The Fleet Lead

These are the major headlines in trucking, as of December 18: California is suing DOT over terminated transportation funding DOT is also threatening New York's funding over non-domiciled CDL practices Oregon is ending the Trusted Carrier Partner program Prime Inc. faces part of a $44M nuclear verdict Legislators launch trucking caucus Trailer orders fell sharply Diesel dropped 6 cents

Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport and new chairman of the American Trucking Associations, dives into industry issues with Jason McDaniel. They discuss the contrast between driver shortages and the importance of qualified drivers, emphasizing the need for innovative safety solutions. Hodgen also highlights the challenges posed by regulations and tort reform, outlining his cautious optimism for 2026. He reflects on the trucking sector's vital role and stresses the significance of sustainable practices in the industry.

These are the major headlines in trucking, as of December 11: For-hire fleets getting acquired or downsizing Aurora expands autonomous truck operations Wreaths Across America Day is here Diesel prices dropped by 9 cents

Dean Croke, a senior analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics and a passionate advocate for trucking causes, discusses his heartfelt involvement with Wreaths Across America. He shares insights on the origins of the charity and the poignant multi-day convoy to Arlington. Croke highlights the trucking community's dedication to honoring service members, the role of social media in connecting drivers, and the importance of volunteering. His vibrant storytelling showcases why this mission resonates deeply within the industry.

The Fleet Lead’s editors share a retrospective on 2025 and a look ahead to 2026, focusing on the industry’s latest problems: freight demand and regulatory uncertainty. In 2025, the three-year economic slump continued to drag on. Fleets and manufacturers struggled to plan for the future as a new administration muddied the industry’s future. Electric vehicle hype died down. How will these challenges take shape in 2026, and who will come out on top? Featuring John Hitch from Fleet Maintenance, Josh Fisher from FleetOwner, Kevin Jones from Trailer Body Builders, and Jason McDaniel from Bulk Transporter. Timestamps: 1:07 - The never-ending recession 5:41 - Driver quality 8:15 - FET repeal: Pipedream? 11:37 - EVs on the backburner 15:25 - Tariff impacts 23:05 - Looking for a positive outlook Predictions for 2026 32:57 - Josh Fisher: Autonomous trucking 33:51 - Jason McDaniel: No pre-buy & tech integration 36:25 - Kevin Jones: Market share shakeup 37:15 - John Hitch: AI tools

These are the major headlines in trucking, as of December 4: FMCSA improves ELD review Truck orders continue to plummet FCMSA removes 3,000 CDL training providers Minnesota’s non-domiciled CDLs are in FMCSA’s crosshairs 10 Roads Express is shutting down Diesel prices dropped 7 cents

Join Suzanne Varghese, a U.S. Navy veteran and recruiter at Ryder, as she shares her insights on hiring veterans for technician roles. She highlights how military experience enhances teamwork, dedication, and reliability in the workplace. Learn effective recruiting strategies, from connecting with military installations to interviewing techniques tailored for veterans. Varghese also emphasizes the importance of certifications and mentoring to help veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers. It's a must-listen for any organization looking to enrich their workforce with skilled and disciplined personnel.

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Sass, Vice President of Marketing at Hendrickson, shares insights from his leadership role in this prominent manufacturer of heavy-duty suspensions. He delves into Hendrickson's 'Beyond Suspensions' strategy, emphasizing the importance of U.S. manufacturing and the benefits of local sourcing. Sass tackles the myth that aftermarket sales thrive during downturns, and how downturns can actually present unique opportunities for growth and capacity building. He also reflects on the lasting legacy of its innovative products.

The major headlines from the week of Nov. 24 in trucking, just before Thanksgiving: Bollinger Motors is no more Demand for Class 8 equipment is very weak Industrial production is doing even worse than expected The first all-new Mack Pioneers have been delivered Diesel prices dropped 4 cents

Volvo Trucks North America launched its new VNL and VNR models in the middle of the prolonged freight recession. While OEMs don't choose the market conditions when they develop a new truck, Peter Voorhoeve, president of VTNA, points to the bright side: the models' fuel efficiency can be a critical tool for carriers' bottom line. In this episode of the Fleet Lead, Josh Fisher talks with Volvo's Voorhoeve about fleets' equipment acquisition strategies, the current environment of uncertainty, and electric vehicle adoption. 2:07: New trucks launch in longest freight recession 3:42: Fuel savings and equipment replacement advice 7:47: Electric truck focus is waning 11:30: Global strategy and regional markets