TRALA's bi-weekly publication includes news and announcements from around the industry and updates from the Association. If you wish to have information included in a future edition of EnRoute, please send to tralasocialmedia@gmail.com.

The U.S. Department of Transportation leasing task force is scrutinizing maintenance provisions in lease-purchase agreements, alleging a predatory revenue stream for motor carriers. FULL STORY

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is reviewing six research papers on topics such as in-cab monitoring and automatic emergency braking as it considers revising safety fitness determination rules. FULL STORY

The FET poses challenges for heavy-duty dealers due to an outdated IRS code, leading to ambiguity and interpretations. The situation underscores risks for dealers, especially with the recent rate increase to 12%, and emphasizes the importance of adopting best practices to minimize exposure during IRS audits. FULL STORY

Despite leading in electric trucking initiatives, California may not be fully prepared, as highlighted by the American Transportation Research Institute's analysis, citing uncertainties in the state's readiness for vehicle electrification and concerns about the future of top power generators, including Diablo Canyon, the last nuclear power plant providing 8.5% of in-state electricity. FULL STORY

Salesforce predicts a potential "returns tsunami" in the trucking industry, with over $131 billion in holiday purchases expected to be returned; the surge in returns after Cyber Weekend emphasizes the need for efficient reverse logistics in trucking to tackle challenges for retailers, consumers, and the environment. FULL STORY

Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) has introduced its newest Class 8 Volvo VNL truck, designed as a foundation for upcoming technologies. These include battery-electric, fuel cell, and internal combustion powertrains, all capable of running on renewable fuels like hydrogen. FULL STORY

WrenchWay reports positive news on the recruitment and retention of technicians in the trucking industry, as their 2023 survey indicates a decrease to 495 of technicians considering leaving their jobs, a notable improved from the 79% reported in 2022. FULL STORY

The 2024 Trucking Cybersecurity Trends Report by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association undercores the importance of proactive measures and advanced technologies in addressing emerging cybersecurity threats in the trucking industry. FULL STORY

The battery cell production collaboration between Accelera by CUMMINS, PACCAR, and DAIMLER TRUCK, will produce their batteries in Mississippi. . .EATON has added the Advantage series clutch to its line of remanufactured products. . .Seven local high school seniors completed a welding internship at MORGAN TRUCK BODY receiving full-time job offers at $23 per hour upon graduation, with the option for part-time work until then; 25 out of 36 program graduates secured immediate positions, and employees are eligible for 80% college tuition reimbursement after six months of full-time employment. . .Kodiak Robots and RYDER SYSTEM began running autonomous freight trucks from a Houston truckport in December, using an existing Ryder facility to launch and land trucks for freight routes between Houston, Dallas, and Oklahoma City. . .COHN & DUSSI, a full-service law firm with its principal office in Boston, has announced that four attorneys from the firm were named Top Lawyers by Boston Magazine.

WILLIAM DAVISON was named the new executive vice president of manufacturing at Great Dane. . .NationaLease has promoted JANE CLARK to senior vice president of operations. . .The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced that MARK STEWART will take over as Chief Executive Officer and President on January 29, 2024. He will succeed RICHARD J. KRAMER, who has served the company for 24 years.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Paccar Inc. experienced a 54% year-over-year increase in profits, driven by record revenues and a double-digit surge in truck deliveries in the U.S. and Canada. FULL STORY

By 2050, projections suggest that 30.6% of Class 8 trucks will be battery-electric, only 10% will be diesel, and 357,000 out of 6.3 million Classes 6-8 trucks on the road will be autonomous. FULL STORY

In 2023, the U.S. economy faced challenges, impacting the trucking industry, but analysts foresee a more positive outlook for 2024, particularly in the second half of the year. FULL STORY



MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

April 14-17, 2024

TRALA 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

Join us in the vibrant city of Scottsdale, Arizona from April 14th to 17th, as we host TRALA's 45th Annual Meeting and Tech Expo. This event promises an exciting opportunity for industry professionals to come together and explore the latest innovations in technology and transportation. Registration is now open, allowing you to secure your spot at this exceptional gathering of renting and leasing professionals. Check out the meeting website for answers to all your meeting-related questions, https://cvent.me/z73mO2.

Questions? Contact TRALA's Shannon Davison or Jennylynne Shay.

Truck Renting and Leasing Association | (703) 299-9120 | www.trala.org