Plus: CDL revocations stir tension| AI reshapes fleet compliance
The first full week of 2026 is in the books and it seems like everyone has a prediction about how the year is going to look. We're sharing a few forecasted trends for the trucking industry—what would you add to the lists?
Also in today's issue, states are in hot water with the Department of Transportation over CDLs and revocations, and one Congressman is spearheading a new caucus dedicated to trucking-related issues.
But first, a relatable (yet very frustrating!) meme.
⬇️ $3.459
AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 01/12, DOWN -0.018¢
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Top trends. Experts forecast three big trends and make three predictions for the trucking industry this year. Do you agree with their takes?
Secret to success. An in-depth look at how one mid-sized fleet is surviving through recessions and a down freight market.
Settle or battle? A new report from The American Transportation Research Institute delves deep into trucking litigation trends. ATRI's Alex Leslie shares the highlights in this video.
Freight market. The podcast "#The Freight Coach" with host Chris Jolly discussed tips for the spot market and running ops no matter the state of rates.
How money leaks out of small trucking businesses
It's one thing for a trucking company to understand its finances, whether it's costs per mile or fuel charges. But it's a whole other thing to form a profit plan that guides decision-making, writes Adam Wingfield of Innovative Logistics Group.
Without a solid plan, carriers may accept loads based on gut feelings or vibes. "That gap—between awareness and application—is where money leaks out quietly every single week," Wingfield writes.
Why this matters: The current freight environment has left some carriers desperate, accepting loads without really crunching the numbers. But the most successful fleets have clarity on what they should, and shouldn't, accept, giving them confidence even in a down market. (FreightWaves)
SUDDEN CHANGE: Class 8 orders spike to highest since Oct. 2022
DRIVER PURGE: USPS to phase out unvetted, non-domiciled truckers
PAY UP: Texas fleet ordered to pay driver $100K after illegal firing
NEW CHAPTER: Family-owned Dart Transit sold to private equity
CLEAN TRUCKS: Washington state to launch zero-emission incentive program
FUTURE'S HERE: Electric Class 8 truck wireless charged at 65 mph
"Highway safety is a bipartisan issue. American prosperity is a bipartisan issue. These things shouldn't drive a wedge between us."
- Rep. David Taylor (R-Ohio)
Taylor is launching and spearheading the first-ever Congressional Trucking Caucus, which will focus on legislation designed to improve road safety and ensure trucking businesses are prosperous. So far, the caucus is garnering interest from both sides of the political aisle. The Congressman discusses it with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. (OOIDA)
DOT cracks down, withholds funds from states over CDLs
The Department of Transportation is withholding $160 million of funding from California due to the state's postponement of CDL revocations. Meanwhile, the agency is also threatening millions in lost funding for North Carolina, claiming that more than half of the state's non-domiciled CDLs were issued illegally.
Why this matters: For fleet executives, the issue at hand isn't so much navigating state funding, but staying abreast of any changes that result from the DOT's crackdown. If states revoke licenses or enact stricter policies for issuing new CDLs, that may influence the available driver pool. (The Trucker)
AI can help speed driver onboarding, compliance
The capabilities for AI in trucking keep emerging. The latest: using AI to quicken onboarding and automate compliance checks. For example, the technology could verify a driver's documents, such as CDLs and medical certificates. It could also automatically flag any changes to CDL status, along with a digital paper trail of any alterations.
Why this matters: With recent changes to non-domiciled CDLs and return-to-duty processes for drivers who failed drug tests, staying compliant has become more complex. Automated processes could reduce manual and tedious paperwork for fleet executives, allowing them to remain compliant and focus on running their businesses. (Inc.)
Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.
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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.
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