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From the creators of Transport Topics, RoadSigns is a podcast about trucking's future. In each episode, you'll follow a transportation journalist on a singular pursuit for the most solid answer to a critical question and meet interesting people along the way. Listen at roadsigns.ttnews.com. Do you have a question for our hosts to answer? Tell us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RoadSigns For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html?utm_source=rss&u ...
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Safety has always been paramount in the trucking industry, but advances in technology are making it possible to improve driver performance and prevent more crashes. John Elliott, a trailblazer in the field, demonstrates how onboard video combined with AI-enabled analytics can transform fleet safety. What inspired Elliott to deploy this technology, …
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Last year, the world's largest transportation and logistics giants found themselves navigating numerous headwinds, from a decline in international trade and escalating geopolitical tensions to and a growing sense of economic instability. These converging challenges tested the resilience of even the most robust global supply chains, forcing industry…
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Did you know that nearly 70% of U.S. freight moves by truck? Yet, many trucking companies are facing significant business challenges in a persistently tough freight market. In this special episode, we pull back the curtain on the freight rate recession, revealing strategies that can help companies not only survive — but thrive. Discover how innovat…
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Hackers don't take holidays! And neither should your cybersecurity efforts. In an increasingly digital and connected business landscape, the transportation industry faces rising challenges with cybersecurity threats and fraud. In this special episode, Transport Topics Managing Editor of Features and Multimedia Seth Clevenger sits down with Dr. Erik…
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At a time when for-hire trucking capacity is widely available at competitive rates, many large shippers are still choosing to double down on their own private fleets rather than fully capitalizing on favorable freight market conditions. A perfect case study is Walmart, which is now the largest private fleet operator in North America after ramping u…
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Auxiliary power units are becoming an increasingly vital tool for the trucking industry to increase driver comfort while also conserving fuel by reducing engine idling. But to what extent can these systems also enhance environmental sustainability? And how is APU technology evolving? In this episode, we find answers with Mathieu Boivin, CEO of Tran…
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One of the main hurdles in parts supply chain management is the ongoing issue of product availability. Despite advances, many fleets still struggle with holding vehicles down due to the unavailability of commonly used parts. This problem is exacerbated by many fleets adopting just-in-time inventory programs, which can increase downtime when parts a…
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Advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and onboard camera systems can improve highway safety while also enhancing the efficiency of trucking operations, but only if carriers choose to adopt these technologies. What will it take to accelerate ADAS adoption in the trucking industry? And can exp…
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Survival of the fittest in trucking. While enduring a prolonged freight recession, the largest trucking companies in North America have been subject to declining revenue and weaker profits. The financial strain caused by the freight downturn, which took hold in mid-2022 and has continued for two years into the first half of 2024, is plainly evident…
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The buzz around AI is deafening, but amid the hype, practical strategies for deployment are emerging. AI applications are expected to improve business decisions in many facets of freight transportation by better utilizing the massive amounts of data companies are gathering on their operations. While the rise of AI may offer a pathway to higher leve…
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Think fast! Do you know the proper PSI levels for commercial truck tires? Few people do. And, yet, advanced tire-monitoring skills are some of the more sought-after in truck maintenance. After all: the biggest fleets monitor more than 9,000 tires at once. Tools that measure and prevent potential failures are essential. But how does one acquire the …
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To retread or not to retread, that is the question. For some maintenance managers, the debate between new tires and retreads is constant. Both offer ways to save on gas and emissions. And, in the current environment of high fuel prices, tire management strategies are integral to fleet operations. So, what's the golden rule? In what instances is a r…
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In 2023, plummeting transportation rates and an oversupply of freight hauling capacity contributed to a challenging business environment for 3PLs. These conditions have persisted into early 2024 as logistics providers wait for the market to rebound. So, when will the market turn? And in the meantime, who is capable of surviving, or even thriving, i…
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RS139: How are Truck Manufacturers Providing Suitable Safety and Connectivity Options for Commercial Fleets?
