Lease — don't purchase — your trucks, experts say

There's been a surge in cross-border freight between the U.S. and Mexico — could this be a game-changer for your fleet? With truck traffic increasing 30% year-over-year, the opportunities may be ripe for the taking. We also tackle this important question: to buy or to lease?

Today's Lineup
🔷 Is cross-border the next big business opportunity for fleets?
🔷 Trucking owner charged millions in bribery scheme
🔷 Tesla will finally produce its EV semi-truck after years of delays
🔷 Costs of heavy-duty parts and labor are dropping
🔷 300+ parking spaces open up with new truck stops

 ⬆️$3.57

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 10/28, up 0.02¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

To buy or to lease? That's the question

It may seem counterintuitive, but leasing trucks instead of buying them could actually save trucking companies money. This is especially true for smaller fleets, which may struggle to reach economies of scale that make it worthwhile to own trucks. 

The findings come from a report by accounting firm KPMG. The study found fleets could save 19% over a vehicle's lifespan if they lease rather than buy. 

Why this matters: Every dollar counts, especially for small businesses. While interest rate cuts might free up some capital, fleets may still be better off leasing vehicles instead of taking on the high cost of ownership. 

Get more details at Trucking Dive. 

Leading up to election, U.S.-Mexico truck traffic breaks records

We're just one week out from the election, and new data reveals a record high in cross-border freight. Truck traffic to and from the U.S. and Mexico spiked 30% year-over-year in September. 

The surge comes as Donald Trump has vowed, if elected, to impose higher tariffs on all countries, and especially steep ones on goods imported from China. Mexico has become an important part of U.S. businesses' supply-chain strategies, due to just-in-time manufacturing and China tariffs. 

Why this matters:  If cross-border traffic continues to grow, fleets operating in states along the border may have an opportunity to secure more business and move additional freight. (CNBC)

• TABLE TALKS: After strike, port workers restart contract negotiations
• BRIBERY SCHEME: Trucking owner working with FedEx owes $8M
• FIRST RESPONDERS: Truckers are first to arrive in times of need
• COMING SOON?: Tesla will begin EV semi-truck production in 2026

Costs for heavy-duty parts and labor are dropping

After supply-chain challenges jacked up the price of truck parts, costs continue to decrease. Part costs fell for the third quarter in a row, according to a report from Decisiv and the American Trucking Associations. 

Why this matters: Weak freight rates and high costs have created an unfavorable market for trucking. Falling prices provide "much-needed cost stability for fleets," says Decisiv CEO Dick Hyatt. (Truckers News)

Love's, TA open truck stops and hundreds of parking spaces

With the addition of two new truck stops — one in Kansas and the other in Mississippi — Love's has added 206 parking spaces. The stops feature restaurants, showers, laundry facilities and a dog park. TravelCenters of America also opened a location in West Virginia with similar amenities and 104 parking spots.

Why this matters: Parking is among the industry's biggest concerns, and companies are doing their part to add spaces and safe, comfortable locations for drivers to rest and recharge. (CDL Life)

Safety agency dives into research on AVs, alt fuels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is holding a series of meetings this week to discuss research projects. On the docket are sessions covering AVs, cybersecurity, alternative fuels and crash safety. 

Why this matters: While tech enthusiasts want to bring autonomous systems to trucking, the industry continues to advocate for more research and testing to ensure AV systems are, in fact, safe. (Land Line Media)

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