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# Mindy Long | Arizona-Based Journalist

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## Posts

- [Articles](https://mindylong.com/articles/)
- [The Writing Books I Still Return to After 25 Years in Journalism](https://mindylong.com/the-writing-books-i-still-return-to-after-25-years-in-journalism/) - I’ve sent 25 years as a journalist, and I’ve written thousands of stories. Stories help us make sense of the world around us, and there are a handful of great books that I feel like have helped me become a better storyteller over the years. Here are my favorites and the ones I still revisit
- [New Software Aims to Make Radar More Reliable and Safer for Commercial Vehicles](https://mindylong.com/new-software-aims-to-make-radar-more-reliable-and-safer-for-commercial-vehicles/) - Atomathic, a radar-software developer, said it has found a way to make radar more reliable in the kinds of edge cases that typically challenge driver-assist and automated-driving systems in commercial vehicles. Large metal objects, such as tractor-trailers, can dominate radar returns, creating ghost targets or masking weaker signals, such as pedestrians, cyclists or debris, entirely,
- [HERE Technologies Targets “Last-Meter” Precision for Commercial Fleets](https://mindylong.com/here-technologies-targets-last-meter-precision-for-commercial-fleets/) - Digital maps are no longer just about getting from point A to point B. As vehicle software grows more central to fleet operations, map accuracy is becoming essential for safety systems, route and fleet optimization, and electrification strategies. During CES 2026 in Las Vegas, HERE Technologies said it is moving beyond last-mile navigation to what
- [Hunt for Workflow Efficiency Starts with Integrating Diagnostic Tools and Data Platforms](https://mindylong.com/hunt-for-workflow-efficiency-starts-with-integrating-diagnostic-tools-and-data-platforms/) - Shops serious about growth and sustained success must constantly hunt down workflows to improve like a grizzly bear calorie-loading before a long hibernation, especially when their trusty fleet customers are starving due to the prolonged freight recession. You never know how long your last big month of revenue will have to last, so it’s wise
- [Trucking Fleets Turn to Renewable Diesel for Cleaner Runs](https://mindylong.com/trucking-fleets-turn-to-renewable-diesel-for-cleaner-runs/) - Trucking Fleets Turn to Renewable Diesel for Cleaner Runs Renewable and Biodiesel Fuels Gain Momentum as Drop-In Diesel Alternatives Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics Optimus Technologies’ bolt-on Vector fuel system enables existing diesel engines to run on up to 100% biodiesel. (Optimus Technologies) A growing number of trucking fleets are utilizing renewable,
- [Putting AI to Work in Trucking](https://mindylong.com/115521-2/) - Motor carriers, freight brokers and shippers are gaining access to a broad menu of emerging artificial intelligence capabilities from startups and established technology vendors, available both as bolt-on systems and embedded features in transportation management software. This rapid proliferation of AI tools can leave transportation companies unsure of where to begin or what products and
- [AI Adoption Raises Stakes for Data Security](https://mindylong.com/ai-adoption-raises-stakes-for-data-security/) - As AI agents begin sending emails, processing orders and making pricing recommendations, the importance of data security, governance and system access continues to grow. Industry leaders said those issues should be addressed from the start. AI promises significant workflow gains, but it also widens the pathways through which sensitive information travels. “For agentic tools to
- [Clarios Expands Battery Monitoring Capabilities to Trailers, Outlines Sodium-Ion Plans During CES](https://mindylong.com/clarios-expands-battery-monitoring-capabilities-to-trailers-outlines-sodium-ion-plans-during-ces/) - Clarios, a provider of advanced low-voltage battery technologies, has launched battery-monitoring capabilities for trailers equipped with liftgates and other powered systems, providing visibility into the trailer battery’s state of charge and health. The solution is designed to help fleets detect battery issues before they result in failed deliveries, unscheduled maintenance and roadside service. “We were
- [Truck OEMs Face First-Half Woes in 2026, McKinsey Says](https://mindylong.com/truck-oems-face-first-half-woes-in-2026-mckinsey-says/) - LAS VEGAS — The North American heavy-duty truck market remains under pressure with fleets delaying equipment purchases amid uncertainty. Original equipment manufacturers are facing weak volumes and significant margin pressures, and sales are expected to remain weak through the first half of the year. “2025 was extremely challenging, and 2026 is projected to at least
- [Bosch, Kodiak Partner to Scale Self-Driving Trucks](https://mindylong.com/bosch-kodiak-partner-to-scale-self-driving-trucks/) - LAS VEGAS — Automated truck developer Kodiak announced a partnership with equipment and technology company Bosch to build a production-ready, redundant platform designed specifically for fully autonomous Class 8 trucks. The partnership, announced during the annual CES trade show, is aimed at accelerating Kodiak’s ability to scale its self-driving technology. “How do you move from five
