Are carriers more focused on their P&Ls than on their drivers? It tends to happen in freight recessions, says one CEO, who shares how the strongest fleets prioritize both.

Plus, if you’ve had any trouble with the FMCSA’s new Motus system, rest assured—you’re not the only one.

And most trailers sport a company name … but is it more memorable when they have a funny message like this one?

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 06/22, DOWN -0.164¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

SCOTUS aftermath. Following the Supreme Court decision on broker liability, trucking groups are calling on the FMCSA to intervene. Their reason: brokers might avoid certain carriers that are safe, just because there’s limited public info on them. This article dives into the dilemma.

Who’s buying what? A look at recent M&A developments in the trucking and logistics industries.

Seeing double? Nope, that’s just a truck platoon. Tech company Kratos completed a cross-country autonomous tractor-trailer platoon hauling freight for NASCAR.

A hot take. This reporter took a Mack bulldog big rig for a spin. Her (controversial?) conclusion: “I’d now rather drive a semi-truck over any sports car.”

Protecting your trucks and cargo from cyber criminals

Weak passwords? Outdated software? These are fast ways for cybercriminals to gain access to trucking companies’ systems. When hackers break in, the consequences can be far more devastating than just a single load lost or a few bits of information compromised.

“A fleet could lose customer trust, forfeit contracts and go out of business,” writes Harish Kapur, president and CEO of Across America Insurance Services.

His advice? Make sure all systems require multi-factor authentication, like email codes or fingerprints, and promptly remove any potentially disgruntled ex-employees.

Why this matters: The easy answer might be, well, if we don’t use tech, there’s nothing to hack! Of course, the modern supply chain doesn’t operate that way. Instead of being wary of technology, make sure software is patched and passwords aren’t just 1234. Fleets that focus on connectivity and security will come out ahead. (CCJ Digital)

GREEN BATTLE: Calif, Trump admin fighting (again) over emissions regs

TO THE TRACK: Rising truck prices push shippers to rail

FALLING FREIGHT: Truck tonnage dips for second month in a row, per ATA

SOFTWARE UPDATE: Daimler releases DEF update following EPA guidance on nitrogen oxide

STOCK DIP: After trucking spinoff, FedEx shares fall amid investor concerns

CHARGED UP: Trucker, supervisor charged on 72 counts for toll evasion

With a years-long freight recession, many fleets are focused on the balance sheet more than their drivers. Jazrawy, who co-founded the Best Fleets to Drive For program, explains how carriers can still give drivers the attention and resources they need, and how some of the award-winning trucking companies are making that happen. (HDT Talks Trucking)

REGULATION

FMCSA pauses trucking registration deactivations

Motus is off to a rocky start. The FMCSA’s new registration has had some glitches to the point where registrants were unable to complete required updates. The agency assured trucking companies that they’ll have extra time and shouldn’t worry about inactivation.

Why this matters: If you’ve run into hiccups with Motus, you’re not alone. The good news is, there’s nothing to worry about for the moment, and the system issues shouldn’t lead to any problems for your fleet. (Overdrive)

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