After withstanding a freight downturn that has persisted for nearly four years, third-party logistics providers have been eagerly awaiting a market rebound.

Freight brokers and 3PLs generally have embraced the latest advances in artificial intelligence while continuing to emphasize the value of human expertise.

Recent breakthroughs in AI are beginning to reshape the way work is done in the freight industry, and 3PL providers are at the forefront of this transformation.

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.