The cost of trucking decreased last year, according to the American Transportation Research Institute’s latest Operational Costs report.

Economic softening, combined with independent factors including lower fuel prices, brought down the average marginal cost per mile incurred by motor carriers in 2019 by 9.3 percent to $1.65.

The annual survey by the ATRI uses detailed financial data provided directly by motor carriers of all sectors and fleet sizes to provide detailed trucking costs from 2008 through 2019.

It provides industry stakeholders with an essential benchmarking tool, and government agencies with input on industry finances necessary for comprehensive transportation planning and infrastructure improvement analyses.

“Given the chaos and volatility of freight markets these days, it is more critical than ever that trucking fleets closely monitor their cost centers,” said Brandon Knight, Principal of Transportation for CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.

“ATRI’s Operational Costs report is an important benchmarking tool for fleets of all sizes and sectors.”