The Impact of API CL-4 Engine Oil on Fleet Maintenance, Fuel Economy, and Uptime
The American Petroleum Institute will launch API CL‑4 and its low‑viscosity variant API FB‑4 in January 2027, superseding the current CK‑4 and FA‑4 categories. The new specifications are engineered to meet stricter 2027 emissions rules, improve piston‑deposit control, and extend oil‑drain intervals. FB‑4’s reduced viscosity promises measurable fuel‑economy gains, but its use will hinge on OEM approvals for specific engines. Fleets are urged to start conversations with suppliers now to adjust oil‑analysis baselines and capture the full cost‑saving potential.
Fleets Are Considering New Fuel Purchasing Strategies
Fleet executives are re‑evaluating fuel purchasing tactics as diesel prices hit record highs. A recent FleetOwner survey of 23 readers shows only about one‑third currently buy fuel in bulk, while nearly half have contractual agreements. Among those without bulk or...
Ryder, International Launch Autonomous LT Near Laredo
Ryder System and International Motors have launched a joint autonomous trucking pilot on a 600‑mile daily route between Laredo and Temple, Texas. The pilot uses a factory‑integrated International LT equipped with PlusAI’s SuperDrive Level 4 software, with a safety driver on...
Roeth: Why Trucking Cycles Through Booms and Busts, and What Fleets Should Expect
Michael Roeth explains that trucking is inherently cyclical, with new‑vehicle sales fluctuating between roughly 350,000 and 200,000 units in a single year. Downturns are triggered by a mix of economic slowdowns, geopolitical events, rising diesel prices, and regulatory shifts such...
Fuel Price Volatility Continues as Diesel and Gasoline Averages Tick Upward
U.S. on‑highway diesel rose 3 cents to $5.401 per gallon and gasoline increased 3 cents to $3.990, according to the EIA’s March 31 report. The West Coast saw the steepest diesel jump, up 29 cents, while the Gulf Coast posted modest declines. AAA’s independent...
Is Broker Liability About to Change?
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, a case that asks whether the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) preempts state negligent‑hiring claims against freight brokers such as C.H. Robinson. Lower courts dismissed the claim, but...
Gaskins: How Data and Data Analytics Improve Asset Utilization and Loaded Miles
Patrick Gaskins explains how real‑time fleet data and predictive analytics are reshaping trucking operations. By giving dispatchers minute‑by‑minute visibility, carriers can match loads to trucks, cut empty miles, and lift loaded‑mile percentages. Integrated network‑wide platforms further align operations, sales, and...
Roeth: Fleets Need to Prepare for Fuel Volatility Like a Squirrel Prepares for Winter
Diesel prices have surged from $2.55 per gallon in 2020 to nearly $5 in 2022, underscoring the volatility that fleets now face. Michael Roeth urges operators to treat fuel efficiency like a squirrel stockpiling for winter, investing in engine optimization,...
Why Are U.S. EV Truck Costs Rising While Europe’s Fall?
U.S. Class 6‑8 electric trucks have risen 27% in price since 2020, with a sharp 40% jump between 2020‑2021, while comparable European models fell 32% and 23% respectively. The International Council on Clean Transportation attributes the U.S. increase to larger battery...
2026 FleetOwner 500: For-Hire Fleets with the Most Trailers
J.B. Hunt Transport has claimed the top spot on FleetOwner’s 2026 For‑Hire list, overtaking FedEx as the largest U.S. carrier by trailer count. The ranking reshuffles most of the top ten, with ContainerPort Group moving to fourth, R+L Carriers rising to...
Diesel Tops $5 Nationally as Gas Inches Closer to $4
U.S. diesel prices broke the $5‑per‑gallon barrier, reaching a national average of $5.07, while gasoline edged toward $4 at $3.79. The surge stems from heightened Middle‑East tensions, notably the war against Iran, which have pushed crude oil above $100 a...
From the Road to Recruitment: Tammie Dean Empowers Women in Trucking
Former owner‑operator Tammie Dean now leads recruitment at Lily Transportation, using her active Class A CDL to evaluate and match drivers. She founded the Lily Ladies committee, which provides mentorship, CDL training, scholarships, and networking to boost female representation. Women now...
