Fleets face higher costs, more risk

Plus: Tax breaks | Navigating regulations

As insurance costs soar and more carriers file for bankruptcy, we're sharing tips to make the most of new tax policies, plus an event focused on running a profitable trucking business.

Plus, is it worthwhile to carve out time to comment on proposed FMCSA regulations?

But first, enjoy this scenic time-lapse view from the driver's seat.

⬆️ $3.125

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 8/18, UP 0.007¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

Mark your calendars. In October, the OOIDA Foundation will host a three-day seminar called Truck To Success, focused on what you need to know to run a profitable trucking business. There are both in-person sessions and online courses. Details here.

Tax breaks. This guide provides tips for small businesses to maximize savings and tax deductions as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Job offer. Truckers celebrate (and are a little jealous of) this driver's new job and rig.

Truck show champion. A short Facebook video will warm your heart—a son restores his dad's old Kenworth truck and takes Dad+Truck to a trucking show.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Carving out time for FMCSA regulatory changes

Rush out the door, guzzle down coffee, hop from meeting to meeting, put out a fire in between. Sound familiar?

The life of a fleet manager is plenty busy, and the thought of taking time in an already full day to comment on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulatory proposals seems impossible. But Steve Vaughn of the PrePass Safety Alliance says, that mindset is exactly the problem.

"The most impactful comments come from carriers who have stories to share," Vaughn writes.

Why this matters: Commenting on dozens of proposed regulations won't be a good use of a fleet executive's time, but picking one or two issues closest to your fleet could be worthwhile. It's a short-term action for potentially long-term gains.

Get more details at Fleet Owner.

FAST LANE

CLEAR IT UP: ATA asks DOT for more clarity on marijuana classification change

RECORD HIGH: Insurance premiums for commercial vehicles reach highest numbers to date

VOLUME DIP: Freight volumes fall in July YoY and MoM as tariffs hit shipments

TRUCKING TREND: Eight carriers file for bankruptcy, two more halt operations

FATAL CRASH: Trucker kills three in illegal U-turn, faces vehicular homicide

MORE PARKING: Wawa to open first travel center with truck parking, diesel lanes

SEEN & HEARD

"Since the ELD mandate came into play, it really leveled the playing field. A small carrier has just as much technology in their truck as a large carrier does, and it really allows the small carriers to have a service level that is much closer to on par with the large carriers."- Kendra Phillips, Ryder

Phillips leads managed transportation and brokerage for Ryder System, which means she works with a broad array of trucking carriers, from large to small. One of her observations: technology has been a big enabler for smaller carriers, and brokers have become much more tech-savvy over the years. Listen to her interview on "The Logistics of Logistics" podcast here.

ROAD REPORT

How to properly preserve evidence in the event of a crash

No doubt, ensuring the driver isn't harmed is the immediate first step after a crash happens. Following that, fleet executives should be sure to preserve various forms of evidence to protect drivers, the company's reputation and any possible legal battles, according to experts. If the driver is safe, they can take photos and videos at the scene. Electronic data and dash cam videos are also important. And these records should be preserved for months, if not years, after the crash occurs.

Why this matters: Personal injury attorneys are going after trucking fleets, even when the cause of the crash is murky. Motor carriers must secure their defenses and be ready to prove who, or what exactly, was at fault. (Heavy Duty Trucking)

CONNECTED FLEET

New API takes aim at LTL billing transparency

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association has debuted an application programming interface (API) with the goal of making improvements to billing transparency for LTL freight. Throughout the shipment process, the API provides real-time visibility and notifications related to freight bill charges. It can also alert stakeholders to potential discrepancies in billing before it's time for the final invoice.

Why this matters: Freight goes through many steps, modes and changes of hand throughout its lifecycle, and that leaves the supply chain vulnerable to errors in admin processes such as billing. With greater visibility for carriers, shippers and 3PLs, the parties can spot and resolve money-related issues before it's time to settle the bill. (Commercial Carrier Journal)