What efficient fleets are doing differently

Small businesses make a big impact, but in trucking, they're unfortunately filing for bankruptcy at a faster rate than large fleets. 

Today, we're sharing information on how to harness data and AI, along with a solid customer experience, to enhance fleet management. Plus, a look at how tariffs are impacting everyone from shippers to carriers to OEMs. 

First, though, take a look at this: a mesmerizing time-lapse of lumber being stacked onto a truck. (Oh, and there's a dog in the video). 

Road to zero. How one drayage trucking company transformed into a zero-emissions fleet, and lessons learned along the way.

Grand champs. Meet the 2025 National Truck Driving Champions.

In our bookmarks. This trucker's seven-step workout routine can be done when you need a break from your desk or if you're on the road in a sleeper cab. 

248,731

The number of small businesses in the Transportation and Warehousing industry located in New York. 

Source: CNY News

Logistics lessons: What trucking gets right about CX

Even as technology makes its way into many parts of the trucking industry, human connection, relationships and the customer experience continue to be important, writes Toni Pisano, chief customer officer of drayage software company PortPro. 

Why? Because business relationships can be make-or-break in logistics.

"Strong relationships, communicating any delays and remedying any hiccups in transport can be the difference between losing that customer over one incident versus continuing to do business with them for the long term," Pisano writes.

Why this matters: As some industries embrace technology to the point of feeling robotic, trucking continues to excel in building and maintaining relationships. Because, inevitably, something may go wrong in freight transport, and keeping the business going is all about the recovery. 

Get more details at Forbes.

EXIT LANE: Small trucking fleets file for bankruptcy at faster pace than large ones

FUNDING PULL: Trump, Duffy threaten penalties for states if English rules not enforced 

COMPASSION AID: Sikh org donates $100K for victims of U-turn crash

OEM WOES: Tariffs challenge truckmakers, but opportunity for aftermarket sales 

CLOSED DOORS: Truck driving school in Modesto, Calif., suddenly shuts down

TRUCK RECALL: Volvo recalls 2,000+ trucks for steering issue

Tariffs dim outlook, confidence for motor carriers

Multiple truckload and LTL carriers have reported challenges due to the current freight environment, and tariffs are only exacerbating the issues. Old Dominion said its shipper customers are treading cautiously, which hurts the fleet's growth prospects. And Averitt has slowed some of its equipment purchases to cope with the market.  

Why this matters: Trucking businesses aim to operate as leanly and efficiently as possible. There's a limit to how much trucking companies can downsize and still function safely, though—and they have to be ready to scale back up when the market eventually turns. (DC Velocity)

Samsara launches pre-delivery telematics program

Samsara has launched a new program that puts cameras and telematics on trucks before they're delivered to fleets. The telematics provider is partnering with Daimler, which integrates Samsara's systems and hardware onto Freightliner and Western Star trucks.  

Why this matters: With telematics pre-installed, fleets can start using the technology on day one of owning the truck. That can save time and administrative overhead for busy executives. (Work Truck Online)

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

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