Diesel prices still aren't letting up, with impacts rippling from small businesses to major corporations. One trucking exec even says he's ready to make a big EV investment as a result. 

Meanwhile, could an upcoming trade deal renegotiation throw cross-border trucking for a loop?

Before we dive in, here's a little cartoon that might make you laugh or cry or both!

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 06/01, DOWN -0.173¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

The ripple effect. This article takes a deep look at the impact of diesel spikes on Chicago truckers and companies—and in turn, consumers. One trucking COO even plans to "aggressively add Tesla EV Semis later this year" to guard against cost uncertainty. 

Keep updated. What's the latest on tariffs and refunds, and how does it all impact small businesses? This guide breaks it down.

SCOTUS: What's next? An attorney writes about the expected impact of the Supreme Court ruling on broker liability, and how carrier selection might be about to change. 

Honoring truckers. In this video, meet a driver who was welcomed into the National Private Truck Council’s Driver Hall of Fame.

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Nussbaum hikes pay for its truck drivers

Nussbaum Transportation is raising driver pay in the largest compensation update in recent company history. OTR drivers get an increase of 3 cents per mile, higher weekly guarantees and profit sharing, while new drivers earn a $3,000 bonus. The top 30% of OTR drivers were already earning six-figures, and Nussbaum expects that number to rise significantly. 

Simply put, truck driving is "a job that can be quite challenging,” said Bill Wettstein, president of Nussbaum Transportation. “They deserve this pay increase."

Why this matters: While pay isn’t the only factor for drivers, it’s certainly a big part of their decision to stay with their employer or jump ship to a different fleet. If other fleets follow suit, this might be a sign that the driver market is about to get a lot more competitive. (CCJ Digital)

NO GO: SCOTUS tosses Florida lawsuit over CDLs to undocumented immigrants 

PRICE HIKE: Walmart warns prices to increase due to high fuel costs

HEAVY DUTY: Congressman proposes upping truck weight limit to 91,000 pounds

TALENT PIPELINE: Education Dept. establishes grants to make CDL and diesel technician schools eligible for student aid

 FREIGHT MARKET: Rate boost hasn't strengthened fleet finances yet, trucking lender says 

MAJOR CRIME: Trucker charged with homicide after co-driver’s body found on road shoulder

 "It's the freedom of the open road.”
- Jennifer Hartung, driver and founder of Hart-Driven Foundation 

Being a truck driver, no doubt, has its downsides and challenges. But Hartung says one of the best things about the job is being on your own, sleeping when you want, doing what you want and getting to explore new places. On this podcast, she talks about her personal trucking journey and her work launching a foundation aimed at strengthening the trucking community. (Truckin’ with Tamie)

FREIGHT
Could trade deal review dent cross-border trucking?
Freight hauls across the U.S. and Mexico borders typically surge in the spring, and 2026 has been no exception. But a review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is coming up in July. If talks stall, analysts suspect trucking volumes across the border could take a hit, and border processing times may lengthen. 

Why this matters: If cross-border freight is a big part of your trucking company’s business, the USMCA negotiations are worth watching. Having a contingency plan—like picking up extra domestic business—may be worth it in case there’s a temporary blip for trucking across the border. (Land Line)

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