Safety is in the spotlight. An investigation reveals worrying data around inspections and fatal crashes, while a court case rewrites the rules on how brokers vet motor carriers and their safety records.

Plus, diesel keeps going up, and one analyst said small spot market carriers are “getting crushed.” Has that been your experience too? Reply to this email and let us know what you’re experiencing.

Before we get going, check this out: California Highway Patrol pulled over a truck whose trailer was literally dangling off. “The tractor-trailer was found to be in violation,” CHP said … you don’t say!

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 09/21, UP 0.244¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Trucking investigation. This investigative report uncovered some unsettling data: truck traffic is rising, roadside inspections are falling, and there’s a direct connection between lacking inspections and fatal crashes.

80 years in biz. This feature article shares the story of Otto Transfer, a family trucking business that started operations in 1946 as a livestock hauler and now focuses on power poles and lumber.

Out with the old … and in with the new Kenworth C580. This video tours PACCAR's Technical Center for an early look at the C580 and how it preserves elements of the iconic C500.

Going viral. A truck driver spent his free time building a massive model of New York City with balsa wood and foam board. It went viral on TikTok, and now it’s in a museum.

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Coleman talks about dashcams, distracted driving and coaching driver behavior. But one particular part of in-cab tech that’s relevant today: how to use it to improve fuel economy. (That’s Delivered)

DIESEL DOUBLES: Small spot market carriers “getting crushed” as diesel prices rise

FUEL CARRIERS: FMCSA waives HOS for truckers hauling gas, diesel shipments

SCAM WARNING: Scammers sending emails impersonating FMCSA Motus system

RAIL WIN? Freight shifting from truck to rail due to diesel costs, Union Pacific claims

TRUCK REWARDS: Ports of L.A., Long Beach draft zero-emission truck incentives up to $36K annually

LATE ARRIVAL: USPS overhauls transportation, rural customers see delivery delays

Don’t ignore the fallout from the CHR broker liability case

The C.H. Robinson broker liability lawsuit might have fundamentally changed how carriers get picked. Brokers face big liability exposures, which means they’re aggressively purging their carrier networks. Any motor carrier with a poor safety record—or a lack of records that show they’re safe—might get the boot.

“If a broker can’t defend why they chose your truck over another in front of a jury, you’re going to struggle getting freight,” writes Chad Krueger of the Central Analysis Bureau.

Why this matters: It’s no longer enough to be safe. Trucking fleets need a paper trail and clear record that proves they run a safe operation. Krueger’s advice is to actively manage inspection data and safety records, ensuring they clearly communicate what kind of carrier you are—so that shippers and brokers keep coming back for your services. (CCJ Digital)

J.B. Hunt is shelling out millions to recruit, train drivers

J.B. Hunt will spend an additional $25 million this quarter on driver recruitment, advertising, onboarding, training and sign-on bonuses. The reason: capacity and supply keeps tightening. As the trucking firm’s intermodal president, Darren Field, put it: “The need for drayage drivers has never been higher.”

Why this matters: For a trucking company that brings in billions every quarter, $25M isn’t a huge expense. But it’s a sign that drivers are in demand, and fleets are pulling from a shrinking pool of talent. Fleet execs at smaller motor carriers may want to prepare for a more competitive hiring environment and continue to focus on doing everything they can to retain current drivers. (Fleet Owner)

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