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Some of the biggest CDL schools have come under fire from the FMCSA. Collectively, they’re estimated to train 100,000 drivers annually, we share what this may mean for your driver pipeline.
Meanwhile, the latest cargo theft data reveals a mixed picture, and one theft in particular is making headlines—1,600 stolen cases of PBR. The CEO is offering a $20,000 reward for info on the missing beer.
Coming up Thursday, our expert Q&A explains why you should prep your business for sale, even if you have no intention of selling.
ROADSIDE READS
Wrong direction for diesel 📈 Diesel prices just hit a record high of $5.85 per gallon, according to AAA data. A few analysts and advisors share their takes on the implications and what’s next.
Trucking’s Olympics. A YouTuber attended ATA’s National Truck Driving and Step Van Driving Championships in Pittsburgh last month and took a turn driving a truck on the course himself. Watch the video to see how he did—and to learn what’s the deal with the yellow ducks.
Smaller carriers, bigger impact. New data shows small fleets leading the way in employing female drivers. Women make up 12.5% of their CDL holders, compared with 7% at companies with more than 5,000 employees.
Wrong kind of tailgate. Why do people drive like this?!
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ROAD REPORT
FMCSA wants to get rid of the biggest CDL schools
The FMCSA is aiming to shut down CDL schools left and right. Ancora, 160 Driving Academy, the Truck Driver Institute and First Student all received notices of proposed removal—but many were just in the category of “missing documentation.” Together, they train more than 100,000 CDL drivers every year.
Why this matters: Whether the schools are actually fraudulent or simply missing some paperwork remains to be seen. But if the schools shutter permanently, it would certainly slow the trucker talent pipeline and force fleets to look elsewhere to find quality drivers. (Overdrive)
FAST LANE
INSURANCE SHIFT: New program prices insurance for small fleets based on route plans, not claims
CARGO THEFT: Theft of loads up 5% over Q1 but down 5% from last year’s Q2
RECS FOR DOT: TCA releases 24-point paper to modernize and reform FMCSA
STOP FRAUD: Bipartisan bill would make staged crashes a federal crime
ARRESTED: Customs and Border Protection arrests 95 people alleged to be undocumented truck drivers with CDLs
STOCK EXCHANGE: PlusAI, driverless trucking software firm, to go public at $800M valuation
SEEN & HEARD
The number of drivers that may want to do a 3:00 to 7:00 a.m. shift probably isn’t too high … Autonomy really has that opportunity to fill gaps.”
Cohen’s company focuses on autonomous, cabless, electric trucking. He discusses how Humble is cutting down on dead weight by eliminate the need for a cab. But he’s clear that the goal isn’t to replace millions of truck drivers. “We’re adding a tool to the toolkit.” (The Logistics of Logistics)
YOUR TAKE
Are the California Teamsters justified in taking legal action against the state regarding autonomous truck deployment?
INDUSTRY VOICES
Appreciation week or year of gratitude?
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2026 is next week.
And while it’s great to celebrate truckers, drivers should get more than just seven days of appreciation, writes Mark Seymour, chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association and CEO of Kriska Transportation Group.
“The people who keep freight moving deserve to know they are valued—not just during a designated week, but every single day of the year.”
Why this matters: Hosting a company BBQ or giving out prizes is a great gesture. Of course, it takes more than that to truly appreciate drivers. Seymour says workplaces that focus on respect, professionalism and fairness can help fleets attract and retain the best drivers. (CCJ Digital)
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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.
