Trucking blasts planned tariffs

Trump's tariffs on U.S. neighbors are on hold for now, but that didn't stop major trucking groups from calling out the dangers of tariffs and the thousands of dollars in costs that trucking firms could incur. The price of a new truck could skyrocket by tens-of-thousands, analysts predict. Plus, carrier exits might be about to do a 180. 

Trucking industry blasts Trump over planned tariffs

Tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico are on pause for now, but if they resume, trucking groups see big headwinds coming for the industry. 

Tariffs could lower freight volumes and increase carrier costs, just as the industry is finally coming out of its long recession. In fact, the American Trucking Associations said tariffs could bump up the price of a new tractor by $35,000. 

Additionally, higher costs for importers would likely be passed down to consumers, which could result in fewer purchases and less freight to haul. 

Why this matters: The tariffs would disrupt imports, exports and supply chains—and that means disruption, freight changes and an overall lack of predictability for carriers.

Get more details Land Line. 

What we love to see: Beautiful shots of a starry night sky photographed by a trucker.

What we’re following: How states are regulating autonomous trucks. A Colorado lawmaker introduced a bill that requires a CDL holder in an AV, and it's not the first state to do so. 

What we're listening to: This Spotify playlist aptly named "Overnight Driving" with some perfect tracks for passing time on the road. 

What we're reading: The story of Ken Brodeur, who didn't get into trucking until he was 55 years old, but carved out a unique niche for his business. 

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Trucking capacity set to tick back up in 2025

Following a big exodus of carrier capacity in 2023, exits slowed in 2024. Now, analysts forecast capacity will actually grow in 2025, with one economic outlook predicting a 30% increase in new carrier registrations. 

Why this matters: Capacity won't swell to pandemic-era levels, per analysts, but modest rate increases could bring more carriers into the market. (Fleet Owner)

Trump admin signals backdown from contractor rule

The Labor Department is pausing its legal defense of the Biden-era rule on independent contractors. The rule determines if and how a business can classify workers as employees or contractors.

Why this matters: Trucking is among the industries most impacted by regulations related to contracting, due to the large number of owner-operators that help keep supply chains moving. (Bloomberg Law)

Truck technology, safety systems need driver buy-in

Truckers aren't always receptive to in-cab technologies, calling them distracting and leading some drivers to disable systems. The key is for fleet managers to ensure systems are effective and resonate with driver priorities. 

Why this matters: As fleet execs install or update safety systems, they need to make sure the tech works in practice for drivers. For example, a loud buzz or alert could do more harm than good. (CCJ Digital)

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