The American Transportation Research Institute has released its 14th annual list of the most congested highways and truck bottlenecks in the United States.
The American Transportation Research Institute has released its 14th annual list of the most congested highways and truck bottlenecks in the United States. Some highways from the 2024 list remain, while others have entered the top 10. However, the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Route 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, once again stands out, as it has been ranked the most congested bottleneck for freight transportation in the country.
The ATRI analysis, based on 2024 data, evaluated congestion across the national road network using GPS information from freight trucks. The findings revealed that traffic conditions continue to worsen compared to previous years, in some cases due to work zones resulting from increased infrastructure investment.
These delays represent a significant waste of time and fuel. ATRI estimated that, on average, trucks consume 6.4 billion gallons of diesel and generate more than 65 million additional metric tons of carbon emissions while stuck in traffic jams.

The 10 worst bottlenecks in the U.S.
The intersection of I-95 and SR 4 near the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey, for the seventh consecutive year takes the top spot as the nation’s largest freight bottleneck. The rest of the top 10 bottlenecks are:
- New Jersey: I-95 and SR 4
- Chicago: I-294 at I-290/I-88
- Houston: I-45 at I-69/US 59
- Atlanta: I-285 at I-85 (North)
- Nashville: I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)
- Atlanta: I-75 at I-285 (North)
- Los Angeles: SR 60 at SR 57
- Cincinnati: I-71 at I-75
- Houston: I-10 at I-45
- Atlanta: I-20 at I-285 (West)
The ATRI report found that the average truck speed during traffic hours was 34.2 MPH, a 3% decrease from the previous year’s speed.

Findings from the ATRI study
The ATRI analysis aims not only to highlight areas with the highest traffic but also to provide a measurement of road transportation performance, to identify where investments should be made. “The information provided through this research facilitates decision-making in both the public and private sectors, helping stakeholders better understand how congestion and delays limit mobility in the U.S. road transportation system,” stated ATRI in its report.
The ATRI’s annual bottleneck list offers a roadmap to reduce supply chain obstacles and guide investments as Congress prepares the reauthorization of transportation programs. The Institute emphasizes that this analysis plays a crucial role in helping local, state, and federal governments allocate funds efficiently.

Nashville becomes the epicenter of transportation and heavy technology
The largest transportation technology trade show in the US kicks off in Tennessee. It brings together 5,000 experts and will shape the future of trucks, artificial intelligence, and fleet maintenance.

Why Soccer is Conquering Hearts and Businesses in the U.S.
Messi’s presence in stadiums and the hosting of the next World Cup, along with other global tournaments, have transformed it into a new entertainment giant. The gradual growth of the National Team motivates the public. Million-dollar businesses, brands, and a lot of passion.

The Asphalt Code of Honor: The Invisible Social Network That Saves Lives
On U.S. highways, truck drivers often communicate through a silent language of signals, headlights, and hand gestures. This informal system of road communication helps warn others about hazards, coordinate safe passing, and reinforce a culture of safety and solidarity among professional drivers

What if the Oscars were about trucking? Hollywood characters reimagined as truckers
This week marks the 98th Academy Awards, what if the categories were inspired by the transportation industry?

TCA Professional Drivers of the Year 2026: 5 drivers who paved the road
TCA Professional Drivers of the Year selects drivers with the greatest impact, outstanding safety records, and individuals with inspiring stories that made a difference.

Unusual Stories from the Road: When Reality Outruns Logistics
From a giant magnet moving down the highway like a spacecraft to millions of bees taking over a highway, the world of freight transportation is full of events that are as strange as they are real. Some of these stories went viral, others became legends among drivers, but all of them reveal the unexpected side of logistics.
