country Moves

In this throwback episode of Get a Load of This podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Brewster of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) and discuss the work their organization is doing to improve the industry as a whole and how it relates to your business. ATRI is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with offices in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Sacramento, and New York. Episode Highlights: Rebecca explains that the American Transportation Research Institute’s mission is research to improve the trucking industry's safety and productivity. (3:36) Rebecca shares her background story and how she joined the American Transportation Research Institute. (5:42) Rebecca explains that the American Transportation Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization that is limited to research and education, not advocacy or lobbying. (9:12) Rebecca shares her duties and responsibilities as the President and CEO of the American Transportation Research Institute. (13:08) Rebecca shares of few of her favorite research studies by the American Transportation Research Institute explains their value. (17:47) Rebecca talks about the work they did on the hours of service rules that captured the attention of Congress and FMCSA. (29:05) Rebecca shares how the selection of participants takes place in a study. (34:55) Rebecca discusses their research for the green initiative. (38:50) Rebecca talks about some of the technological advances or tools that they have researched that could be coming to the trucking industry. (48:12) Rebecca shares their organization’s motivation for their study on owner operator versus company drivers. (51:10) Key Quotes: "We're bringing this empirical data set that convinces policymakers to invest in transportation infrastructure at the place where it's going to make a difference for the industry." - Rebecca Brewster “Sadly, here we are in 2021, still talking about the need for more truck parking. And if any of your listeners have heard me present or heard me on other platforms, it is an issue I am tremendously passionate about.” - Rebecca Brewster “When individuals make contributions, it's actually a charitable tax deduction for those organizations or individuals, but it goes straight into a restricted fund. And we can't use it for rent or anything like that. It goes just to cover our time and other expenses associated with doing research.” - Rebecca Brewster Resources Mentioned: Rebecca Brewster LinkedIn American Transportation Research Institute Cameron Pechia Thomas Comstock Ryan Young Valley Trucking Insurance