Scott Keith

Feb 7, 2024 | fleetowner.com | Scott Keith |Josh Fisher |Michael Roeth

Last April, NHTSA published an ANPRM and a study mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on side underride guards. NHTSA completed the study in 2022 and estimated that guards would save 17 lives and prevent 69 serious injuries annually. In 2020, NHTSA calculated the total cost of installing underride guards on a trailer, including hardware costs and paying for an average of three hours of installation labor, to be $2,990.

Feb 5, 2024 | fleetowner.com | Scott Keith |Jane Clark |Jade Brasher

A gridlocked U.S. Congress can be good news for those in the trucking industry who prefer less regulatory guidance from lawmakers. But a do-nothing House and Senate doesn’t prevent the federal bureaucracy from fiddling with laws already on the books. So regulatory efforts in 2023 make for a running start on the New Year.

Dec 20, 2023 | fleetowner.com | Scott Keith

Optronics International, an electronic control systems and LED lighting manufacturer, recently released its TLL75 Series LED flood beam work lights and STL13 Series 4-inch round LED stop, turn, tail lights just in time for winter. Also available with an amber lens, the TLL75 Series LED flood beam work light is less reflective in snowy conditions. A feature of Optronics’ new lamps is the way in which they heat.

Dec 20, 2023 | fleetowner.com | Scott Keith

This year saw changes and challenges in the trucking industry, and FleetOwner covered them all. From new technology innovations displayed at CES in January to predictions of how AI could change the industry in 2024, FleetOwner's technology coverage in 2023 was broad. In 2023, readers were most interested in stories that featured cost-saving technology tools, such as predictive and preventive maintenance, as well as technology solutions that increased driver safety.

Dec 19, 2023 | fleetowner.com | Scott Keith |Jane Clark

Low freight rates and high diesel prices made a challenging 2023 for trucking, but many experts are predicting rates and tonnage to bounce back in 2024—though the economy may not warm up until the spring or summer months. The bankruptcy of less-than-truckload carrier Yellow made mainstream news this year, and small carriers left the industry in record numbers. For those that remain, there is potential for a rebound, but they might have to be patient.