Uncertainty grows over non-domiciled CDLs

Plus: Fleets wait for a holiday rebound | Double-digit truck toll increase

Rules surrounding non-domiciled CDLs are once again in limbo, while demand and volumes aren't looking great for the rest of the year... but one booming industry could provide a lift to specialized fleets.

And have you seen Coca-Cola's AI holiday ad? It's getting a ton of backlash—and the AI-generated trucks are no exception to the slop. Now, onward to human-written trucking news and insights you need to know today. ✍️

ROADSIDE READS

Diesel prices. Average cost of a gallon of diesel in the U.S. as of Nov. 11 was $3.837, up $0.037 from the week prior.

Learn on the job. Some institutions are taking a unique approach to trucking education. This article shares the story of the ProDriver CDL School and its new model.

From reactive to preventive. On the RoadSigns podcast, industry experts share the shifting state of fleet maintenance and how tech can help maximize uptime. Listen here.

Grand prize. Congrats are in order for this driver with 5M+ safe miles. He was awarded $50,000 and a custom truck.

'Tis the season. Follow along as the Capitol Christmas Tree makes its way across the United States.

IN NUMBERS

30

The percentage increase in truck tolls that Illinois lawmakers have approved. (Transport Topics)

INDUSTRY VOICES

5 ways trucking companies can fuel their talent pipeline

By some estimates, the average truck driver is in their late 40s. Trucking fleets need younger workers to sustain their talent pipeline, but that's tough, if not impossible, if companies continue to operate with legacy mindsets, writes Toni Pisano of PortPro Technologies, Inc.

"If executives don’t change their ways of working or their methods of hiring ... they may be staring in the face of a talent shortage down the road," Pisano writes. She shares five strategies fleet owners can use to bring Gen Z into the workforce.

Why this matters: As Pisano notes, "Gen Z isn’t just the future of logistics—they’re the present." The trucking companies that modernize operations and appeal to younger generations' desire for home time and flexibility may have the most success in recruiting and retention, while the ones that don't may fall behind. (Forbes)

FAST LANE

COURT ORDER: FMCSA interim rule on CDLs paused, court rules

CROSS BORDER: Fleets along Canada-Mexico border expect 40% drop in loads to U.S.

WEAK END: Trailer maker Wabash predicts softer demand in Q4

TRYING AGAIN: Trump takes another swing at NY congestion pricing

REVOKED: California revokes 17,000 CDLs issued to immigrants

FATAL CRASH: Trucker killed in collision after a car lost control

ROAD REPORT

Fleet execs see continued rough patch before upturn

Freight demand isn't growing like it typically would around this time of year, according to execs at major trucking companies. Trade policy is uncertain, manufacturing activity slowed again last month and the government shutdown is denting consumer sentiment. It's all leading trucking executives to remain cautious about their near-term outlooks.

Why this matters: For fleet owners dealing with slow business, there may be some small comfort in the fact that they're not alone. Many execs believe there is pent-up freight demand—it's just a matter of what needs to shift in the broader economy for the pressure valve to release. (Truck News)

CONNECTED FLEET

AI infrastructure needs could boost freight demand

Tech companies building data centers to power their AI models have set off a construction boom. And how do those construction supplies get delivered? By truck, of course. In fact, DAT Freight & Analytics said some brokers and carriers are already noticing an "uptick in oversized loads, many destined for new or expanding data centers in remote areas."

Why this matters: For motor carriers hauling bulk or specialized freight, this could be a new opportunity to obtain more loads. This specialized group of carriers could benefit from market growth in an area that's rapidly advancing, as the general freight market remains sluggish. (CCJ Digital)