The terrible domino effect of tariffs
Plus: MPG is getting better | 2025 regs agenda released
The truth about tariffs points to the potential for less freight being shipped and hauled. While we don’t yet know the full impact of President-elect Trump’s tariff promises, the outlook for freight isn’t looking great. Find out what the analysts have to say.
A note from the editor: Thank you for being a part of The Inside Lane this year. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading the newsletter as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it for you. Our final edition of the year will be published on Dec. 30, and we’ll return in full swing on Jan. 6. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!
What we're admiring: A Michigan-based trucking company decorating its tractors and trailers in festive Christmas trees and lights.
What we're reading: This in-depth feature article diving into LTL carrier Saia's 100th year in operation.
What's pulling at our heart strings: This post about a driver whose dog and loyal trucking companion passed away. The comments are filled with other drivers sharing their stories of pets keeping them company during long hauls.
What we're looking at: Photos and trucking scenes from this past weekend's National Wreaths Across America Day.
Trucking gets sneak peek of rules, regulations in 2025
The White House's Office of Management and Budget's twice-annual regulatory agenda just came out, offering some clues as to what trucking can expect in 2025.
Rules surrounding speed limiters and automatic emergency brakes are on track to publish as scheduled, and next summer could see new rules related to electronic logging devices.
The next head of the FMCSA will also play a big role in key trucking safety issues.
Why this matters: Fleets, no matter their size, are carefully regulated and must pay close attention to any new rules and regulations that could impact their operations.
Get more details Commercial Carrier Journal.
- TRUCK BANKRUPTCY: Fleet hauling coal, logs files for Ch. 11
- DRUG BUST: Officer discovers $14M drugs in trailer
- NEW RECORD: Schneider clocks 6 million zero-emission miles
- MERGE LANE: DAT acquires Trucker Tools, expanding real-time GPS
Tariffs could threaten the trucking industry's recovery
If Donald Trump implements his planned tariffs, the trucking industry could take a hit. Think of it as a chain reaction, one supply chain expert described: Tariffs raise prices. Higher prices lessen demand. Lower demand means less freight to haul.
Why this matters: Amid trucking's long recession, many execs and analysts have started to predict a turnaround as capacity exits and rates rise. Tariffs could derail that progress. (Reuters)
Fleets make big strides in fuel efficiency over last 2 years
On average, trucking fleets clocked in 7.77 miles per gallon in 2023, a 4.2% improvement over the year before, according to a new study by The North American Council for Freight Efficiency. The gains come alongside increased adoption of tech, like powertrains and idle reduction.
Why this matters: MPG improvements are a win-win, lowering fleets' costs, improving efficiency and helping the environment. (Truck News)
Driver engagement is a vital part of safety culture
Safety culture at trucking firms is often a top-down approach, where leadership devises goals and reinforcements around safety. But it doesn't work if drivers aren't bought in. A handful of executives shared their top tips to engage drivers in the fleet's safety culture.
Why this matters: Recognizing and rewarding good driving behavior is one way to ensure safety permeates throughout the organization. (Heavy Duty Trucking)
Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.
Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter twice a week. Be safe out there!
The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.
Comments ()