When 'sustainable' is unsustainable

We're diving into the state of the trucking economy, from motor carriers' biggest challenges, to small fleets tackling costs, to the Class 8 truck market.

Meanwhile, one driver shares his No. 1 piece of advice for newcomers to the trucking industry. Agree or disagree with his take?

By the numbers. What are carriers' biggest challenges? What do shippers look for in their carrier partners? This article charts the facts and figures. 📊

Cross-border trucking. With Mexico as the United States' largest trading partner, fleets that haul goods across the border have plenty of opportunities but also face challenges. This video dives in.

Logistics leaders. This series highlights supply chain professionals who are making notable strides in their organizations. Meet them here!

Good tips. A highway patrol officer shares some advice in a Facebook video on how to drive safely around trucks. 

96%

The percentage of shippers using generative AI for transportation management, according to Descartes’ annual benchmarking survey. (DC Velocity)

When sustainable trucking becomes unsustainable 

"When you start setting policy based on aspiration or dogma, it is rarely sustainable." —Jim Mullen, executive director of the Clean Freight Coalition.

Mullen’s comment underscores his skepticism about the California Air Resources Board’s ambitious electric truck targets. The fallout from various clean fleet laws has put OEMs in a tough position, trying to sell their trucks. Fleets aren't rapidly buying EVs, shippers don't demand them and consumers aren't willing to pay more for eco-friendly shipping. 

Instead, Mullen argues for viable alternatives that still lower trucking's carbon footprint, such as renewable natural gas or biodiesel. 

Why this matters: Many fleet owners have hesitated to adopt EVs in large numbers due to barriers such as payload, range and charging infrastructure. Now, with several clean fleet regulations on the back burner or scrapped altogether, there may be even less incentive to go electric. However, the reality remains that trucking needs to find a practical way to reduce its emissions. (CCJ Digital)

MIXED PICTURE: Smaller logistics firms aim to hedge rising costs

GOV WATCHDOG: DOT audits FMCSA over English enforcement compliance

EV ACCELERATOR: Tesla, Uber Freight team up on EV program

SAFER ROADS: Traffic safety agency projects an 8.2% decline in road deaths for H1 2025

LEASE SCHEMES: OOIDA backs bill that aims to crack down on predatory truck leasing

ELD AXED: FMCSA removes another device from approved list

Fleets hesitate to buy Class 8 trucks amid uncertainty

Between the lingering freight recession, the impact of tariffs, and the uncertainty surrounding emissions regulations, fleets are (not surprisingly) hitting pause on many big investments. That strategy has contributed to a dip in Class 8 orders, with units pacing well below historic averages. 

Why this matters: Impacts of the current environment are reverberating throughout the supply chain. It's not just fleets struggling to keep business and maintain margins, but also OEMs feeling the effects of their cautious customers. (Fleet Equipment Mag)

New highway chief tasked with addressing truck parking

Trucking organizations are calling on the newly confirmed head of the Federal Highway Administration to ensure truck parking stays at the top of the priority list. The Senate confirmed Sean McMaster to lead the FHWA last week. 

Why this matters: Year after year, fleet leaders raise truck parking shortages as one of their chief concerns. While the private sector, such as truck stop chains, continues to add parking spaces, efforts at the federal level could also help start easing shortages. (FreightWaves)

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