- [AI Rollouts Depend on People as Much as Technology](https://mindylong.com/ai-rollouts-depend-on-people-as-much-as-technology/) - As artificial intelligence moves deeper into daily operations, transportation industry leaders are finding that managing the human element is just as important as finding the right technology. Focusing on employee engagement, investing in practical skills and giving people a clear stake in the outcome can all garner support. “Change management is the foundation of any
- [Top Tips: Run the Best Shop](https://mindylong.com/top-tips-run-the-best-shop/) - Read on the Ratchet + Wrench website here: https://www.ratchetandwrench.com/sponsored/whitepaper/55295805/top-tips-run-the-best-shop. Establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) can help you better understand shop operations and offer insights into boosting profitability and growing your shop. Drawing on tangible and actionable data can provide the clarity needed to uncover inefficiencies, make informed decisions, and grow your shop. This
- [The Best Lane Boosts the Bottom Line](https://mindylong.com/itech-the-best-lane-boosts-the-bottom-line/) - Trucking companies are finding that not all freight lanes are created equal financially. So, many of them are turning to software products — packages that include everything from mapping technology to detailed cost analysis — to help them choose the routes that will most boost their bottom lines. Take Mark Stein, director of operations for
- [Workflow Programs Enhance Fleets’ Access to Delivery Updates](https://mindylong.com/workflow-programs-enhance-fleets-access-to-delivery-updates/) - Dayton Freight Lines uses workflow software to eliminate “fat-finger” errors. C.R. England uses it to check and correct the temperature of refrigerated cargo. Quality Distribution Inc. uses it to give drivers precise information about proper handling procedures for each of its varying hazardous materials deliveries. Workflow applications, the next generation of in-cab software, enable carriers
- [Diesel Techs Retiring](https://mindylong.com/diesel-techs-retiring/) - A good portion of diesel mechanics today are baby boomers, and with the boomers reaching retirement age between 2010 and 2030, many are predicting that a severe diesel mechanic shortage is on the horizon. In 2004, the Department of Labor estimated that there were 606,000 diesel technicians, which includes bus, truck, heavy-duty and farm equipment
- [Auto Techs May Fit the Bill](https://mindylong.com/auto-techs-may-fit-the-bill/) - As car dealerships across the country close, automotive technicians who become casualties of consolidation may provide a solution for light- and medium-duty fleets and repair shops facing a shortage of commercial techs. “There is always a commercial truck technician shortage,” said Mark Oliver, senior vice president of maintenance for Penske Truck Leasing, Reading, Pa., “but
- [Key to Success](https://mindylong.com/key-to-success/) - WHEN IT COMES TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, Pennsylvania truly is the “Keystone State.” All goods shipped between the Northeast and states in the South and West travel though the state. A full 48 percent of the truck traffic on Pennsylvania’s roads terminates outside the state. Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa. ) i s worki ng on l
- [Broken Trust](https://mindylong.com/broken-trust/) - Rep. Mary Fallin (R-Oklahoma) is front and center on Capitol Hill when it comes to shaping the future of highway spending and determining how to meet the nation’s energy needs. She has represented her home state in the House since 2006, and serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Armed Services
- [The 2024 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study](https://mindylong.com/the-2024-annual-third-party-logistics-study/) - Download the 2024 Third-Party Logistics Study here. Relationships and collaboration are essential to the success of end-to-end supply chains and remain at the center of today’s supply chains. Shippers and third-party logistics companies are forming strategic partnerships and working together to improve decision-making, manage costs and increase agility. Overall, those relationships are working. The 2024
- [2023 Study: Young Professionals in Supply Chain](https://mindylong.com/2023-study-young-professionals-in-supply-chain/) - Download the report on the Council of Supply Chain Management's website here. In the fourth edition of CSCMP's Biannual Young Professionals in Supply Chain Report, authored by Korn Ferry and presented by Penske Logistics, the 2023 survey results provide insights on the motivations and perspectives of the next generation of supply chain leaders. Key findings
- [Women are Changing the Transportation Industry](https://mindylong.com/women-are-changing-the-transportation-industry/) - View the story Fleet Owner's website here. When Ingrid Brown started driving a truck in 1979, it was rare for her to see another woman on the road. Back then, the owner-operator knew of six other female drivers who ran a regular route from North Carolina to California, and they would leave handwritten notes for
