What the new CDL crackdown means for hiring

Plus: Smart retention tactics | AI now scans Class 8 trucks

Stricter rules are here for commercial drivers' licenses. Will they impact your fleet?

Meanwhile, the industry sees hope for the next generation of owner-operators entering the field, and we share some tips to create a work culture that encourages retention. Recruiting and retaining drivers is one of the toughest jobs in trucking, but leaders who tie work to purpose, recognize accomplishments and create room for growth are more likely to keep drivers engaged for the long haul.

But first, enjoy a little supply chain humor.

⬆️$3.754

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 9/29, UP 0.005¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

Cracking down. The Department of Transportation issued stricter rules for non-citizens to obtain CDLs. Watch Secretary Sean Duffy's announcement here.

Is the price right? An in-depth report looks at changes in electric truck pricing over the years. One interesting finding: EV trucks aren't exactly getting cheaper.

"Systemic failures." Comments are flooding in on the FMCSA's proposed HOS pilot. Agree or disagree with their takes?

Celebration time. This driver just hit an exciting "mile" stone.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Purpose and recognition help leaders retain employees

It's no secret that recruitment and retention are challenges in many industries, certainly including trucking. Aditii Handa of The Forttuna Group notes that turnover isn't just about the numbers, and she outlines several building blocks to form a team culture in which employees want to stay.

"Retention starts with recognizing people as whole individuals, not just resources," Handa writes.

Why this matters: Switching from one fleet to another is a common practice for truck drivers. If leaders can create a culture that ties work to purpose, recognizes accomplishments, prioritizes well-being, and offers growth opportunities, they may have a leg up on their competitors. (Forbes)

FAST LANE

TRUCK TARIFFS: Trump announces 25% duties on heavy-duty truck imports

RULE SCRAPPED: CARB repeals zero-emission rule for private fleets

STOCK TIME: Autonomous trucking company Kodiak goes public

BLEAK FORECAST: Analysts lower Q3 earnings projections for trucking firms

TRUCK RECALL: Volvo recalls trucks due to trailer light, door latch issues

MILEAGE DOWN: Truckers drove fewer miles last year vs. 2023

SEEN & HEARD

"The ones that are motivated, that do the right things, that surround themselves with the right people and do the research—there is success to be had." - Mike Hosted, VP of Sales and Marketing, ATBS

As a tax, accounting and consulting firm for trucking fleets and owner-operators, ATBS is seeing a growing number of younger demographics entering the industry. The prolonged downturn may seem like an odd time to join, but in a conversation with Overdrive, Hosted shares that he believes having the proper structure will set businesses up for success as the market recovers. (Overdrive)

ROAD REPORT

Trucking insurance situation is unsustainable, experts say

The number of insurance companies willing to provide coverage for trucking companies is dropping. And at the same time, premiums are rising. Some attorneys and insurers, however, see the recent reversal of Werner's nuclear verdict as a promising sign for trucking's legal and insurance woes going forward.

Why this matters: High rates coupled with a lack of available insurance providers make it tough for fleets to operate profitably. Even trucking carriers with a solid safety record face increasing prices, as rates are rising across the board. It will take industry-wide efforts to reverse the upward trend of jury awards and insurance premiums. (Transport Topics)

CONNECTED FLEET

AI-powered inspections come to heavy-duty trucks

Uveye, a company that automates inspections for commercial fleets, expanded its technology to cover Class 6-8 trucks. The system utilizes AI and computer vision to scan an entire truck within seconds, generating a digital report with annotated images. It can flag issues such as worn-out tires or rust on the underbody.

Why this matters: With the report, trucking managers can quickly see any required maintenance, get the repairs done and, ultimately, maximize uptime for their fleets. That can result in more time on the road and higher earnings. (Truckers News)