Newsletter Archive

Risky fleet telltale signs

Plus: Five ways truck brokers are using AI

"The people are just damn good." Yes, we're talking about trucking! The industry doesn't always get the praise it deserves from the general public. But insiders (like you, Inside Lane reader) know the truth. We spoke with a trucking and logistics exec who says it's the hard-working people in the industry that inspire him.

Meanwhile, is your fleet risky? The telltale signs, according to an insurer. Plus, the FMCSA has a new acting head, and today's most precious commodity, eggs, spill all over a California freeway in a crash.

⬇️ 3.582

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 3/11, DOWN 0.062¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

SPOTLIGHT

Trucking: the ultimate people business

It's not always easy being in trucking, but there are plenty of rewarding aspects of the job. Chief among them: the logistics community, built within the industry, with customers and even online. We chatted with Joe Marriner, business development executive at Lynch Logistics and MaineDelivery, to hear his takes on the good and bad parts of the industry. - Shefali Kapadia

How did you get into the trucking industry?
I went to school for international business and logistics at Maine Maritime Academy. I did a short stint in sales at PepsiCo after college before moving back to operations in fleet management with them, running a delivery fleet before transitioning to my current role at Lynch.

What's the hardest thing about being a trucking exec right now?
Demand is down which slows growth, but the solution and winning strategy remain the same as always. Build and maintain strong relationships, do what you said you were going to do, and make sure your people and equipment are the best. This has kept us in business for 50+ years and will keep us going for another 50 if we stick to it.

What's your favorite thing about the business or industry?
The people are just damn good. Salt of the earth, hard-working and not afraid to hunker down and get things done. Trucking isn't easy, and getting a good group together that are all moving in the same direction just rocks.

What's a tech tool or app you can't live without?
As silly as it seems, I really love LinkedIn, especially the freight community. There are on-the-ground updates from all over the industry and reports from people who are way more engaged in analytics than I have time to be. Getting snippets and highlights from people I follow allows me to dive deeper on my own with a head start in the right direction!

INDUSTRY VOICES

Building a workforce that supports an evolving logistics industry

"Make no mistake: The logistics industry is no longer just about moving goods from one place to another."

That's according to Glen Clark of logistics firm DP World. Technology, e-commerce and economic factors have reshaped the industry into a complex network, and the workforce needs to be up to the task to support it.

Clark recommends prioritizing workforce development for both white- and blue-collar workers, with training programs that involve technical skills, management training and continuous education.

Why this matters: In trucking and logistics, the workforce conversation usually revolves around drivers or warehouse workers. But as the industry becomes more strategic and tech savvy, it's just as important to develop the managers and leaders operating supply chains.

Get more details at Fast Company.

FAST LANE

DASH CAM: Video shows truck losing control, jackknifing

AI IN TRUCKING: Five ways truck brokers are using AI

WEIGH-IN-MOTION: NYC wants to expand WIM tech to more regions

EGGSPLOSION: Truck crash spills eggs, meat, produce on Calif. freeway

SEEN & HEARD

"Time is the enemy of truck demand predictions."- Rick Mihelic, North American Council for Freight Efficiency

How many times have you heard predictions and forecasts about the trucking industry's recovery? The truth is, it's really difficult to know what will actually happen, which in turn makes it challenging for OEMs and fleet executives to plan ahead. The key is to be nimble and flexible to quickly react to any changes, as Mihelic of NACFE writes in this article.

ROAD REPORT

Fleet sues EPA over California emissions rules

H.R. Ewell, an 80-year-old trucking company, is suing the Environmental Protection Agency. The trucking firm wants to block the EPA from granting waivers to California and allowing the state to enforce different emissions standards from the federal government.

Why this matters: H.R. Ewell is Pennsylvania-based, but the state automatically adopts new California emissions standards for heavy diesel engines. The trucking firm claims the costs of buying new, emissions-friendly trucks would financially devastate its business. (Pacific Legal)

Lawmakers introduce bill to give drivers overtime pay

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill that would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. If passed, the legislation would require that drivers are paid overtime for working more than 40 hours per week.

Why this matters: Current laws were designed to prevent drivers from being overworked, but that hasn't necessarily been the reality, and drivers don't receive compensation for their extra time on the clock. If passed, the bill could change the way fleet execs pay their drivers. (Land Line)

Insurer reveals tell-tale signs of a risky fleet

It doesn't take long to spot a risky trucking company, according to one insurer. Unclear safety policies, ineffective training and high driver turnover are some of the signs that a fleet is operating at high risk. Even organization, like a clean yard with trailers parked in a row, can indicate if a company is professionally run.

Why this matters: Without proper protocols, a fleet puts drivers and the public at risk while exposing itself to potentially higher insurance premiums and lawsuits. At a time when insurance costs and nuclear verdicts have soared, it's in a trucking firm's best interest to mitigate as many risks as possible. (Truck News)

CONNECTED FLEET

Highway dismisses allegations of snooping on ELD data

As owner-operators raise concerns about Highway, a carrier vetting platform, and its ELD integrations, Highway is denying any allegations. Highway says it doesn't track carriers outside specific load agreements or require login credentials for ELDs.

Why this matters: Small fleets have voiced concerns about security of their data as more systems are connected or centralized through technology. Without proper safeguards, trucking firms could be vulnerable to cyber attacks. (Overdrive)

AGENDA

FMCSA names an acting administrator

Adrienne Camire will serve as acting administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Camire previously was chief counsel for the Federal Highway Administration during the first Trump administration.

Why this matters: The head of the FMCSA can set the direction of the agency, guiding the safety regulations that govern trucking. It's notable, however, that an acting administrator and not a permanent administrator was named, signaling a possible lack of long-term direction for the agency. (Transport Topics)