Searchable News & Info From Reliable Online Sources.
- Fleet Advantage Launches Free Audit to Help Fleets Cut 2027 Truck Costs
Fleet Advantage has introduced a new initiative aimed at helping trucking companies better manage rising equipment costs ahead of upcoming regulations. The company announced it will offer a complimentary fleet audit designed to help fleets reduce expenses tied to the anticipated 2027 procurement cost surge. This new offering, called the Capital Cost Avoidance Program (CCAP) audit, will be available during the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, taking place from March 16 to 19 in Nashville. Through this program, Fleet Advantage aims to provide fleets with practical tools and insights to navigate rising costs and regulatory challenges. Addressing the 2027 “Cost Cliff” One of the main concerns for fleets is the expected increase in truck prices tied to EPA 2027 emissions regulations. These rules are likely to introduce more advanced and costly technologies, which could significantly raise procurement expenses. To address this, the CCAP audit includes a customized procurement calculator. This tool helps fleets estimate the financial impact of future equipment purchases. In addition, it identifies “pull-forward” strategies, allowing fleets to purchase equipment earlier and potentially avoid higher costs later. As a result, fleets can better plan capital investments and reduce the financial strain associated with the upcoming regulatory changes. Potential Cost Savings and Incentives Another key feature of the audit is its focus on cost-saving opportunities. Specifically, Fleet Advantage highlights potential financial incentives that could offset up to 50% of tariff-related costs tied to equipment purchases. Therefore, fleets that take advantage of these strategies may significantly lower their total cost of ownership. At the same time, they can position themselves more effectively for future market conditions. Benchmarking Data and Industry Insights In addition to the audit, Fleet Advantage will also present findings from its latest fleet benchmarking survey. These insights focus on trends in maintenance strategies, financial performance, and asset management. Notably, the data shows that many fleets are increasingly adopting life cycle cost management strategies. These approaches help companies better understand long-term expenses, reduce cost volatility, and improve financial predictability. Furthermore, benchmarking allows fleets to compare their performance against industry standards. As a result, they can identify areas for improvement and make more informed operational decisions. Preparing for Regulatory and Cost Challenges Fleet Advantage emphasized that fleets are currently facing two major challenges: rising maintenance costs and regulatory readiness. Consequently, companies are turning to data-driven strategies and flexible asset… [TheTopNews] Read More.1 week ago - REI Workers Threaten Boycott Ahead Of Retailer’s Most Crucial Sale Of The ...
Still fighting for a contract, employees from 11 unionized stores will vote on whether to ask customers not to shop at REI during its massive anniversary event. [TheTopNews] Read More.1 week ago - This Week in Trucking: CDL Crackdown, Diesel Price Surge, and Tech Updates
This week’s trucking industry news highlights major regulatory actions, rising fuel costs, and new technology developments that could impact fleets across the country. From California’s removal of thousands of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to a sharp increase in diesel prices, the latest updates reflect ongoing changes in compliance, workforce development, and operational costs. California Cancels 13,000 Non-Domiciled CDLs To begin with, one of the most significant developments came from California. After extended pressure from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the California Department of Motor Vehicles canceled approximately 13,000 non-domiciled CDLs, effective March 6. In addition, a few thousand remaining licenses will stay valid until they expire. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has blocked California from issuing or renewing non-domiciled CDLs moving forward. As a result, this decision could affect driver availability and compliance standards, particularly for fleets relying on these licenses. Workforce Pell Grants Could Support Training Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education proposed a new Workforce Pell Grant program aimed at expanding access to job training. Under this proposal, eligible students could receive financial support for programs lasting eight to 15 weeks. Industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations (ATA), have welcomed the initiative, as it could help fund CDL training and technician education. However, many existing CDL and mechanic training programs may not fit within the proposed timeframe. Therefore, while the program offers potential benefits, its impact on trucking workforce development may be limited unless adjustments are made. Daimler Introduces New Camera System At the same time, Daimler Truck North America announced the production of a new Exterior Camera System designed for medium-duty and vocational trucks. This system adds three new camera views—left, right, and forward-facing—to complement existing backup cameras. As a result, fleets using Freightliner and Western Star trucks will gain improved visibility and safety features. Furthermore, these additional camera angles may help reduce blind spots and improve driver awareness in complex operating environments. New Medium-Duty Truck from Harbinger Motors In addition to technology upgrades, new vehicle offerings are also entering the market. Harbinger Motors introduced its HC Series medium-duty cabover truck during Work Truck Week in Indiana. Notably, the new model offers both battery-electric and extended-range hybrid powertrains. With a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds, the truck targets fleets looking for alternative fuel options and flexible configurations. Consequently, this launch reflects the growing interest in electrification and hybrid solutions… [TheTopNews] Read More.1 week ago - Truck Maintenance Costs Ease Slightly, but Long-Term Trend Still Rising
