Has passion for trucking waned?

Well, 2025 is off to an interesting start. A port strike was threatened (and resolved), severe winter weather caused an HOS waiver and President-elect Trump is talking about taking control of Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal. What's next?

Today's Lineup

🔷 Comments flood in on FMCSA's broker transparency proposal
🔷 The lesser-known legacy of Jimmy Carter's influence on trucking
🔷 Trucking group blasts New York's new congestion pricing
🔷 Deal reached on East Coast ports, strike avoided
🔷 States exempt trucks from HOS as winter storm dumps record snow

Truck driving: Has passion left the job? 

A mindset shift is happening in the field of truck driving. The mentality has changed from being a profession to just a job.

Industry experts say passion has drained from trucking, and Hollywood no longer glorifies the career like it did in the '70s with films like "Convoy" and "Smokey and the Bandit." Regulations, parking issues and traffic delays only add to the stress of the job. 

"It's not an industry that's fun anymore,” said Dean Croke of DAT.

Why this matters: The truck driver workforce is aging. Executives will have to find ways to positively portray driving as an appealing career to young professionals to maintain the talent pipeline. 

Get more details at Commercial Carrier Journal. 

What we're watching: A satisfying video of a truck plowing through snow. 

What we’re keeping an eye on: Comments flooding in on the FMCSA's proposed broker transparency rule. More than 2,000 comments have been submitted to date, with the comment period open until Jan. 21.

What we're reading: This feature article remembering Jimmy Carter's lesser-known legacy in traffic safety and his moves to deregulate the trucking industry. 

• TOLLS: NY trucking group says congestion pricing burdens industry
• 2ND AMENDMENT: Minn. violates truckers' right to bear arms: lawsuit
• JOINING FORCES: Pitt Ohio acquires LTL carrier Sutton Transport
• BOSCH'S BET: Supplier developing hydrogen engine for heavy trucks
• DEAL REACHED: Ports and labor union avert another strike

Thousands of carriers keep exiting the market

The number of fleets exiting the trucking market far outpaced those  entering in Q4, according to an analysis of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data. In particular, December's net decrease in carriers was the largest decline since April.

Why this matters: An abundance of capacity has kept freight rates at historic lows. The latest data shows a promising sign that supply is exiting and rates may start to rise, with a recovery in spot rates as early as June. (Trucking Dive)

States exempt HOS as winter storm brings record snow

Frigid temperatures and record snowfall in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic have prompted states to issue emergency declarations. Kentucky, Missouri and New York are among the states that lifted hours-of-service requirements for trucks transporting fuels. 

Why this matters: Trucks play an essential role in day-to-day life and during times of emergency, ensuring critical supplies can arrive to those who need them. (Land Line)

Aurora bets big on AVs with new partnership

Autonomous tech company Aurora has inked a deal with AI chipmaker Nvidia and German company Continental. The partnership's focus: deploy driverless trucks. 

Why this matters: AVs are advancing when it comes to technology. But regulations, insurance and public acceptance are lagging, with safety still a big concern within and outside the trucking industry. (Transport Topics)

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.