When it comes to new technology, there’s often a vocal minority screaming no. We’re sharing the lessons learned from Werner’s dash cam installation, along with the pros and cons of AI in trucking.

Meanwhile, heavy-duty truck orders and spot rates are on the rise. Contract rates? Not so much.

And for a quick laugh before we get into it, this relatable meme shows how some drivers spend their mandated break.

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 07/14, UP 0.218¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

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Lost and found. You’d think it would be hard to misplace a Class 8 tractor. But one trucking startup, which initially set out to rival Tesla’s Semi truck, did exactly that. This is a really interesting read on the startup’s crazy journey.

Pros and cons. This article looks at the dual reality of AI in trucking. Speed and efficiency? Yes. Freight fraud? Also yes …

Relief at the pump. See which states are continuing to pause fuel taxes for diesel to give truckers a much-needed break.

Caution: heavy load. This truck was way over the weight limit while hauling a full load of tomatoes—check out the photos here. Giant bowl of spaghetti, anyone? 🍝

Truck orders ⬆️ trucking revenue ⬆️

The early numbers are in from June: Class 8 truck orders surged, according to two different data sources. FTR reported a 241% year-over-year jump, while ACT said Class 8 orders were up 231% over last June.

Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT Research, says it’s a clear sign that trucking carriers are bringing in the dough as rates rise. "As we say, truckers only buy trucks when they make money,” he wrote.

Why this matters: All the signs are pointing to a trucking market recovery. If you’re in the market for new equipment, it might be time to order sooner rather than later—before order books start filling up. (CCJ Digital)

RULE CHANGE: EPA proposes reversing Biden-era emissions regulation

COURT BATTLE: California, FMCSA face off on federal funding loss over CDLs

NO DEAL: Canadian Trucking Alliance says uncertainty coming for cross-border trucking after the U.S. didn’t approve the USMCA extension

LATE DEBUT: Cummins postpones 10-liter X10 and 7-liter B-Series engine launches

VERDICT’S IN: Jury awards $104M against trucking company in wrongful death suit

PARKING GRANTS: DOT allocates $61.7M to add truck parking spaces

In an interview with Fleet Owner, Cassidy talks about Werner's tech journey, installing multiple cameras in cabs. Usually, there’s a bell curve with technology, with a vocal minority against installation. But with cameras that actually help drivers operate their trucks, Cassidy says that hasn’t been the case. (Fleet Owner)

RATES
Spot rates higher than contract rates for the first time since February 2022

Spot rates have climbed above the $3 per mile threshold, according to DAT data. For dry van, June rates were up 11 cents from May. And flatbed spot rates reached a record high. Meanwhile, van and reefer contract rates fell from May to June.

Why this matters: The gap between spot and contracts means that shrinking capacity, not spiking demand, is fueling higher freight rates. Small business trucking fleets operating on the spot market have a chance to take advantage of these favorable conditions (for a change!) And the market looks especially nice right now if you haul flatbed. (DAT)

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