Harbinger Launches Cabover Work Truck as Hybrid and Electric
Harbinger Motors unveiled the HC Series Cab, a medium‑duty low‑cab‑forward truck offered in both battery‑electric and plug‑in hybrid configurations, at Work Truck Week 2026. The hybrid model delivers up to 500 mi of range and the vehicle features a 42‑ft turning...
Roeth: How Diverse Teams Are Helping Fleets Tackle Efficiency and Sustainability Challenges
Michael Roeth, executive director of NACFE, argues that diverse teams are reshaping the trucking sector by enhancing problem‑solving and accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies. A recent data‑potluck gathering showcased an eclectic mix of ages, genders, ethnicities, and professional backgrounds,...
Shaver: How to Retain Newly Hired Drivers and Reduce Early-Tenure Turnover
Leah Shaver outlines how the first 120 days of a truck driver’s employment are pivotal for long‑term retention. She highlights that early pay gaps and unmet expectations drive most turnover, making transparent earnings essential. Consistent check‑ins, milestone recognition, and data‑driven...
Saying 'No' Faster: The Competitive Advantage for Modern Freight Dispatch
Freight dispatchers are shifting from chasing volume to making rapid, confident load selections. AI voice bots generate massive outreach, but without an intelligence layer they drown teams in low‑value opportunities. The article argues that saying "no" early preserves capacity, protects...
Clark: Mileage or Home Time? Understanding Driver Retention Trade-Offs in Today’s Trucking
The article compares over‑the‑road (OTR) and regional/local trucking pay models, highlighting that OTR drivers can earn more through mileage‑based rates but face longer time away, while regional drivers enjoy steadier hourly wages and home time. It explains how these compensation...
The State of Fleet Management Directly From the Fleets
A recent Fleetio survey of 600 fleet professionals reveals that rising operating costs and tightening emissions regulations dominate executive concerns, with over half of respondents flagging cost inflation and 46 % citing compliance pressures. While more than 70 % have adopted dedicated...
Fontana: Women Truck Drivers Satisfied with the Job, yet Safety Concerns Persist
A recent Lance Surety Bonds survey shows 85% of women truck drivers would recommend the profession, citing high pay, independence and work‑life balance. Despite strong satisfaction, safety concerns linger, with 30% reporting sexual harassment and only 31% feeling safe sleeping...
2026 FleetOwner 500: For-Hire List
FleetOwner’s 2026 FO500 for‑hire ranking shows little movement at the top, with Schneider National edging past TFI International to claim the sixth spot while the top‑ten list remains unchanged. Growth among lower‑ranked carriers is driven largely by mergers and acquisitions,...
January Trailer Orders Hold Steady as Delayed Cycle Drives Demand
Preliminary U.S. trailer orders held steady in January, registering around 24,200 units, essentially flat month‑over‑month. While year‑over‑year figures slipped 4%, the volume remains higher than the same period in 2025 and above the ten‑year average. Analysts cite a delayed ordering...
Clark: Managing Third- and Fourth-Party Cyber Risk in Trucking Operations
Third‑party vendors are now a primary attack vector for trucking firms, with 35.5% of all data breaches in 2024 traced to external partners—a 6.5% rise year‑over‑year. The report also notes that 4.5% of breaches originated from fourth‑party suppliers, highlighting deep...
Wabash Unveils AI-Powered TrailerHawk to Combat Cargo Theft
Wabash introduced TrailerHawk, an AI‑driven trailer system that combines computer vision, facial recognition, and digital seals to create an end‑to‑end chain of custody for freight. The solution issues real‑time alerts, geofenced lock controls, and automatically documents loading activities, integrating directly...
Roeth: How to Evaluate New Trucking Technology without Falling for the Hype
Michael Roeth warns that new trucking technologies often suffer a nine‑to‑one expectation gap between vendor hype and fleet reality. He cites research indicating a product must be roughly three times better than existing solutions to achieve market adoption. Roeth advises...
