The costs creeping up behind fleet decisions

Plus: Considering shorter truck leases | Cyberthreat complexity

Fleet executives will have plenty of decisions on their plates come 2026. We're sharing a couple of resources to help guide decision-making, from truck lease calculations to dash cam ROI.

And coming up tomorrow, the founder of a truck driving school dives into the problems with sham CDL training centers and the system as a whole.

Also, check out these amusing stories of what trucking was like 50 years ago.

ROADSIDE READS

Trading jabs. An article about trucking safety has spurred discussion and backlash from some of the carriers mentioned in the story. What do you think?

Ice Road Truckers. The TV show is back, and its first female driver talks about life on the screen and on the road in this Q&A.

Friend or foe? This article digs into changes on the rails and how they could impact operations on the road.

Deck the trucks. Check out this video of a lighted truck parade. 🎄

IN NUMBERS

$44.1 million

The jury verdict against a trucking company in a 2021 fatal crash and 100-car pileup. (WFAA)

INDUSTRY VOICES

As costs rise, fleet execs consider shorter truck leases

There's a shifting trend in trucking equipment: shorter leases—two to three years instead of four to five—are gaining traction as operational costs rise.

Brandon Lairsen, VP of fleet leasing for TEL, shares a few considerations for lease lengths and calculating total costs, which could include regular payments, maintenance costs, fuel economy and uptime.

But ultimately: "It’s up to decision-makers within the business to determine the right mix of financing strategies for equipping their fleets, including leased and owned assets," Lairsen said.

Why this matters: There's no single answer to buying vs. leasing, or for how long. It's all about the big picture. Being aware of lease options and assessing costs can equip trucking managers with information to make the best financial decisions for their fleet. (CCJ Digital)

FAST LANE

HAPPY NEW YEAR? Trucking execs hope for higher rates in 2026

ROBOT ROLLOUT: UPS spends $120M on robots to unload trucks

JOB REPORT: Transportation jobs fall, unemployment at four-year high

COURT BATTLE: Calif. files complaint over DOT withholding funding due to English proficiency compliance

CHAPTER 11: Cross-border fleet with 280 trucks files for bankruptcy

JOINED FORCES: BEV manufacturers Motiv, Workhorse finalize merger

ROAD REPORT

Small trucking companies fall behind on dash cam adoption

Twice as many medium- and large-sized fleets adopt dash cams compared to small fleets, according to research from Tech.co. The big barrier: costs. But the ROI of investing in dash cams could be worthwhile, as the technology can help flag driver fatigue or behaviors like harsh braking, enhancing fleet safety.

Why this matters: Small motor carriers are typically more cost-constrained than their larger counterparts, but trucking execs have to decide if the potential safety and legal benefits of dash cams are worth the upfront costs. (Fleet Maintenance)

CONNECTED FLEET

Trucking to face complex cyber threats in 2026

AI has been a double-edged sword for the trucking industry. While increasing adoption of the technology has helped improve efficiency and detect potential breaches, it has also introduced new security challenges, according to The National Motor Freight Traffic Association's 2026 Transportation Industry Cybersecurity Trends Report. In fact, cybercriminal activity became more sophisticated and specialized throughout the year. As we head into 2026, the industry "faces the most complex and dynamic cyber threat environment in its history," per the report.

Why this matters: This creates a complex dynamic for fleet executives. While there may be a drive to innovate and adopt productivity-boosting technologies, leaders also need to make sure their security is in lock-step with any new software or tools. (NMFTA)