Michael Roeth

1 month ago | fleetowner.com | Michael Roeth

Mark Twain has been quoted as saying, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” In checking into this, I found that the actual quote is, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” It was written in response to rumors that Twain was either dead or dying. He set the record straight. And whether you use the exact quote or the one that has become popular, the sentiment is the same—Twain was not dead. And neither are battery-electric trucks.

1 month ago | fleetowner.com | Michael Roeth

This could be a pivotal year for the trucking industry as we navigate a new regulatory environment, uncertainty surrounding the impact of tariffs, and reexamine commitments to sustainability. Breakthrough, a provider of sustainable fuel and freight solutions for shippers, surveyed 500 transportation decision makers, both shippers and fleets, about their plans for adapting to market and economic changes and the impact of those changes on their sustainability efforts.

1 month ago | fleetowner.com | Michael Roeth

Much of the talk about the “Messy Middle” centers on the vehicles themselves or on the charging/fueling infrastructure. Those things are, of course, important, but during our recent Bootcamp session, Decarbonizing With Natural Gas, I was reminded of the role of the driver in the successful deployment of alternative-fueled vehicles regardless of their powertrain—natural gas/ renewable natural gas, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell.

2 months ago | fleetowner.com | Michael Roeth

We just completed the second session of our Run on Less—Messy Middle Boot Camp. The first three sessions focused on diesel and natural gas. Later, in preparation for the September Run, we will hold sessions on battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This is the third time we’ve conducted a boot camp before the Run, but we’ve added a twist to this one. We will host a two-hour, invite-only workshop at the end of each technology module.

2 months ago | fleetowner.com | Michael Roeth

I’ve talked before about how words matter and about the importance of coming to an agreement on what certain terms mean, but I feel the need to revisit the topic again. Let’s take the word trucking. Many people, even those in the trucking industry, define trucking as Class 8 sleeper tractors that rack up millions of miles traveling long distances crisscrossing the country not knowing where the next trip might be.