Newsletter Archive

The silent crisis in trucking

Plus: Trucking celebrates new head EPA appointee

Long hours and high-pressure demands make trucking tough—but many drivers also fear speaking up about safety or health needs. We spoke with Sharleigh Zavaglia, a safety consultant and health science professional, on how fleets can build trust, improve communication, and boost driver retention through psychological safety. Plus, are you a glass-half-full fleet? Turns out, more than 90% of small carriers are optimistic about the 2025 freight market.

Q&A

Why psychological safety matters in trucking

Truck drivers often face high-pressure environments with little support, leading to stress, safety risks and high turnover. Many hesitate to voice concerns—whether about health, home time or working conditions—fearing backlash or job loss. This lack of psychological safety creates a disconnect between drivers and leadership, impacting both morale and safety. By fostering open communication and trust, companies can improve retention, well-being, and operational efficiency. Safety consultant Sharleigh Zavaglia explores how trucking companies can bridge this gap, ensuring drivers feel valued, heard and supported—ultimately creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable trucking industry. - Bianca Prieto

What is psychological safety, and why does it matter for truck drivers?
Psychological safety means drivers feel comfortable speaking up—whether it’s about safety concerns, scheduling needs, or ideas for improvement—without fear of punishment. Unlike office staff, truck drivers work in unpredictable environments, often isolated from leadership. That disconnect can lead to anxiety, especially if a driver worries about backlash for requesting extra home time for medical needs or pulling over due to bad weather. When companies foster open communication and trust, drivers feel valued, turnover decreases and overall safety improves.

How can psychological safety make trucking a more attractive career?

When drivers trust that their voices matter, the job becomes more appealing. Trucking has a reputation for long hours, limited home time and tough working conditions. Many drivers struggle with health issues because they can’t get to regular checkups, and some even face pushback from dispatchers when requesting rest breaks. But when companies involve drivers in shaping safety and wellness programs, it shows they care. That sense of respect and support not only boosts morale but also keeps skilled drivers in the industry.

What can trucking leaders do to create a more open and supportive work environment?

It starts with better communication. Leaders should check in with drivers regularly—not just about loads, but about their needs and concerns. Hosting monthly virtual meetings where drivers can share feedback on the road is a great way to stay connected. But the key is follow-through—when drivers offer input, companies need to take action. Bringing in outside experts, like safety consultants or health professionals, can also help tailor programs to what drivers actually experience on the road. The more involved drivers feel, the stronger and safer the company becomes.

INSIDE LOOK

Photo Credit: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin being sworn in (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Trucking groups celebrate new EPA leader

The Senate has confirmed Lee Zeldin to head up the Environmental Protection Agency, and trucking groups applauded the confirmation.

The American Trucking Associations expressed hope that it can work with Zeldin to swap out EV mandates for emissions standards "that are technologically achievable."

Meanwhile, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said it looks forward to developing "commonsense environmental policies" with the EPA's new administrator.

Why this matters: Many trucking groups agreed with the need to curb emissions but disagreed with the mandates and timelines to transition to EVs. Zeldin's policies may be more in line with their advocacy positions.

Get more details at Fleet Owner.

FAST LANE

SEEN & HEARD

"Truckers are just optimistic because you know what? They've been around a long time, and they know how the marketplace goes up and down." - Brent Hutto, Truckstop

Hutto's organization surveys owner-operators and small fleets each year to gauge industry sentiment. In the latest survey, 91% of carriers expressed confidence or optimism for the 2025 marketplace. Why? Hutto explains in his interview with Commercial Carrier Journal. Watch it here.

NEWS

Trump freezes regulations with direct impact to trucking

Rules that would have directly affected the trucking industry are now in limbo after Donald Trump issued a "regulatory freeze." A rule on automatic emergency braking systems on light-duty vehicles is postponed, and rules around CDL training and driver hair testing have been withdrawn.

Why this matters: The trucking industry largely expected the Trump administration to implement fewer regulations or roll back existing ones. Fleet managers will still have to watch for any rules in the works or being delayed. (Land Line)

Government greenlights testing for fentanyl in truck drivers

The Department of Health and Human Services has authorized testing for fentanyl, meaning that truck drivers and others in federally regulated jobs can be subject to testing for use of the drug.

Why this matters: Carriers performing hair follicle testing have seen an increase in positive fentanyl tests in recent years, according to the American Trucking Associations. The trucking industry sees testing for the drug as another way to improve safety. (Transport Topics)

Owner-operator count at Landstar falls by 10%

One of the biggest trucking companies, Landstar, saw its count of owner-operators dip 10% YOY in Q4, and it expects the numbers to keep falling through Q1.

Why this matters: Low rates and high costs have prompted carrier exits, leading to a decline in the number of independent trucks on Landstar's roster. (Trucking Dive)