Industry Trends

Penske Truck Leasing brings you industry trends and news, written for fleet owners and drivers with input from transportation experts.

Compliance

• Compliance Brief: ELD Mandate

  Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re prepared. More

• Key Ways to Prevent the Most Frequent CSA Violations

  Regular preventive maintenance improves uptime and reduces the risk of CSA violations. More

Technology

• Carriers Improve Safety with On-Board Technology

  On-board technology allows motor carriers to improve safety, operate efficiently, improve customer service and increase profits. More

• NHTSA to Address Industry Guidelines for Autonomous Vehicles

  The NHTSA is expected to issue industry guidelines on the deployment of autonomous vehicles this year. More

• Twelve Apps for Truck Drivers

  Apps are making life easier for drivers out on the road. More

Maintenance

• Diesel Technician Shortage Expected to Worsen

  The diesel technician shortage is expected to worsen throughout the trucking industry. More

• Five Components that Need Special Care in the Summer

  Tires, cooling and electrical systems, air conditioning systems, refrigeration units and batteries can benefit from preventive maintenance. More

• Maximizing the Benefits of Live Diagnostics Reporting Systems

  Live diagnostic reporting systems can help reduce, and even prevent, delays and breakdowns. More

• Six Summer Maintenance Tips for Class 8 Tractors

  Summer temperatures call for extra attention to Class 8 trucks. More

• NTSB Calls on Fleet Owners to Focus on Truck Maintenance

  Proper brake system management and maintenance is emphasized. More

Safety

• FDA Releases Final FSMA Rule

  The new rule requires food facilities to complete and maintain a written food defense plan to assess contamination vulnerabilities. More

• Groups Join Together to Help Drivers Find Truck Parking

  Trucking and travel plaza industries have joined together to help professional drivers find available truck parking via a new mobile app. More

• DOT to Release CDL Clearinghouse, Speed Limiter, Fuel Efficiency Rules

  The DOT is nearing completion of the proposed regulations regarding the CDL Clearinghouse, speed limiters and fuel efficiency. More

• Five Ways Carriers, Shipper and Loaders Can Prepare Now for Food Safety Modernization Act Requirements

  The new rule addresses foods that require time and temperature control for safety and to prevent spoilage. More

• FMCSA to Review CSA's Use of Non-Preventable Crashes

  Under the current program, the agency doesn’t differentiate between preventable and nonpreventable crashes, affecting private fleet’s CSA percentile rankings. More

• Fleet Owners, Government Look to Increase Safety Through Technology

  New commercial trucks to be equipped with electronic stability control systems in 2017. More

• Improved Seat Belt Use Could Save Lives, Reduce CSA Violations

  Federal law requires professional truck drivers to buckle up, yet one in six still fails to use a seat belt. More

• Ten Maintenance and Driver Tips to Improve Safety as Temperatures Drop

  Extra preparation is warranted for cold weather operation. More

Fuel Management

• Lower Fuel Prices Contribute to Lower Transportation Costs, Increase Highway Miles

  The low price of fuel has helped reduce transportation costs, which grew only 1.3 percent in 2015. More

• More Efficient Trailers to Hit the Road with 2018 Model Year

  EPA and DPT have announced Phase 2 federal greenhouse gas and fuel economy regulations. More

• Industry Sees Increased Use of Natural Gas, Growth in Fueling Stations

  Non-petroleum fuel usage is at its highest level since the mid-1950s. More

Environment

• EPA and DOT Finalize Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks

  The standards will improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon pollution, as well as bolster energy security and spur manufacturing innovation. More

• SmartWay Releases its Elite Status Qualifications

  Elite level category for 53-foot dry van or refrigerated trailers is added to EPA’s SmartWay program. More

Driver Well-being

• Three Ways Fleet Owners, Drivers Can Work Together to Improve Their CSA Scores

  Pre- and post-trip inspections, routine truck service and repair, and properly secured loads. More

• Five Ways Professional Drivers Can Improve Their Health

  Healthier truck drivers can improve safety on our highways. More