Changing the perception of the trucking profession

Tariff talks have many on alert, with potential changes on the horizon. Daimler is closely monitoring the situation, considering a shift of production back to the U.S. if conditions change. Let's dig in.

Today's Lineup
🔷 What does Trump's re-election mean for trucking?
🔷 OOIDA'S annual Truckers for Troops campaign is underway this week
🔷 "Mutha Trucker" shares takeaways on FMCSA's plan to fight fraud
🔷 Building a safety culture at trucking companies
🔷 Can drivers redefine the perception of the trucking profession?

 ⬇️ 3.53

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 11/11, DOWN 0.037¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

We have a president-elect. What's next for trucking?

Now that the election results are in, trucking's attention has turned to what's next for the industry during a Trump presidency. 

Emission standards might be rolled back, speed limiters could be delayed, and tariffs are likely to increase. Plus, the next administration could have implications for infrastructure spending, independent contractors and taxes.

Why this matters: Several regulations that affect trucking could be on hold or altered, impacting how trucking owners make decisions about how to run their businesses.

Get more details at FreightWaves.

• GIVING BACK: OOIDA'S annual Truckers for Troops campaign this week
• CONSPIRACY CHARGE: Father-son duo smuggled truck emission override systems
• BEING FLEXIBLE: Daimler could move truck production if tariffs rise
• HIGHWAY ANGEL: Trucker recognized for helping driver with flat tire

"Everybody's getting screwed because of fraud." - YouTuber Mutha Trucker

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a key focus: fighting fraud. The agency has a new system with verification and identity checks designed to stop deception. YouTuber Mutha Trucker shares what's happening and hopes the system will solve widespread fraud problems in the industry. Check out his video here. 

How one logistics company built its safety culture

Rich Kaczynski had an unconventional start to trucking. When a driver didn't show up, he was asked to fill in, "and I learned real quick how to drive a truck," he says

Fast forward to today, he's a loss-prevention manager at A. Duie Pyle and has built a driver orientation program, safety culture and fatigue management.

Why this matters: Many fleets tout a culture of safety, but building one begins with top leadership, and it must start on day one for new drivers joining the company. (Heavy Duty Trucking)

Wabash fights back on $450 million nuclear verdict

Wabash continues to fight a legal battle. The trailer manufacturer's CEO claims the damages it's charged with are "abnormally high" in a case dating back to 2019, when a passenger vehicle collided with the back of a tractor-trailer, killing two people. 

Why this matters: Nuclear verdicts and large jury awards are impacting the trucking industry, leading to greater liability and higher insurance costs. (Trucking Dive)

Can drivers redefine the perception of the trucking profession?

Trucking has long been undervalued, viewed by outsiders as a low-skill job and "last resort" profession, according to one trucking recruiting professional. She argues, it's up to truck drivers to fix the narrative. 

Why this matters: The truck driver workforce is aging. Filling the talent pipeline will require those in the industry to dispel misconceptions about what it's like to be a truck driver, and show how trucking can be a rewarding career for young professionals. (Forbes) 

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