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Quick! Can you explain how current truck makers are changing freight operations forever? Those who can, know there’s a certain synergy that is built into today's commercial trucks — prioritizing driver comfort, freight connectivity tools, proactive maintenance alerts, safety platforms, and fuel economy. And, for those who can't... Transport Topics'…
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Every year, at ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council meeting, nearly 5,000 fleet technology and maintenance professionals gather to break ground on trucking innovation. At this year's meeting, our host, Michael Freeze, found himself on the frontline of change. In this special RoadShow episode, Michael first speaks with the newly installed TMC Ch…
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The Environmental Protection Agency's Phase 3 greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles are set to take effect beginning in model year 2027. The Biden administration says the proposed standards would cut CO2 emissions by nearly 10 billion tons. To prepare for the impending requirement, the trucking industry is beginning to look towa…
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Imagine a threat lurking at every fuel stop, one that's draining over a billion dollars annually from unsuspecting fleet drivers. This invisible menace? Fuel card skimming—a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals steal more than just fuel charges right from under carrier noses. How do they do it, and more importantly, how can we stop them? This we…
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The future of the North American trucking industry depends on continued advancements in safety, maintenance, technology, cost and productivity. In less than a week, 5,000 industry professionals will gather to share knowledge, research and insight with the purpose to advance the trucking industry into a more successful, sustainable era. ATA's Techno…
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With workforce shortages lingering, trucking companies are working hard to expand their driver recruitment reach by bolstering diversity and inclusion initiatives. Diverse business' tend to be more successful due to reduced turnover, increased profits, better decision making, and improved innovation. In this episode, we wonder — how can companies r…
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The transportation industry is under pressure from government regulators and some shipper customers to reduce carbon emissions. However, factors such as long distances, variable routes, high uptime requirements, strict driving-time limits and maximizing payload capacity make decarbonization particularly difficult for longhaul trucking. Given the ad…
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Cyber Threat Alert: 30% of small businesses view phishing as their biggest digital menace, reports Cybersecurity Magazine. Surprisingly, 83% aren't ready for the financial aftermath of a cyber-attack. How do you prevent your business from falling victim? What are the key defenses against cyber threats? In our latest episode, we're joined by Ben Gar…
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As the trucking industry continues its quest to prevent crashes and streamline the movement of freight, autonomous trucks are entering the spotlight. These self-driving vehicles promise to unlock not only enhanced safety but also remarkable efficiency gains for freight transport. Among those who have experienced this emerging technology firsthand i…
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Did you know that despite significant advancements in reducing emissions, our medium and heavy-duty trucks still contribute a substantial 23% to transportation emissions? Since 1988, we've seen legislation transform the transportation landscape, advocating for alternative fuels for a healthier planet. In 2021, these changes led to a remarkable 98% …
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Did you know? Global greenhouse emissions (GHG) from transportation is close to 25%, and in the U.S. it is 29%. By 2030, current emissions need to be cut by 45% to remain on track for a net zero 2050. How can trucking – an industry so dependent on fossil fuels – move to a greener, fewer emissions future? In this how-to episode, we delve into strate…
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To run a truck fleet is to know a truck fleet, and when a truck is not operating at peak performance or breaks down on the side of the road, your operations suffer. Truck manufacturers such as Volvo Trucks North America have introduced an array of telematics and remote diagnostics tools designed to make it easier for trucking operations to monitor …
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As the boundaries between the physical and digital realms continue to blur, transportation software companies are increasingly embracing cloud-based IT systems and AI to enable data-driven business decisions and reduce driver guesswork. One technology firm pursuing this path is Trimble, a software and telematics provider focused on connecting suppl…
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Did you know that a staggering 70% of all freight in the United States is currently transported by the trucking industry? What's more, experts anticipate a remarkable 27% growth in the sector over the next decade. Whether you're eager to launch your own trucking business or are eyeing expansion opportunities for an existing one, the timing couldn't…
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After spending the past few years grappling with severe port congestion and supply chain disruptions, international shippers and their freight transportation providers now face limited industrial real estate, lost containers, cyberthreats and fractured port appointment systems. At the same time, U.S. port operators are utilizing advancements in inf…
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When the U.S. Department of Energy challenged truck manufactures to create a truck that improves freight efficiency by over 100% — Volvo’s Keith Brandis and Eric Bond said "challenge accepted." Volvo's new Super Truck 2 comes with advanced cab aerodynamics, adjustable ride height, a camera-based mirroring system, low rolling resistance tires and mo…
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“We know that the future favors the prepared.” But improved management practices, Mcleod Software CEO Tom Mcleod reminds us, are not the bastion of the big and the lucky - small and midsize companies also have the opportunity to upgrade their efficiency and service levels. The transportation software veteran, responsible for one of the industry’s m…
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Adopt new tech, and you’ll run a more efficient operation... right? But what happens when your trucking tech stack becomes unmanageable...? With copious amounts of data sitting in different silos and redundant in-cab hardware — fleets are finding it difficult to keep their tech stack streamlined and efficient. In this episode, we ask, how can we cu…
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To be a successful fleet technician, you not only need to diagnose and fix various problems with engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, but also the determination to silence the bangs and clangs and hone in on the mechanical detail of a 60,000 pound machine. At this year's ATA TMCSuperTech, the nation's premier skills competition for…
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Is UPS' Gragg Wilson America's greatest truck driver? The new National Truck Driving Competition's Grand Champion has managed to survive the grueling, four-day gauntlet of skills competitions and tests to achieve the industry's most vaunted prize. In 37 years on the road, he has learned how to do the hard, labor-intensive job of truck driving for o…
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How much should a loaf of bread cost? How about a dress shirt? Or a gallon of gas? The cost of goods are subject to their respective levels of supply and demand. With today's strong consumer demand, private motor carriers are adapting — increasing tractor counts by the thousands, optimizing efficiency, improving asset utilization — and creating val…
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RS120: What Does the Future of The Internal Combustion Engine Look Like In Commercial Trucking?
