The economy is a chief concern for fleets during an ongoing freight recession, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the American Transportation Associations' annual management conference. In this episode, Josh Fisher of FleetOwner sat down with Rebecca Brewster, president of the American Transportation Research Institute, and Andy Owens, president of A&M Transport, to discuss ATRI's recent report on the top 10 concerns fleets have heading into 2026, from the economy to driver qualifications and AI.

Success comes from focusing on outcomes, maintaining a positive mindset, and taking personal responsibility for daily progress.

That’s the takeaway from this conversation hosted by Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at EndeavorB2B—The Fleet Lead’s parent company. He’s joined by Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, and Randy O’Connor, owner/principal of Dealer to Dealer Development Group serving the auto and tire service industry.

Leadership is about enrolling others in a shared vision and personal accountability—not just giving orders.

In the age of convenience where everything is delivered, even commercial vehicle maintenance comes on wheels. But why would a shop decide to go mobile? In this episode John Hitch interviews Kevin and Kyle Coltrain, who just launched Coltrain Onsite Fleet Care earlier this year. The brothers are drawing on their family's maintenance and football roots to run their company like a winning team.

To reach 125 years, trailer manufacturer Great Dane continually adapted and innovated to remain a leader in the transportation space—and kept focused “on the right thing,” as its leaders would say.

In this episode, President and COO Rick Mullininx and EVP of Sales Chris Hammond highlight the company's history, key milestones, and future vision.

Listen to the interview on this week's episode of The Fleet Lead podcast below or search for The Fleet Lead on your favorite podcast app.

00:45 - From blow pipes to trailer manufacturing

01:53 - The pivotal 1997 Crown family acquisition

02:32 - Challenging times in the 1980s

03:11 - During COVID, drawing inspiration from World War II efforts

05:33 - Safety as a core company value

06:44 - The Fourth Industrial Revolution, future innovations

The Fleet Lead’s team of transportation experts break down some of the industry’s hottest topics today: re-shoring manufacturing, trucking’s overcapacity problem, English proficiency requirements, and emissions regulations.

The roundtable hosted five editors from major trucking brands:

• Josh Fisher, Editor-in-Chief, FleetOwner
• Jason McDaniel, Editor, Bulk Transporter
• Jeremy Wolfe, Editor, FleetOwner
• Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Trailer Body Builders
• John Hitch, Editor-in-Chief, Fleet Maintenance

Another trucking software company has launched a product that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI). PCS Software unveiled several new offerings that use Cortex AI to automate tasks, from assigning drivers to finding loads.

Mark Hill, PCS Software’s CEO, sat down with FleetOwner to share how he thinks solutions like these can support small- to mid-sized carriers.

“They’ve done all the right things. These guys, they’ve cut where they need to cut. They’ve extended the life of their assets, and they’re out there talking with customers,” Hill said. “We need to help them by showing them new areas that they can get profit points.”

The electric truck market faces big changes this year. State and federal incentives are dissipating in the wake of the Trump administration's disruptions.

In this episode, FleetOwner interviews, ACT Research analysts Lydia Vieth and Ann Rundle. Vieth and Rundle explain the current market and regulations, as well as their projections for future electric truck adoption, battery technologies, and beyond.

Tanker trucks are often easy to identify: a tractor hauling a metal cylinder to transport liquid or gas cargo in bulk. But what else separates them from the other tractor-trailers on the road?

In this episode, Jason McDaniel, editor of Bulk Transporter, gives a digestible run-down on tank trucks: their designs, safety regulations, cargo, and more. Jason’s explainer is based on the Fleets Explained series on FleetOwner.