Truck maintenance costs showed a slight decline at the end of 2025, but industry data suggests the overall trend remains upward. According to the latest Decisiv/TMC Parts & Labor Service Benchmark Report, combined parts and labor expenses dropped 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, when viewed over a longer period, repair costs for trucking fleets continue to climb. The quarterly decline followed a 3.8% increase in the previous quarter, highlighting how volatile maintenance costs can be. Although fleets experienced a temporary easing of expenses, the broader trend still reflects significant cost pressure across the industry. Quarterly Cost Changes The report revealed that both labor and parts costs declined during the fourth quarter. Specifically, labor costs dropped 2.6%, while parts costs declined 0.4% compared with the previous quarter. Even so, year-over-year data tells a different story. Overall maintenance expenses increased 2% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024. Much of that increase came from higher parts prices, which rose 3.7% year over year. Meanwhile, labor costs slightly decreased by 0.4% during the same period. Therefore, although fleets saw a short-term improvement in late 2025, long-term maintenance expenses continue to rise. Long-Term Maintenance Costs Continue to Climb When analysts examined data over a six-year period, the upward trend became even more apparent. Since early 2020, combined parts and labor costs have increased 27.4%. Initially, labor shortages and post-pandemic inflation drove many of these increases. However, more recently, rising parts prices have become the primary factor pushing maintenance costs higher. For example, several vehicle systems experienced substantial cost increases over the past year: Rear axle components (VMRS 022): up 20.6% overall Wheels, rims, hubs, and bearings (VMRS 018): up 15.5% overall Filter kits (VMRS 147): up 11.9% overall In addition, the largest long-term increase occurred in cab and sheet metal repairs, where combined parts and labor costs rose 63.8% between 2020 and 2025. These figures illustrate how rising component prices continue to influence overall maintenance spending. Digital Tools Improving Efficiency Despite rising costs, many fleets are finding ways to manage maintenance expenses more effectively. In particular, fleets are increasingly using data analytics and digital maintenance tools to improve efficiency. The Decisiv benchmark report uses data from the company’s Service Relationship Management platform, which tracks millions of repair and maintenance events. These records are categorized using the Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS) coding system developed by the American Trucking… [TheTopNews] Read More.1 week ago - Flatbed Spot Rates Keep Climbing, Reaching Strongest Week Since 2022
The flatbed spot rates market continues to show strong momentum, reaching its highest levels since 2022. According to recent data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics, flatbed freight rates and volumes increased again last week. Meanwhile, dry van and refrigerated segments experienced modest week-over-week declines. Nevertheless, overall spot market conditions remain stronger than in recent years. Although some equipment segments softened slightly, the flatbed segment continues to support the broader spot market. In fact, flatbed demand has steadily increased for several weeks, suggesting that certain sectors of the freight economy are gaining strength. Overall Spot Market Trends Across the three primary equipment segments—dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed—spot rates remain significantly stronger compared with the same period in previous years. According to FTR, overall broker-posted spot rates increased 4 cents per mile last week. Consequently, gains in the flatbed segment more than offset declines in the dry van and refrigerated markets. Furthermore, analysts note that even though weekly decreases occurred in some segments, pricing levels remain elevated compared with historical averages. Therefore, despite short-term fluctuations, the trucking spot market continues to show resilience. Dry Van Rates and Volumes The dry van segment recorded another small weekly decline. However, the market still shows strength when viewed from a longer-term perspective. According to FTR: Average dry van spot rates decreased 3.6 cents per mile last week Nevertheless, rates remain 19% higher than the same week last year Dry van load volumes declined 4.6% overall, although volumes increased regionally in the Southeast Similarly, DAT reported comparable trends: National linehaul spot rates fell 2 cents per mile, averaging just under $2.00 per mile This marked the fourth consecutive weekly decline of 2 cents Even so, dry van rates remain 22% higher than last year Therefore, although the segment has cooled slightly in recent weeks, dry van freight continues to perform better than it did during much of the previous year. Refrigerated Freight Shows Similar Movement Refrigerated freight followed a similar pattern. Weekly spot rates declined slightly; however, year-over-year comparisons remain strong. According to FTR: Reefer spot rates fell 4.4 cents per mile week over week However, rates are still 26% higher than last year Refrigerated load volumes declined 2.4% overall At the same time, certain regions experienced… [TheTopNews] Read More.2 weeks ago - Diesel Prices Skyrocket as U.S. Average Jumps Nearly $1 Amid Iran Conflict
The latest diesel prices data shows a dramatic surge across the United States, as fuel costs recorded their largest weekly increase in several years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average on-highway diesel price jumped 96 cents to $4.859 per gallon during the week of March 10. At the same time, gasoline prices also climbed sharply, increasing 49 cents to $3.502 per gallon. These increases come as conflict involving Iran continues to escalate in the Middle East. Consequently, global oil markets have tightened as supply concerns grow. In turn, rising crude oil prices have pushed diesel and gasoline prices higher across the United States and other regions. Diesel Prices Rise Across Every U.S. Region Across the country, diesel prices increased in every major region. However, the size of the increase varied depending on local market conditions and supply factors. Even so, the price spike was widespread and significant. Here are the latest diesel price averages by region: Gulf Coast: Up $1.03 to $4.627 per gallon — the largest regional increase. West Coast: Up $1.02 to $5.556 per gallon. Without California: Up 95 cents to $5.088. East Coast: Up 98 cents to $4.901 per gallon. Midwest: Up 91 cents to $4.801 per gallon. Rocky Mountain: Up 66 cents to $4.397 per gallon. Meanwhile, AAA reported a slightly lower national diesel average of $4.780 per gallon. Nevertheless, even that estimate remains $1.16 higher than the same time last year, highlighting the sharp year-over-year increase in fuel costs. Therefore, both major reporting sources confirm that diesel prices have risen dramatically in a short period. Gasoline Prices Also Increase Nationwide Although diesel prices saw the largest jump, gasoline prices also rose noticeably. According to EIA data, the national average gasoline price reached $3.502 per gallon, which is nearly 50 cents higher than the previous week. Regionally, gasoline prices moved higher across most of the country: West Coast: Up 53 cents to $4.690 per gallon. Without California: Up 42 cents to $4.215. Rocky Mountain: Up 50 cents to $3.258 per gallon. Midwest: Up 48 cents to $3.276 per gallon. East Coast: Up 48 cents to $3.363 per gallon. Gulf Coast: Up 47 cents to $3.109 per gallon. Similarly,… [TheTopNews] Read More.2 weeks ago
The Searchable USWebDaily.com and TheTopNews NewsBank Helps You Be Better Informed, Faster! Spread The Word.
