Saving the trucking workforce pipeline

The trucking workforce won't survive without a steady talent pipeline. We talk to the founder of NextGen Trucking about strategies to make your open roles appeal to Gen Z. 

Meanwhile, the FMCSA has been busy putting together English proficiency enforcement policies and more than a dozen rule changes. We share how you might need to prep your drivers for the English requirement.

Plus, a truck driver's trash becomes his treasure—$1 million worth, in fact.

$120M

The amount the Port of Los Angeles expects to collect in Clean Truck Fund revenues over the next three years, which it plans to invest in deploying zero-emission trucks and building charging infrastructure. 

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

The best way to bring young talent to the driver's seat

For fleet executives to keep their talent pipelines full, they'll have to do more than just lean on classic recruiting methods. Younger generations have different priorities and characteristics they're seeking in a potential employer. Can trucking win over Gen Z? 

We caught up with Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, for more. -Shefali Kapadia

What's a big misconception about the truck driving profession from outside the industry?
That it’s a last-resort job with no career path. In reality, trucking offers competitive pay, travel opportunities, independence and the potential to specialize, lead or even become an owner-operator. It’s a skilled, essential profession. 

Are younger generations/Gen Z expressing interest in joining the trucking workforce?
Yes—but only when they’re exposed to it. Gen Z is values-driven and wants purpose, flexibility and growth. When trucking is framed as a tech-forward, essential and well-paying career, it resonates. Awareness is key. 

What could trucking execs change to improve their driver recruitment?
Modernize job postings and recruitment strategies. Highlight purpose, advancement opportunities, wellness support, and company culture. Make roles sound appealing—not transactional—and meet Gen Z where they are: online and on social media.

What's your No. 1 piece of advice for fleet executives to engage and retain young talent in the trucking industry?
Invest in mentorship and growth. Pair young drivers with experienced mentors, provide clear career pathways, and create a culture that values feedback, flexibility and wellbeing. Young talent stays where they feel supported.  Also, offer volunteer and community engagement opportunities—Gen Z wants to give back and be part of something bigger than themselves.

How to keep cash flowing even in slow times

Trucking is no stranger to the ups and downs of the market. Today, with a lingering freight recession and looming tariffs, business is uncertain. 

Keynote speaker and author John Hall recommends four tips to keep cash flowing even when sales and business are slumping.  

The bottom line: "It’s about finding the sweet spot between where customers are and the benefits your company’s products can provide."

Why this matters: Logistics is a relationships business, and those who know how to cater to their customers may be best able to weather a slow period.  

Get more details at Fast Company. 

TO LEASE? The pros and cons of full-service vs. unbundled leases

BACK SEAT: Sustainability dips on logistics exec's priority list

GOING ONCE: Nikola hydrogen trucks up for auction after bankruptcy 

LUCKY DAY: Driver throws lottery ticket in trash, then retrieves to win $1M

English proficiency enforcement to employ 2-step test

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed its enforcement policy for truck drivers' English proficiency. The agency directs officials to use a two-step test to determine if a driver can "sufficiently" communicate in English: 1) an interview where the official asks the trucker to reply in English and 2) a test assessing a driver's understanding of road signs. 

Why this matters: If they weren't doing so already, fleet executives may need to train drivers on English words and phrases necessary for truck driving, to avoid being out of service. The FMCSA advises making sure drivers can communicate in English regarding their driving time, equipment, trip destination and other factors. It also recommends coaching drivers on common highway signs, asking drivers to explain their meaning. (Trucking Dive)

FMCSA proposes 18 regulatory changes that would affect carriers

Also coming out of the FMCSA are 18 proposed changes to various rules governing trucking, with the aim of simplifying regulation and compliance for carriers and drivers. Among the possible changes: self-reporting violations, CDL standards for military personnel and ELD operator manuals. 

Why this matters: Once the list is published (likely Friday, May 30), there will be 60 days to comment. The trucking industry is often pushing for regulatory changes that make operations easier or safer, so this is a chance to make opinions known and voices heard. (FreightWaves)

OOIDA opposes House budget proposal

A budget package, which narrowly passed in the House in a 215-214 vote, is not a great deal for truckers, says the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. The bill includes a new $100 annual fee for carriers and keeps policies that prevent per diem tax exemptions.

Why this matters: OOIDA claims these provisions would place new taxes on its member businesses while simultaneously failing to address issues related to per diem and overtime. If it passes in its current form, it could be more harmful than helpful to trucking. (Land Line)

The 'Wikipedia' of truck repair goes mobile

Diesel Laptops has launched a mobile app for truck technicians. The technicians can look up fault codes, access wiring diagrams, cross-reference parts and much more. 

Why this matters: Technicians are often working on-site, not at a desk. Having access to important information in their pockets or at their fingertips will prove much more convenient to make repairs, rather than flipping through a paper manual or having to go back to a computer. (Fleet Equipment Magazine)

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com

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