Class 8 orders fall

Talking about safety culture is easy. Building one takes real leadership. We’ve got tips below on how trucking companies can make it happen.

 Meanwhile, we're seeing a mixed economic picture: Truck transportation jobs are surging, but a drop in Class 8 orders and tariff uncertainty are making the industry skittish.

Plus, here's a crazy story. A fake trucking company stole $350,000 worth of meat. Someone had a good barbecue. 🍗

$3.639

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 4/7, DOWN 0.047¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Scaling Smart: People, process and partnerships matter 

Gary Kooner knows what it takes to scale. As the owner of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, a nationwide mobile and embedded truck repair service company that grew from a single truck to a 250-vehicle nationwide operation in under a decade, he’s faced the challenges that come with rapid growth head-on. In this Q&A, Kooner shares lessons on scaling smart, reducing downtime and using technology to stay ahead in a demanding industry. - Bianca Prieto

What were the biggest challenges in scaling, and what lessons can fleet operators take from your experience?
Scaling so quickly came with significant challenges, but key lessons emerged. Building strong relationships – first locally, then nationally – was crucial for securing reliable partnerships and expanding our network. Identifying and hiring the right talent was equally important; the right people helped drive growth and maintain our high standards. We also focused on developing internal best practices early on, creating systems and processes that supported efficient, sustainable growth. Fleet operators should prioritize people, process, and partnerships. With a strong foundation, it’s possible to grow quickly without sacrificing quality or operational control.

Fleet downtime is a major cost driver. What are the most overlooked maintenance issues that lead to unnecessary downtime, and how can companies address them proactively?
Preventative maintenance is THE most overlooked maintenance issue that leads to unnecessary fleet downtime. Routine oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and air filter maintenance are essential, as failing to address them can cause costly engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency. Companies should track fleet mileage accurately and adhere to manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Driver education also plays a crucial role. Many drivers lack necessary knowledge about basic vehicle features and pre-trip inspections, leading to preventable issues. Providing thorough training on equipment operation and routine checks ensures early detection of problems, thus reducing downtime and repair costs.

Technology is reshaping fleet maintenance. What innovations are you most excited about, and how should trucking companies adapt to stay ahead?
Technology is revolutionizing fleet maintenance, and the most exciting innovation is the use of real-time data. By equipping fleets with telematics and performance monitoring tools, companies can track fuel usage, vehicle health, and driver behavior instantly. This data enables proactive maintenance, reduces unexpected breakdowns, and boosts overall efficiency. To stay ahead, trucking companies must embrace these tools and invest in training their teams to interpret and act on the insights provided. Making informed, data-driven decisions not only cuts costs but also improves safety and compliance. The future of maintenance is predictive – and it starts with knowing your fleet inside and out.

 This interview was edited for brevity.

Putting words into action with safety culture

Any company, trucking or otherwise, can claim to have a culture of safety. But can they walk the talk? 

Action is what differentiates the strongest businesses and leaders, according to Andreza Araújo, Founder & CEO of ACS Consultancy Services. Leaders need to make safety more transparent, through visible audits and accountability for unsafe behavior. That shows workers' safety isn’t just policy—it’s daily practice. 

"Safety is no longer an abstract theory, but rather a tangible, everyday practice," Araújo writes.

Why this matters: Safety is paramount in so many industries, including trucking, and it's up to leaders to ensure their entire organizations actually execute a culture of safety. 

Get more details at Forbes.

"[in the 1980s] trucking started to develop regional fleets at that time, because fathers, breadwinners wanted to be... dads, wanted to be home."- Radio personality Dave Nemo 

The world of trucking has transformed quite a bit since the days of deregulation, but the industry's importance certainly hasn't lessened. In this Land Line Now episode, OOIDA's Todd Spencer and radio icon Dave Nemo discuss their legacies in trucking and how times have changed. Listen to it here.

Fleets focus on modern strategies to bring in young drivers

Fleet owners are offering flexible schedules such as part-time and on-demand roles that align with younger generations' desires for work-life balance. They're also using social media to reach potential drivers, and even video games to place ads and grow awareness of the business among young truckers. 

Why this matters: With the average truck driver being 46 years old, trucking executives must adapt their recruiting methods to attract younger drivers and keep the talent pipeline flowing. (Tech.Co)

What Trump's tariffs mean for trucking

With a blanket tariff of 10% on nearly all imports, the trucking industry will likely feel the ripple effects. The American Trucking Associations noted the tariffs will depress demand for freight and increase equipment costs for fleets. 

Why this matters: The tariffs create volatility, making businesses of many shapes and sizes skittish. Freight demand may stall, just as fleets had their hopes pinned on an impending market recovery after the long recession. (Fleet Owner)

Falling Class 8 orders spell trouble for OEMs

Truck manufacturers aren’t seeing the sales rebound they hoped for. Class 8 truck orders dipped 14% in March to 15,700 units, far below the seven-year March average of 24,760 units, according to FTR Trucking Intelligence. Two main factors are to blame, says FTR: economic uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the possible change in emissions regulations. 

Why this matters: With EPA regulations around diesel truck sales slated to take effect in the coming years, many fleet owners considered pre-buying their equipment. But with those rules in limbo and an uncertain future for the freight market, OEMs aren't seeing a flurry of orders as expected. (Truck News)

Diminishing connectivity could impact trucking

The quality of wireless connectivity is declining. High demand for bandwidth (think streaming videos, browsing and online gaming) has created network problems. What does this mean for trucking? Technology like telematics and other data-reliant systems could be affected as cell congestion increases and connectivity declines. 

Why this matters: With advances in technology, many fleet managers have embraced mobile apps and moved various systems to the cloud. Cell signal declines could impact their ability to function optimally. However, trucking applications typically don't require too much bandwidth, and many fleets have backups for when trucks are traveling in rural areas with limited service. (CCJ Digital)

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.