Is broker paperwork 'over the line'?

The road ahead for small fleets and owner-operators is getting bumpy, with some brokers putting up new barriers that could spell lost revenue for carriers. Frustration is mounting over excessive paperwork demands and the headaches of staying in the game. Plus, check out what Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to disaster relief and community support, is doing to help those impacted by the devastating California wildfires.

Today's Lineup
🔷 The coolest trucking tech revealed at CES
🔷 Truck driver rounds up and hauls donations for wildfire relief
🔷 AV company Aurora goes after the FMCSA
🔷 How Trump's tariffs could hurt the trucking industry
🔷 California backs down on clean fleets rule

Broker requirements onerous, 'over the line' for carriers

Some owner-operators are frustrated and fed up with broker requirements.

Brokers using the carrier onboarding platform Highway are asking for excessive paperwork or even refusing to work with carriers due to specific requirements, according to some fleet owners.

As one owner-op put it: "I'm losing thousands of dollars, loads and loads."

Why this matters: Small fleets and independent contractors often rely on brokers for loads. At the same time, some broker requirements are creating headaches and lost business for fleets trying to match with loads.

Get more details at Overdrive.

What we're watching: A skilled recovery by a FedEx truck driver on an icy road.

What's on our radar: Trucking-related developments that came out of last week's CES conference. Volvo discussed its innovations in EVs, while tech firms showcased their in-cab digital displays.

What we're celebrating: Mack Trucks' 125 years in business.

Who we're following: @millenialtruckr on Instagram, who started his trucking business a year ago and documents his loads, mileage, rates and other stats on social media.

• MARKET CHALLENGES: St. Louis-based fleet files for bankruptcy
• WILDFIRE RELIEF: Trucker hauls supplies, donations to California
• HIT PLAY: Daimler restarts diesel truck sales in Oregon
• AURORA VS. FEDS: AV co. fights for warning triangle exemption

Trump's tariffs could backfire on the trucking industry

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to impose or raise tariffs on major trading partners. If he follows through, those tariffs could create more inflation, reducing demand for products and trucking. 

Why this matters: While the trucking sector hopes for relief from the long freight recession, tariffs could derail any momentum toward higher rates. (Trucking Dive)

California reneges on Advanced Clean Fleets rule

California has pulled back its requests for waivers that would have allowed it to put stricter emission limits in place. Known as the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, all new heavy-duty trucks sold in California would have had to be zero-emissions by 2036.

Why this matters: California is typically ahead of the curve on sustainability regulations, but critics said the EV deadlines were too aggressive given the current state of electric technology infrastructure. With Trump coming into office, the waivers are even less likely to be granted. (CCJ Digital)

CVSA hosts annual human trafficking awareness effort

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's five-day event is underway, educating drivers, carriers, law enforcement and the public about human trafficking, including which signs to look for and what to do if you suspect someone is being trafficked.

Why this matters: With nearly 3,000 human trafficking incidents per year, fleets and truckers can play a role in stopping the crime in its tracks. (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance)

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.