Each year, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) unveils its list of the Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks, and the 2025 edition reinforces a clear trend: freight congestion is a growing challenge. From Fort Lee, New Jersey to Houston, Texas, these chokepoints are not only slowing freight movement but also increasing fuel costs, emissions, and driver fatigue.
But there’s good news—technology is part of the solution, and PrePass is leading the charge.
The Bottleneck Breakdown
ATRI’s latest report uses GPS data from over 325 freight-critical locations to rank the most congested interchanges. Unsurprisingly, the usual suspects dominate the list:
- #1: Fort Lee, NJ (I-95 at SR 4)
- #2: Chicago, IL (I-294 at I-290/I-88)
- #3: Houston, TX (I-45 at I-69/US 59)
- Atlanta, GA features three entries in the top ten alone.
On average, trucks crawl through these corridors at under 30 MPH during rush hour. That slow pace translates into big costs: $109 billion annually in transportation delays and over 6 billion gallons of wasted diesel.
How PrePass Can Help
While infrastructure projects take years, PrePass offers immediate relief. Here’s how:
- Weigh Station Bypass = Time Saved
PrePass allows qualified carriers to bypass weigh stations, reducing unnecessary stops that contribute to congestion near major interchanges. When trucks can stay on the highway, they avoid merges, lane changes, and delays—all of which intensify traffic bottlenecks.
- Improved Routing Through Data
With PrePass Safety Alliance’s data tools, carriers can plan more efficient routes by avoiding high-congestion zones identified in the ATRI report. Real-time alerts help fleets reroute dynamically, increasing efficiency across the board.
- Fewer Stops, Lower Emissions
By decreasing idling at weigh stations, PrePass-enabled trucks reduce diesel consumption—supporting the fight against the 65 million metric tons of carbon emissions caused by congestion each year.
Infrastructure Investment Helps—But So Does Smart Technology
Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange is a prime example. After years of construction, rush hour speeds there have improved by 25%. But while we wait for more projects like this to materialize, fleets can’t afford to sit still—literally or figuratively.
That’s where PrePass becomes essential. It’s a smart, scalable solution that improves freight flow and driver satisfaction—without waiting on a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Bottom Line
The ATRI’s 2025 report is a wake-up call. Congestion isn’t going away—but fleet technology like PrePass can turn bottlenecks into minor bumps in the road. With over 700,000 qualified trucks already benefitting from weigh station bypasses, the path to a more efficient freight future is clear.
Want to steer clear of the worst freight chokepoints? Learn how PrePass can help. Get started here.