One-year growth guide for small fleets

Plus: Is the truck-parking shortage a myth?

Is the truck-parking shortage a myth? A new study challenges the notion that a lack of available spots is the real problem.

Also in today's issue, we're sharing expert advice on how to develop a growth map for your company and how to stay in compliance and avoid misclassification if you work with both owner-operators and drivers.

First, though, check out this video. Can we say, tight squeeze? It takes some serious skill to back into this narrow dock.

ROADSIDE READS

Shortage or no shortage. Trucking's eternal debate continues, but this time it's not about drivers. A new study argues there's actually no truck parking shortage. Read the findings here.

On our playlist. This podcast discusses a common mindset (and how to shift it) in the trucking world: the concept of "us vs. them" and "drivers vs. office" instead of one cohesive company working to a common goal.

The best fleets. 400+ commenters and counting are weighing in on the best trucking companies they've ever worked for. Agree or disagree with their takes?

Truck BBQ? A fire department in Missouri responded to the scene of a truck in flames. In the trailer: 40,000 pounds of ribeye steaks, probably a little too far past medium rare.

IN NUMBERS

12,700

The number of Class 8 truck orders in July, falling well below July's 10-year average of 19,974 units. Fleet executives are treading cautiously due to tariffs and an uncertain freight market.

Source: Logistics Management

INDUSTRY VOICES

A guide to one-year growth maps for small fleets

"You don’t need 100 trucks to build a strong business. You need strong systems."

That's the message from Adam Wingfield, founder and managing director of Innovative Logistics Group. He outlines how to make a one-year growth map for your trucking company to help keep the business grounded, including baseline audits and aligning your team around the plan.

Why this matters: Small business fleet owners have a lot on their plates and don't have time to waste pursuing unspecific goals or metrics that don't line up with a broader business plan. Having a well-thought-out plan and referencing it frequently can be the key to steady growth.

Get more details at FreightWaves.

FAST LANE

JOINT SUIT: Justice Dept. joins Daimler, Paccar lawsuit against CARB

"PREVENTABLE TRAGEDY": DOT blasts states, CDL violations after Florida crash

TRUCK RECALL: Volvo, Mack recall trucks due to steering issue

RISING RATES: Van spot rates post highest increases in six weeks

TRAFFIC STOP: Port of Baltimore channel reopens after ship explosion

CNG STREAK: Love's opens 106th compressed natural gas site

ROAD REPORT

Staying in compliance when working with owner-operators

Trucking fleets that contract with owner-operators face some common pitfalls. They may unintentionally use their employed drivers and independent contractors interchangeably, or they could provide too many assets or exercise too much control over workers. On top of that, regulations at the federal and state levels are constantly changing, like Trump's Labor Department saying it wouldn't enforce Biden-era contractor rules.

Why this matters: Labor attorneys say that keeping on top of documentation is essential to avoid misclassification issues. A solid written agreement is a must-have, and distinguishing the services your contractors provide versus your own drivers is important. (Heavy Duty Trucking)

CONNECTED FLEET

Financial pressures, customer expectations create climate ripe for AI

Artificial intelligence is taking the trucking industry by storm, and it's not only because the technology is trendy right now. Shippers are demanding real-time information, and automation helps deliver that by connecting dispatching and load management systems. Similarly, fleets' bottom lines are strained, and AI can improve operational efficiency, cutting back some costs.

Why this matters: If your fleet isn't using AI yet, it's time to get on board. Industries near and far are rapidly adopting the technology, and the benefits that come from AI (like real-time data, for one) are becoming table stakes. (Fleet Owner)