Effective driver safety and injury prevention programs begin with recognizing the scope of the problem. That can be a problem for small to midsize carriers.

At a time when margins are tight and operating costs continue to climb, preventing and managing driver injuries has become a core business priority.

PC-12 is touted as a regulatory-driven, technology-aligned upgrade while remaining backward compatible and manageable for fleets.

AI is no longer a hypothetical concept in fleet operations. It's prominent in the diagnostic bay, back office and in the toolkit of maintenance leaders.

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

Fleet maintenance leaders must negotiate a tricky balance between controlling costs and maximizing vehicle uptime through preventive maintenance.

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

Working together with major truck makers and industry suppliers, self-driving truck companies are preparing factories for mass production of driverless trucks.

While operating in a soft freight market that has been squeezing margins, carriers of all sizes have been relying on fuel cards for savings at the pump and tighter control over fuel spending.

Commercial truck parking challenges persist, but government leaders are increasingly paying attention, from the halls of Congress to statehouses and regional planning commissions.