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According to fleet executives, as well as maintenance managers, the death of the internal combustion engine may have been greatly exaggerated in spite of the excitement about electric powertrains. In fact, a panel in the House recently approved a bill that would block efforts meant to prevent the sale of internal combustion engines. We wonder thoug…
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RS119: Roundabout: How Has the Trucking Industry Become So “Preventive” and “Predictive” in 2023?
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Quick! Can you explain the differences between predictive maintenance and preventative maintenance? Those who can usually save their heavy-duty truck fleets a lot of money and get a lot of kudos. Those who can’t? Well… Transport Topics RoadSigns host Michael Freeze has you covered. In this episode, he clarifies the differences between predictive an…
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Finance is about the money you make, compliance is about the money you keep — if you follow the rules, the money you make will be the money you keep. Whether a motor carrier is expanding or not, keeping up with regulatory compliance rules and back office maintenance can be expensive, confusing, and hard to follow. In this episode, we examine the pe…
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Despite a softer freight market, the largest trucking companies in North America managed to grow their businesses last year even as spot market rates dropped, truck capacity loosened and bargaining power swung back toward shippers. In the face of these challenges, how were the top players in trucking able to stay on top? What acquisitions and strat…
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Your trucking business success depends on who you have at the wheel. The right truck driver in the right seat at the right time could mean everything for fuel economy and risk profile. All-star drivers focus on fundamentals; they tend to be tenacious, disciplined, and hardworking. In fact, they are very likely to be running your loads already. Iden…
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Driver safety is pivotal for trucking companies, especially in a time where roadway crashes are at an all time high. Determining dangerous driving behavior and predicting accidents is key to make roadways a safer space for drivers. Tapping into a variety of data sources, predictive analytics software and scoring driver practices helps to reduce gue…
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In 2018, Peter Voorhoeve became the president of Volvo Trucks North America. Since then he has overseen the rollout of Volvo's VNR Electric model and zero-emission initiatives such as the Volvo LIGHTS project — an union of public and private stakeholders creating a realistic ecosystem for battery-electric trucks. What will it take to make electric …
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In this post-Covid era, where freight market fluctuations and staffing issues loom, trucking companies must find creative ways to keep up. For many, keeping up means looking for outside help for those arduous, non-freight-related tasks. Today's trucking decision-makers employ professional specialists who handle tasks like freight billing, document …
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Destiny (and orders) fulfilled. Third-party logistics providers expanded their share of the freight market during the supply chain challenges and surging demand brought on by the pandemic. Now, in 2023, the most profitable third-party logistics companies are more collaborative, more attuned to the fast-changing market demands and more technological…
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Class 8 truck dealers are taking a new approach to customer service — they are implementing an adaptive, dealer-managed service plan that is paired with enhanced connectivity to cover all fleet preventative maintenance. Expanded visibility allows dealers to analyze a fleet’s needs, empowering their customers to make the right maintenance decisions.…
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UPS' Anthony Marshall is no stranger to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. Over the course of Marshall's tenure at UPS, the company has invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuels and advanced-technology vehicles — amounting to more than 1,000 electric vehicles. Marshall has tested and tested again the best approach to the repair and ma…
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Fleet Advantage’s Brian Antonellis has all the answers; in fact, companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi leaned on him for fleet management solutions — overseeing 102 locations, 29 supervisors, 350 technicians, and 16,500 assets. Today, he travels across America advising the country’s biggest trucking fleets —delivering programs and processes that maxim…
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Truck maintenance parts and labor costs increased 13% year-over-year in Q4 2022, according to a recent report by ATA TMC and Decisiv. The costly increase left fleets wondering — how can we prevent expensive truck repairs? Can historical data help reduce maintenance guess work? How can my technicians react to fixes in a timely way? In this episode, …
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Since childhood, Todd Cotier has had an eye for detail. He would spend hours after school and on weekends greasing backhoes and checking tires on dump trucks for his family’s construction business. Today, he brings the same spirit of quality and responsibility to the big stage as the new TMC chairman. In this episode we ask, how will Todd's spirit …
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On the road, he is known as a professional driver with over a million miles. At Volvo, he is the star of the "No Compromise" video series which features him interacting with other drivers on truck design to optimize their driving experience. Joel Morrow, chief executive officer for Alpha Drivers Testing & Consulting traveled across America asking o…
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Has the trucking industry finally found its very own white knight? And, is it electric trucks? Although electric trucks have a higher price tag than their diesel counterparts, the return on investment is high. With a battery-powered engine, fewer moving parts, and essentially zero fuel — electric truck adopters are not only decreasing their emissio…
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