CDL ≠ road ready

Knight-Swift shareholders want answers about political spending, but the company’s board says there is no need. Find out why. Meanwhile, fleets are still navigating the slow shift to electric trucks, and drivers, some of them at least, may be warming to safety tech. Also in this issue: weak CDL oversight, a push for better bathroom access, and a 40-year trucking veteran’s take on life behind the wheel.

The pros and cons. A truck driver who's been in the industry more than 40 years talks about the highs and lows of life on the road.

Transparency in trucking. Shareholders of Knight-Swift are calling for visibility into the company's political contributions. But the trucking company's board says "no need."  

It's electric. A survey reveals where fleets stand in their transition to electric vehicles, and what's holding them back. 

Who needs restaurants... when you can grill steak in your truck and share dinner with your dog?

$13,500

The amount raised in a silent auction for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. (Learn more about the fund here)

Source: Land Line

A driver's perspective on driver apps and cameras

"The people you’re working for aren’t using the technology to beat you over the head."

That's the perspective of "'Long Haul Paul" Marhoefer, a driver for Moeller Trucking who was previously an owner-operator. Marhoefer argues that apps and cameras can, in fact, make truckers better drivers, despite many of his colleagues finding the tech invasive or annoying. 

He especially likes the "carrot" approach of Netradyne tech, which adds two cents per mile if drivers maintain a high enough safety score. 

Why this matters: Many fleet managers like in-cab cameras or apps to monitor safety and encourage good driving behavior, but drivers aren't always on board. Marhoefer's perspective could be a welcome sign that drivers are starting to warm to the safety tech and recognize its benefits.

Get more details at Overdrive.

FREE TRAINING: Top AI courses available for logistics pros, free

MURDER CHARGE: Truck driver charged after running over construction worker

CHANGE OF HANDS: EV startup Lucid buys Nikola's ex-HQ and plant

GUILTY PLEA: Accountant stole $4M from trucking employer

Driving schools concerned over insufficient CDL training oversight

Leaders at the Commercial Vehicle Training Association and the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools say that driver training enforcement is falling short, leading to drivers graduating without being adequately prepared. 

Why this matters: Safety is paramount when operating a tractor-trailer, which is why strict rules and training exist around obtaining a CDL. If unprepared drivers are being sent out on public roads, they risk the safety of themselves and everyone in their vicinity, and fleet execs could be at risk of hiring unsafe drivers. (Transport Topics)

Florida trucking group launches recruitment campaign

The Florida Trucking Association is focusing on recruitment, but not necessarily for truck drivers. The group's campaign is called "Jobs Beyond the Wheel," and it seeks to recruit for professions such as diesel technicians and customer service roles. 

Why this matters: The recruitment and retention conversation in the trucking industry often centers on drivers, but there are plenty of other jobs just as critical to keep the wheels turning and cargo flowing. (Miami Times)

Industry groups support bill to mandate driver restroom access

A new bill would require warehouses, retailers and other businesses to let truck drivers use the bathroom when delivering or picking up shipments. The legislation is receiving applause from several trucking groups, including the Women in Trucking Association.

Why this matters: A lack of bathroom access makes the tough job of being a truck driver even tougher. Mandated access to a basic necessity would improve job conditions and safety, which may help retain drivers and also encourage more women to enter the profession. (Truckers News)

Carriers aren't fully technologically equipped, survey says

The freight industry has made progress on adopting technology, but there's definitely still work to be done, according to a survey by Trigent. Just over 60% of surveyed companies use partially automated systems, often with multiple disconnected tools, and 16% still rely on spreadsheets and phone calls. 

Why this matters: Technology can carry many benefits and an ROI, but leaders still have much to consider as they adopt technology. They need to keep operations flowing while simultaneously deploying tech and training employees on how to use new systems. Myriad software options and costs could also hold back small businesses from investing in tech. (Yahoo Tech)

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.