Axing trucking regs?

DOT wants feedback on which regs need to change

Axing trucking regs?
Photo by Christopher Paul High / Unsplash

AI is taking all kinds of industries by storm, and trucking is no exception. One expert says it's time to get on board, or fall far behind. 

Meanwhile, if you have thoughts on which trucking regulations should be modified or eliminated, now's your chance. The Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on how to change existing regulations. 

Plus, a driver's morning routine, and a lucky trucker scores huge wins at the lottery. 

ROADSIDE READS

Safe or sneaky? This month, Pennsylvania state police are hiding in construction vehicles while they watch for speeding and distracted driving.

A morning routine. This video shows how one trucker starts his day. The essentials: a little exercise and a nice steaming cup of coffee ☕

Good luck truck. A driver won the $1 million grand prize after purchasing two lottery tickets. 

Is it spring yet? When mother nature has different plans for the road. 

IN NUMBERS

278

The number of lanes Roadrunner is adding to its LTL network. Source: Trucking Dive

INDUSTRY VOICES

AI provides the next layer of intelligence beyond TMS

If a fleet isn't using AI, it's falling behind. 

That's the opinion of Jyot Singh, CEO and Founder of RTS Labs, who notes the vast potential of AI in the trucking industry and its ability to create a competitive advantage for carriers who embrace the technology. AI is especially useful when used to take transportation management systems to the next level.

"AI enables a more intelligent layer above the TMS—one that predicts, adapts and optimizes dynamically, often in real time," Singh writes.

Why this matters: Advances in technology are not simply about having a shiny new tool. AI can significantly help a company forecast and adapt, and the ones who adopt the tech may win more shippers' business. 

Get more details at Transport Topics.

FAST LANE

SPLIT TRAILER: Truck, train collide cutting trailer in half

TRUCK HEIST: $6M worth of trucks stolen in Florida

SAFETY LAPSE? Study shows FMCSA enforcement down 60%

SERIES A: Cross-border freight startup secures $12M funding

ROAD REPORT

Trump's DOT solicits ideas to reduce regulations

As part of the Trump administration's directive to reduce regulations, the Department of Transportation is looking for feedback from small businesses, carriers, trade organizations and more. The agency wants to know which existing regulations could be modified or pulled back while still ensuring safe transportation systems.

Why this matters: Trucking groups often advocate for fewer or reduced regulations that allow fleet owners to conduct business without burden. Seeking comments directly from the fleets who operate in the sector could provide a meaningful way to modify regulations in a way that best serves the industry. (FreightWaves)


Trucking groups support bill against staged crashes

A bill introduced in Congress would crack down on criminals staging crashes, with a prison sentence of at least 20 years for causing a collision that results in serious bodily harm. The American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association voiced their support for the legislation.


Why this matters: Crimes such as staged crashes manipulate the legal system and can lead to lawsuits against trucking companies. That raises costs for fleet operators, insurance companies and, ultimately, consumers. (American Trucking Associations)


The state of truck parking in the United States

In a new report, the American Transportation Research Institute released details about ongoing truck parking shortages in the U.S. For every 11 drivers, there's only one available parking spot, and parking availability varies significantly by region. 

Why this matters: Parking is essential for drivers to have a safe place to rest between their hours of service, yet there continue to be gaps between needed spaces and those that exist. (Truck News)

CONNECTED FLEET

Knight-Swift outfits 15,000 trucks with dash cams

Knight-Swift is putting Netradyne dash cams on 15,500 trucks in its fleet. The camera technology includes real-time, in-cab audio alerts, giving drivers accident warnings or guidance to make safe decisions on the road.


Why this matters: While some truckers have noted hesitance toward dash cams, fearing their invasiveness, many drivers and fleet managers are embracing the technology as a way to ensure safe operations. (CCJ Digital)

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

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