EPA's trucking rules may be wishful thinking

The EPA’s emissions rules for the trucking industry won’t work — at least, that’s the stance of the OOIDA and several other groups who have been vocal about their concerns. In a detailed 100-page report, they even went so far as to challenge the Agency’s capacity to regulate the industry. Share your thoughts and send us a note.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Trump tariffs could create a “great freight market"
🔷 Driver arrested for stealing 150 gallons of fuel
🔷 Trucking groups blast the EPA’s emission standards
🔷 Does truck driver retention matter more than recruitment?
🔷 A possible solution to chassis woes

⬇️ $3.553

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 10/21, DOWN 0.078¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Small fleets get resourceful to maintain competitive edge 

Economists often view trucking through the lens of capacity exiting the market, typically as smaller carriers are acquired or shut down.

But if you ask a small business trucking owner, there’s more to the story. 

Moscoso Express’ president said her fleet has used strategies to manage expenses and serve shippers during the busy peak season. Another exec made his company the go-to fleet in a specific niche. How have you tapped into resources and relationships to keep your business going strong?

Why this matters: It’s not all doom and gloom for small fleets. Plenty of companies are innovating and zeroing in on their unique value propositions to thrive in a tough market. 

Get more details at (Trucking Dive).

• GRAND THEFT: Driver arrested for stealing 150 gallons of fuel
• STICKING POINT: Is FMCSA rear guard label rule safe or silly?
• HIGHEST COURT: Driver, marijuana usage case goes to SCOTUS
• CDL FATE: MA truckers make case for retaining CDLs

‘We are about to see a great freight market’

That prediction comes from Craig Fuller, CEO of FreightWaves’ data platform, SONAR. 

Why? If Donald Trump wins the election, he’ll likely impose heftier tariffs, which would send shippers scrambling to import goods into the U.S. before the taxes take effect. But that’s an unlikely scenario if Kamala Harris wins.

Why this matters: If tariffs are announced, trucks will have more loads to move in the short term. Longer term, however, tariffs could slow imports and have a negative impact on freight markets. (FreightWaves)

Trucking groups blast the EPA’s emission standards

The OOIDA, numerous state trucking associations and other industry groups are laying out major issues they see with the Environmental Protection Agency’s emission standards. In a nearly 100-page opening brief, they called the rule “arbitrary and capricious” and questioned whether the EPA even has the authority to mandate EV transitions. 

Why this matters: The groups’ opening brief, which follows multiple lawsuits filed this summer, makes it clear that EV regulations are wishful thinking when compared to market realities surrounding the availability of electric trucks and infrastructure. (CCJ Digital)

Why one trucking exec puts retention before recruitment

The wording of Jason Douglass’ title is no coincidence. He’s the director of retention and recruiting at Utah-based Stokes Trucking, and there’s a reason “retention” comes first. Douglass has been steadfast on reducing turnover by recognizing drivers’ accomplishments, engaging them on key issues and overall creating an inclusive culture. 

Why this matters: No trucking business can run without drivers. While building a talent pipeline is important, supporting your own might be even more critical. (Trucking Info)

Better enforcement would help drayage, intermodal chassis market

The chassis market doesn’t need new regulations. It just needs better enforcement of existing regulations, according to a new study. Agencies should dig into inspection records to make sure safety and maintenance is sound, and the entire supply chain should work on better visibility and forecasting for containers.

Why this matters: Many drayage carriers are small businesses or owner-operators, and they often deal with tied-up equipment and inefficiencies related to other players in the intermodal supply chain. (Transport Topics)

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