Perspective

Barry Pottle writes: One of the things I’ve learned about trucking is you need to appreciate the journey. It was a lesson I took to heart at 18 when I started my career in this industry as an owner-operator, and one that served me well in my time as American Trucking Associations chairman.

As more and more vehicles with autonomous components enter the transportation landscape, the issue of repair and maintenance for those systems becomes more important for trucking fleets.

Rising insurance premiums are a perennial stress for many motor carriers, many of which are now installing telematics systems with the latest safety technologies to mitigate cost increases.

As Congress and the FMCSA weigh programs to put young drivers on the road, now is the perfect time to consider how the trucking industry can use intrinsic rewards and technology to attract recruits.

The trucking industry’s shortage of drivers and high turnover rate make it hard for many regional and over-the-road carriers to recruit and retain qualified candidates, but there is a system carriers can adopt that will help them attract and keep good drivers who fit their company’s requirements, and culture.

As shippers strategically prepare for the future, it’s worth asking how they will value logistics. Will logistics be a source of competitive advantage or a reliable utility?

There are three improvements FMCSA should make to maximize the effectiveness of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, says Jeremy Reymer of DriverReach.

The commercial vehicle industry is poised to get even smarter thanks to health-ready components, says Wally Stegall of Morey.

Given the robust demand for purchasing nonconveyable goods online — items such as exercise equipment and designer furniture — there exists for capable logistics providers a significant market opportunity.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will hold its annual Operation Safe Driver Week July 14-20, and this year’s theme is speeding.