Newsletter Archive

Regulatory rollbacks under Trump?

Plus: Prioritizing driver health | Trucking named most-dangerous job

Changes are coming to Washington, and trucking is bracing for impact. Will the new administration ease the load for drivers and companies, or pile on more challenges? Industry leaders are hopeful for fewer rules and less legal drama, but only time will tell.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Truck driver arrested after making a false bomb threat
🔷 SBTC pens stern letter over speed limiters
🔷 How the trucking profession is defining drivers' health
🔷 Trucking M&A set to pick up speed
🔷 Lessons and best practices from 100-year-old trucking fleets

3.56

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 1/6, up 0.058¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

INSIDE LOOK

POLITICS

Trucking leaders bank on regulatory rollbacks under Trump

As the presidential administration changes hands, will the trucking industry have a friend or foe in the White House?

American Trucking Associations president Chris Spear thinks the former. He's hopeful the Trump administration will revoke waivers related to electric truck regulations. Also on his wish list is for Trump to slow the pace of nuclear lawsuits.

The Truckload Carriers Association similarly expects a tempered regulatory environment, along with legislation that would allow lawsuits to be argued in federal court, which could reduce nuclear verdicts.

Why this matters: Key lobbying groups are optimistic that some of Trump's policies will benefit the trucking industry. As Spear puts it: "Going forward in 2025 I think we’re in good stead."

Get more details at Transport Topics.

FAST LANE

SEEN & HEARD

"I don't think anyone's career should define their health, but that's exactly what's happening in this industry."

- Dr. Mark Manera, Offshift

Sitting behind the wheel for many hours a day, sleeping in suboptimal conditions and eating on the go all take a big toll on truck drivers' health. The average trucker has a life expectancy 16 years shorter than the average American, according to Dr. Mark Manera, founder and CEO of Offshift, a company focused on health in the trucking industry. Check out his interview here.

NEWS

BUSINESS

Trucking M&A could tick up in the first quarter

After a slowdown in trucking mergers and acquisitions last year, analysts predict more momentum in Q1 and beyond. Companies that planned to sell in 2023 and 2024 are likely to come back to the table and look for buyers this year, according to supply chain firm Left Lane Associates.

Why this matters: Fleets looking to expand in specific capabilities (such as LTL) or geographies could benefit from a more active seller and M&A market this year. And fleets looking to sell may have eager buyers. (FreightWaves)

OPERATIONS

The longest running businesses in trucking didn't reach their centennials without strong strategies. Executives share their best practices for investing in people and the business.

Why this matters: The past few years have seen a handful of carrier exits and bankruptcies. Lessons from some of the oldest carriers show what it takes to run a long-lasting business. (Trucking Dive)

DRIVERS

The most dangerous job: truck driving

More truck drivers die while on the job than workers in any other occupation, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The silver lining? Trucking workplace fatalities are at their lowest since 2016.

Why this matters: These grim statistics highlight that safety is absolutely paramount in the truck industry and must be fleets' top priority. (Land Line)

INDUSTRY RESOURCES

The Truckers Report: An online community where truckers can find information on jobs, pay, regulations, and connect with others in the industry to share advice and experiences.
OOIDA Online Education: Provides truckers with courses and webinars on topics like regulations, business management, and safety, allowing them to learn at their own pace.