Why healthy drivers matter

The trucking community is stepping up in a big way, with fleets and organizations coming together to deliver much-needed relief supplies to those affected by the Texas floods. At the same time, industry leaders are raising important concerns—driver demographics are shifting, cargo theft is on the rise and mental health needs more attention. It’s a reminder that driver well-being goes far beyond diet and exercise. Supporting the people behind the wheel means looking at the full picture. Stay safe out there—and thank you for keeping things moving.

Delivering hope. Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian and disaster relief organization, is working with local partners and volunteers to transport supplies and help those affected by the devastating floods in Texas.

What we're listening to. A podcast divulging one owner-operator's tips and tricks to bookkeeping and accounting for his trucking biz. 

On our reading list. This article breaks down the types of logistics certifications available and how they can help you advance in your career.

Check it twice. Arizona's Highway Patrol is advising drivers to check tires on their trucks and trailers after a rollover occurred due to trailer tire failure.

1,500%

The increase in "strategic" cargo theft, which involves deception, fraud, cybertheft or other sophisticated tactics, since Q1 2021. 

Source: American Trucking Associations

Healthy drivers: It's physical and mental

Conversations around truck driver health often focus on the physical, but fleet executives can't ignore another big piece of the health puzzle: mental health. 

Gino Fontana, COO and EVP at Transervice Logistics, advises trucking execs to speak regularly to their drivers, ensure they're aware of any mental health programs in the company and create an environment where truckers aren't afraid to seek help.

The bottom line, Fontana says: "The physical and mental health of your drivers should be a top priority."

Why this matters: Employee well-being is critical in any industry. Truck drivers may face issues such as social isolation, stress and depression. For fleet execs, it's important to create a stigma-free culture that helps drivers pursue treatments and maintain their best health, whether that's physical, mental or both. 

Get more details at FleetOwner.

STAFF LAYOFFS: Daimler temporarily lays off 2,000 workers as truck orders slow

NEW RECORD: Port of L.A. has busiest June ahead of potential tariffs

HEAVY LOAD: Truck OOS for being 10,000 pounds overweight, missing lug nuts and more

SWEET RETIREMENT: Truck owner hands over keys after 50 years

Truck driving profession undergoing a 'notable' demographic shift

Truck driver retirements are increasing, younger entrants to the workforce are slowing and the average trucker is now 47 years old, according to new data from the American Transportation Research Institute. The firm warned that this reality could threaten the trucking industry's labor supply for the long term. 

Why this matters: ATRI said fleets need to alter their recruitment strategies to include younger, more diverse candidates, along with underrepresented groups. A change in recruiting tactics could help to close workforce gaps, before driver availability becomes an even bigger issue in the industry. (Truck News)

Used truck market in a state of whiplash

As the long freight recession carries on, fleets have been slow to buy new trucks, deferring or postponing equipment purchases. Now, the trend is catching on with the used truck market. Uncertainty around tariffs and the general economy is prompting trucking execs to hold on to their trucks for longer, leading to a drop in demand for both new and used tractors.

Why this matters: The state of the used truck market matters for trucking business owners and execs looking to buy equipment. Prices are only increasing subtly. Analysts' advice: wait a few months to see how freight rates and the economy change. Used truck prices likely won't be dramatically higher in six months. (Heavy Duty Trucking)

New state laws change weight limits for trucks

A handful of states have passed regulations that govern truck weights. For example, a new Mississippi law increases the maximum gross truck weight for concrete haulers and solid waste transport, and a Georgia law makes permanent rules about 88,000-pound trucks.

Why this matters: While some groups have pushed for heavier weights, noting the ability to haul more products with fewer trucks and make supply chains more efficient, others fear the safety consequences if heavier trucks are permitted on the roads. (Land Line)

Fleetworthy beefs up tech stack with acquisition

Fleetworthy has been on an acquisition spree, and its latest purchase of Commercelogic gives fleets nearly real-time toll visibility and dynamic route optimization, among other features. Fleetworthy will initially offer the toll reporting tools as a standalone service for customers who use Geotab and Samsara.

Why this matters: Tech features, such as estimating tolls before invoices arrive or flagging mismatches between predicted and billed tolls, can help fleet executives more accurately predict charges and manage their finances accordingly. (CCJ Digital)

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