Whether you’re just getting started in the transportation industry or have been around for decades, trucking and fleet management can be complicated.
We created the first explainer articles about how these vital industries worked a year ago. We now have a library of 20 Fleets Explained entries designed to help demystify everything from how freight rates work and fuel prices are determined to defining common industry abbreviations and explaining the rich American history of trucking. And we have a dozen more in the works.
We’ve heard from many of you that you’re using these articles to help new hires get up to speed. With intern season getting underway, we wanted to highlight this online library at FleetOwner.com/fleets-explained. We’re also looking for feedback and ideas for future Fleets Explained articles. Feel free to pass that along by emailing [email protected]. Below are what we’ve focused on and direct links to those entries.
Trucking segments: Essential to the U.S. economy, trucking moves over 70% of U.S. freight that can be categorized by carrier types, cargo types, and various commodities, reflecting this complex industry. FleetOwner.com/SegmentsExplained
Nine fuels that power fleets: Everyone knows of gasoline and diesel fuel, the most common motor vehicle fuels. But there are many other fuels available—some that can be immediately used as a direct replacement for your current fuel. That is, if you can find them. FleetOwner.com/FuelExplained
How EVs differ from ICE vehicles: There are more than 3 million electric vehicles in operation in the U.S. While that sounds like a lot, it’s just a fraction of the 337 million vehicles on the road. FleetOwner.com/EVsExplained
How to spec a truck: There are as many different truck specifications as there are commercial vehicle fleets. Each business has its own needs, budget, and driver preferences—and each truck has hundreds of components that can be fine-tuned. Spec’ing a Class 8 truck means diving into all the gritty details of both fleet needs and truck components. FleetOwner.com/SpecingExplained
How does TMS work? For fleets, a transportation management system acts as a centralized program that coordinates data collection and automates tasks across nearly every aspect of fleet operations. FleetOwner.com/TMSExplained
How freight rates work: Freight rates are the primary income source for-hire trucking and a major indicator of the industry’s health. Trucking segments have slightly different rates, particularly between spot and contract freight. All rates experience cyclical boom and bust phases. FleetOwner.com/RatesExplained
Industry careers: There’s more to trucking than driving. Industry careers beyond driving showcase the diverse opportunities available for individuals with different skills and experiences. FleetOwner.com/CareersExplained
How emissions are regulated: Heavy-duty vehicle emission regulations fall under two major authorities: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. FleetOwner.com/EmissionsExplained
History of truck OEMs: Seven brands from four global companies account for 99.9% of all new Class 8 truck sales in the U.S. Here’s how they’ve grown and changed over the past 125 years. FleetOwner.com/OEMhistory
Industry organizations: Major trucking organizations, including the American Trucking Associations, advocate for the industry or specific segments and workers. Each offers various benefits and services for industry stakeholders. FleetOwner.com/TradeOrgs
Industry abbreviations: The article provides a guide to common trucking abbreviations, helping newcomers understand the terms used in the industry. FleetOwner.com/TruckingTerms
How NOx and DEF work: NOx is a significant air pollutant, and diesel exhaust fluid is one of the most critical methods of NOx treatment today. FleetOwner.com/NOxExplained
How to prevent cargo theft: There are different kinds of cargo theft in the trucking industry, distinguishing between straight and strategic theft. Key prevention strategies include hardware and technology. FleetOwner.com/CargoTheft
How AVs work: Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize truck operations. Autonomous truck developers are focused on humanless middle-mile driving or advanced driver assistance. FleetOwner.com/AVsExplained
Truck parking explained: There are 11 truck drivers for every truck parking space in the U.S. Key regulations, such as Jason’s Law, aim to address the problem, but more support is needed for improvement. FleetOwner.com/ParkingExplained
How distracted driving impacts industry: Distracted driving in trucking causes 3,300 annual fatalities. Truck drivers must remain vigilant against their distractions and those of other drivers. FleetOwner.com/DistractedDriving
How fuel prices work: Fuel prices make up a quarter of carriers' operating costs. Seasonal demand spikes, available production and stockpiles, taxes, and market speculation all contribute to diesel’s frequent upward and downward spikes. FleetOwner.com/FuelPrices
U.S. Interstate System history: Before the First World War, rail was the quickest way to move freight—or anything else. Today, freight relies on trucks and the divided highways crisscrossing the vast nation. FleetOwner.com/HighwaysExplained
What makes tank trucks different: A tank truck, also known as a tanker truck or simply a tanker, is a motor vehicle designed to transport liquid or gas cargo in bulk. FleetOwner.com/TankTrucksExplained
