2026 Outlook: Rise of AI, dwindling EV focus, and brain-reading trucks
The first 2026 roundtable of The Fleet Lead podcast brings together editors from FleetOwner and Bulk Transporter to discuss the commercial vehicle market's transition from a stagnant 2025 to a cautiously optimistic 2026.
Despite continued carrier bankruptcies and consolidations, there are signs that the market might turn later this year. FMCSA's continued crackdown on driver qualifications could help bring upward pressure on rates. On the technology side, appetite for EVs is shrinking, while autonomous and AI deployment marches on—and a brainwave scanner could be the next driver-safety tool.
Catch this episode of The Fleet Lead podcast here or search for The Fleet Lead on your favorite podcast app. Featuring Jason McDaniel from Bulk Transporter and Josh Fisher, Jade Brasher, and Jeremy Wolfe from FleetOwner.
Timestamps:
- 1:30 – FMCSA's driver crackdowns
- 3:55 – Fleet bankruptcies
- 8:33 – How are carriers feeling about the market?
- 10:00 – General Motors' new headquarters
- 11:15 – GM strategy for EVs
- 20:36 – Survey: Fleets don't want EVs
- 27:08 – Autonomous truck expectations
- 29:42 – Brain monitoring devices for driver fatigue
- 34:55 – Heil Trailer military contracts and expansion
- 36:39 – Global mergers, acquisition deal trends
About the Author
Josh Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief Josh Fisher has been with FleetOwner since 2017. He covers everything from modern fleet management to operational efficiency, artificial intelligence, autonomous trucking, alternative fuels and powertrains, regulations, and emerging transportation technology. Based in Maryland, he writes the Lane Shift Ahead column about the changing North American transportation landscape.
Jason McDaniel
Jason McDaniel, based in the Houston TX area, has nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist. He spent 15 writing and editing for daily newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle, and began covering the commercial vehicle industry in 2018. He was named editor of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines in July 2020.
Jade Brasher
Senior Editor Jade Brasher has covered vocational trucking and fleets since 2018. A graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in journalism, Jade enjoys telling stories about the people behind the wheel and the intricate processes of the ever-evolving trucking industry.
Jeremy Wolfe
Editor
Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.