Glimmers of hope in truck recession

As Election Day draws near we are watching closely to see how the next administration can impact the industry, including taking a look at Trump’s trucking-related promises. Also, because of the holiday updated diesel prices won't be out in time for this publication. You can always check it here.  

Today's Lineup
🔷 Trump's trucking vow if he wins the election.
🔷 Driver catches thief stealing 51 cases of beer.
🔷 Truck driver honored as a "Highway Angel."
🔷 An emissions regulation gets delayed.
🔷 Back-to-back hurricanes spell disruption for trucking.

Truck contract rates rise, but will it last? 

As peak season nears, trucking contract rates are looking up. New contract rates rose 1%, compared to the prior contract rates. Is this just a blip, or are rates finally on the rise?

"Rates will need to go up as we go through the 2025 bid season,” Werner CEO Derek Leathers said. “The question will be how much."

Why this matters: The freight recession seems to go on and on, but there are glimmers of hope that the worst is in the rearview mirror.

Get more details at Trucking Dive. 

A look at Trump's track record on trucking

Donald Trump's past presidential term indicates his future trucking-related actions if he wins the election this November. In his four years in office, Trump's administration made changes to independent contractor classification and HOS.

On the campaign trail this year, Trump has vowed to "repeal all that," referring to electric vehicle mandates.

Why this matters: We're less than a month out from Election Day, and candidates' stances on regulatory and energy policy may help determine how the trucking industry votes. (Overdrive)

• BOTTOMS UP: 51 cases of beer stolen from a truck
• 'HIGHWAY ANGEL': Trucker helps Helene victims
• UNDER ARREST: Car driver charged for shooting at moving semi
• 'TIS THE SEASON: Tips to prep vehicles for colder weather

EV transition and emissions standards hit more roadblocks

Regulators in Oregon are delaying stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks because of one big problem: Not enough new trucks meet the standards. Meanwhile, truck equipment groups are challenging California's Advanced Clean Fleets regulation in court.

Why this matters: Trucking stakeholders largely agree with the need to tackle emissions. Practical barriers, however, make it nearly impossible to comply with regulations on an accelerated timeline. (CCJ Digital)

Trucking braces for weeks of disruption after Hurricane Milton

Sections of major roads like I-75 and I-95 were flooded after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida. In the coming weeks, we might see tighter trucking capacity and fuel shortages. 

Why this matters: The southern U.S. is grappling with destruction from back-to-back hurricanes. While the rains and winds have subsided, disruption to the trucking industry can last weeks. (Supply Chain Dive)

A truck parts company files for bankruptcy

Accuride, a manufacturer of wheels, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after it accrued mounds of debt and burned through cash during the prolonged freight recession. 

Why this matters: Two years of low freight rates have hurt not just fleets, but also the ecosystem that surrounds trucking. (Transport Topics)

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