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Alec Matson, Sr. Manager of Transportation for Wayfair, and Mark Wallin, General Manager & SVP of Product for Phillips Connect, join TT's Michael Freeze to discuss why Wayfair choose to invest in smart trailer technology, how their day-to-day operations changed, and what steps you need to take to modernize your fleet's trailer management. 

After three years of a difficult freight market, some positive signs have begun to show. However, operating expenses are still high, and margins are still thin, putting pressure on fleet operators to control costs. Many fleets opt to lease trucks rather than buy as it reduces the upfront cost for equipment. Full-service leases also free fleets from managing maintenance and repairs.

Cargo theft activity in the United States rose to unprecedented levels in 2024, according to Verisk CargoNet's annual analysis. The number of reported incidents rose 27% from 2023 as the estimated value per theft also increased to $202,364. This news brings into question the security measures that freight transportation companies use to secure their assets - in transit and on-site.

The cost of operating a commercial truck rose to a record $2.27 per mile last year, including 4.6 cents per mile in tire costs, according to a recent ATRI report. Proactive tire management is crucial to not only controlling these rising costs but also improving fleet safety and operational efficiency.

With the peak shipping season under way and the holidays fast approaching, trucking and logistics companies will remain busy with higher levels of demand in the coming months. Unfortunately, this period is often accompanied by a rise in crime.

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized stricter greenhouse gas emission limits for commercial trucks that take effect beginning in 2027. While manufacturers develop trucks and engines to comply with this rule and other emission regulations at the state and federal level, fleet managers will need to plan their equipment strategies accordingly. 

Today's transportation companies work under tremendous pressure - from rising costs and labor shortages to looming recessions and fluctuating demand. Effectively managing cash flow and both sides of the carrier-shipper relationship are vital to continued operations when running on fine margins. Invoicing errors, service disputes, payment delays and more can not only disrupt your day-to-day operations but also slow down an already beset supply chain. 

When the desire for quick turnarounds precludes proper vetting and information security, bad actors are quick to take advantage. Find out how you can better protect your business' future. Dr. Erika Voss, Vice President of Information Security for DAT Freight & Analytics, joins Transport Topics' Seth Clevenger for a special one-on-one conversation to discuss her experience teaching businesses how to improve their information security practices and offer her insight on trends in freight fraud and cybersecurity.

This event took place on this page on May 16, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET.