Newsletter Archive

How to capture cross-border freight opps

Plus: 4.5M miles in 35 years | ATA calls for tax cuts

Million-mile drivers are impressive, but a driver finishing a 35-year career with 4.5 million miles is extraordinary. That’s equivalent to 9.4 round trips to the moon, circling the Earth 181 times, or 150 years of driving for the average person! Check out her story in the newsletter.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Tips to make the big bucks in trucking
🔷 10 classic trucking movies to add to your watchlist
🔷 A survey finds more carriers are planning to exit the industry
🔷 Inward-facing cameras: Safety boost or privacy issue?
🔷 How U.S. fleets can grab cross-border freight opportunities

INSIDE LOOK

ATA calls for tax cuts to support trucking industry

As the transition to the next administration gets underway, the American Trucking Associations is advocating for tax reform that it says will benefit the trucking industry.

Several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will expire by the end of 2025, making it the right time to focus on tax reform, ATA says Among its recommendations: repeal the federal excise tax (FET), maintain/lower corporate tax rates and create tax incentives to recruit new drivers.

Why this matters: Some taxes, especially FET, have created financial barriers. A reduction or repeal could reduce the cost of business for fleets of all sizes.

Get more details at American Trucking Associations.

ROADSIDE READS

Who we're celebrating: Lori Simba, a Swift Transportation driver who retired after 35 years and 4.5 million miles.

What we're watching: A short video with tips on how to make the big bucks in trucking.

What we like to see: This trucker proudly showing off his drive score of 100 and rank of No. 1 in the company.

What we’ve bookmarked: This article highlighting 10 classic trucking movies.

Above: Lori Simba (Courtesy of Swift Transportation/ Facebook)

FAST LANE

NEWS

J.B. Hunt equips all trucks with inward-facing cameras

After piloting the technology in 2018, J.B. Hunt has now put inward-facing cameras in all of its trucks. The goal, according to J.B. Hunt's leadership, is to coach drivers and address issues with distracted driving. It also saves costs by reducing claims.

Why this matters: Will other large trucking firms follow suit? While proponents tout the safety benefits, others have raised concerns about privacy when trucks use inward-facing cameras to monitor drivers. (Trucking Dive)

Trump's cabinet picks hint at administration plans

Donald Trump has started to announce his selections to lead various government agencies. The Department of Transportation transition team includes officials from Trump's first term. And for the Environmental Protection Agency, Trump has picked Lee Zeldin, who would look to roll back various environmental regulations in the early days of the administration.

Why this matters: Deregulation, especially environmental and green initiatives, appears to be an early focus for the incoming administration, which could impact EV and emissions rules specific to trucking. (The Hill)

How U.S. fleets can grab a slice of the cross-border pie

There's potential for a boom in manufacturing in Mexico, which would give carriers the opportunity to haul more freight across the U.S.-Mexico border. One expert's tips: Understand regulations, develop relationships with partners in Mexico and establish a local presence.

Why this matters: Mexico is already the United States' biggest goods trading partner. If Trump enacts higher tariffs that lead to more manufacturing in Mexico, U.S. trucking companies should be ready to seize freight opportunities. (Overdrive)