Latest News Updates From Steve Brawner

Motor carriers didn’t follow normal replacement schedules during the prolonged freight rate recession. That trend is starting to reverse.

Elevated fuel prices have helped whittle away at truck capacity, which in turn has contributed to much-needed freight rate increases.

The current enforcement environment reflects a return to a rule that dates to 1937 but was unevenly applied for much of the past decade.

Artificial intelligence is driving tangible improvements in fleet maintenance operations, including predicting parts failures and analyzing performance data.

In early 2026, the primary parts-related issue for managers is cost containment, said Robert Braswell, TMC’s executive director.

Tighter emissions standards for heavy-duty engines produced starting in 2027 will make leasing more attractive, said Dean Vicha, president of NationaLease.

Industry growth has slowed to 8.3% this year compared with 17.7% year-over-year growth in 2024, according to the CEO of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association.

As the trucking industry moves toward the next generation of diesel engines, the introduction of new oils designed to further enhance fuel efficiency also is on the horizon.

The reversal of a $100 million verdict against Werner Enterprises gave trucking a big win in a legal environment in which “nuclear” verdicts and smaller settlements are raising insurance rates.

Private trucking fleets serving many economic sectors have been operating in a highly uncertain business environment this year as trade negotiations and tariffs roil supply chains.