Learning from mistakes

Plus: Rick Perry on autonomous trucks and small-fleet data pitfalls

Sometimes we learn the most from our mistakes. Today, we're sharing a few first-hand experiences from small business trucking owners on what went well and what they wouldn't do again.

Meanwhile, one politician is calling autonomous trucks a "necessity." Agree or disagree? Read his take and vote in our poll 👍 👎

First though, here's what to expect from "Mother Trucker," an in-the-works comedy about a thirty-something who discovers her long-lost mom is a big-rig driver.

IN NUMBERS

8.8%

The average amount that commercial auto insurance premiums rose in Q2.

Source: Trucking Dive

ROADSIDE READS

Is bigger better? We’re reading the story of one trucking owner with 40 years in the industry and the strategies he used to right-size his fleet.

Top to bottom. This ranking rates the best states for truck drivers (and the worst ones).

Glass half full. The latest small business report shows that owners are the most optimistic they've been since January. Dig into the full data here.

Dos and don'ts. A super trucker who recently obtained a lease-purchase truck shares what not to do, in this reel.

INDUSTRY VOICES

‘National necessity:’ A politician’s take on autonomous trucking

“Autonomy is not a threat; it is a necessity.”

That’s the word from former Energy Secretary and Texas Gov. Rick Perry. He notes that autonomous trucking is not about replacing humans, but about addressing major issues in the industry, such as driver shortages, rising costs and global competition.

Perry advocates for further advances in autonomous trucking, noting that it’s no longer just a tech experiment.

Why this matters: Industry-wide, views are split on autonomous trucking. But as more tech companies, OEMs and fleets hit public roads with AVs, there’s an undeniable need for safety standards, compliance and other regulations to govern driverless trucks.

Get more details at Fox News.

FAST LANE

DRIVER DATA: Truck jobs decline while wage growth picks up

FUEL UP: Circle K partners with Relay for fleet fuel payments

PARKING PLEASE: Trucking groups push DOT for more parking

MIXED REVIEW: Trucking divided on FMCSA's safety data process

CHECK 1, 2: Florida bill proposes weigh stations verify CDLs, ELP

BIG MILESTONE: Volvo reaches 1M digitally connected trucks globally

ROAD REPORT

Truck OEMs feel the pressure of tariffs

Truck manufacturers—even the ones who have shifted much of their production to the U.S.—are feeling the effects of tariffs. The president of Mack Trucks North America says his company is paying tariffs on individual components sourced outside the U.S. instead of the complete vehicle, and in some instances that results in higher tariff costs.

Why this matters: If OEMs see higher costs, they'll raise their prices, and fleets in need of equipment will have to pay up. As a result, many motor carriers may delay purchases until the market is more stable or opt to lease/buy used equipment instead. But each trucking owner will have to weigh the pros and cons of their equipment-buying decisions. (Truck News)

CONNECTED FLEET

Small fleets actively evaluate, embrace AI

Trucking and logistics companies are getting on board with AI, with multiple studies showing high degrees of "AI readiness." According to one consultant at Escalent, which produces a Fleet Technology Index, the small fleets are showing the most promise. Their aggregate core tech score rose 23% YoY.

Why this matters: While large trucking companies often have more abundant resources, allowing them to become early adopters of technology, small motor carriers aren't wasting time in the AI race. In some cases, they can be even more nimble and adept at incorporating technology than large organizations that have multiple layers of approval and adoption. (CCJ Digital)