- [Truck Shops Dig for Root Causes as Vehicles Add Complexity](https://mindylong.com/truck-shops-dig-for-root-causes-as-vehicles-add-complexity/) - Read this article on the Fleet Owner website. In the trucking industry, there is more interconnectivity between vehicle systems and components than ever before, which allows the asset to become safer, smarter, and more efficient. But this also creates complications for the maintenance professionals who will have to fix any problems that come up. “Components
- [How Driver Stress is Hurting Your Fleet and What to Do About It](https://mindylong.com/how-driver-stress-is-hurting-your-fleet-and-what-to-do-about-it/) - Stress is quietly draining performance across U.S. fleets and can have a significant effect on highway safety. Geotab research shows 68% of commercial drivers say work-related stress impacts how they operate. That can lead to mistakes on the road, higher turnover, and rising costs on everything from insurance and maintenance to fuel. In this webinar,
- [Clear Career Paths Needed for Technicians](https://mindylong.com/clear-career-paths-needed-for-technicians/) - View the story on Transport Topics' website here. Creating a clear path for career advancement to help attract and retain diesel technicians is key to growing trucking’s pool of future leaders, industry experts said. “There is a distinct path you can go from the bottom to the top,” said ­Darry Stuart, president of DWS Fleet
- [State DOTs Find Alternative Solutions to Clearing Roads](https://mindylong.com/state-dots-find-alternative-solutions-to-clearing-roads/) - View on Transport Topics' Web Site here. When winter snow imposes its will on the roads, it’s typically mitigated by various amounts of sand, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and road salt, but these de-icing agents also are a major contributor to corrosion problems for fleets. However, states are working to alleviate that problem by decreasing
- [Fleets Implement Techniques to Fight Corrosion From Salts](https://mindylong.com/fleets-implement-techniques-to-fight-corrosion-from-salts/) - View on Transport Topics' Website here. Keeping roadways free of snow and ice is critical for safety, but the de-icing products states use — mainly chlorides — are notorious for causing truck corrosion, creating a significant risk to equipment. Meanwhile, fleets are working to fight corrosion by spec’ing certain materials, inspecting equipment regularly and washing
- [Coverage Crunch: Strategic Tips for Manufacturers](https://mindylong.com/coverage-crunch-strategic-tips-for-manufacturers/) - Read in Compoundings magazine at https://ilma.ygsclicbook.com/pubs/compoundings/2025/june-2025/live/index.html#p=18. The commercial insurance landscape remains volatile for manufacturers, marked by high premiums and limited availability in key coverage areas. While there are isolated signs of softening in some areas, coverage across much of the commercial insurance landscape remains costly and, in some cases, difficult to secure. "Since 2017 or
- [Going Global: Resources Can Help Companies that Want to Increase Global Growth](https://mindylong.com/going-global-many-resources-are-available-to-help-companies-that-want-to-increase-global-growth/) - Expanding global operations can create new opportunities for manufacturers, and there are several resources that companies can use to find new customers while also mitigating the risk of working with partners abroad. “There are a lot of regulatory and legal issues to deal with when you’re exporting, particularly in today’s environment,” said Chuck Decker, president
- [Additive Adjustment: As the Industry Stabilizes, Suppliers Step Up Innovation](https://mindylong.com/additive-adjustment-as-the-industry-stabilizes-suppliers-step-up-innovation/) - Read the article in Compoundings here. The lubricant additive industry has spent the past few years battling supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages, but things are returning to normal, enabling suppliers to focus on new formulations to meet changing customer demands and upcoming OEM requirements. “The additive companies have all gone through a bizarre
- [Nikola Sees Bundled Leases as a Key to Success](https://mindylong.com/nikola-sees-bundled-leases-as-a-key-to-success/) - View the Story on Fleet Owner's website here. SCOTTSDALE, AZ. Nikola Motor Co. aims to do more than just make hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks mainstream in the coming decade. Executives from Nikola’s leadership team said they believe a new “all-in-bundle” leasing model will give fleet customers the ability to truly manage their total cost of
- [Maintenance Leaders Talk Rise of Diagnostic Tools in the Shop](https://mindylong.com/maintenance-leaders-talk-rise-of-diagnostic-tools-in-the-shop/) - Read the article on the Fleet Maintenance website here. As vehicles are becoming more complex, shop managers are increasing the number of tools per technician to help ensure technicians have the tools they need when they need them. Noregon’s Unpacking the Commercial Vehicle Diagnostic Market 2023 report found that there were four technicians per every one diagnostic
- [Technician Shortage Got You Down? Latest Wave of Diagnostic Tools Built to Get You Uptime](https://mindylong.com/technician-shortage-got-you-down-latest-wave-of-diagnostic-tools-built-to-get-you-uptime/) - View the full story on the Fleet Maintenance website at: https://www.fleetmaintenance.com/in-the-bay/diagnostic-and-repair/article/55322410/how-diagnsotic-tools-can-improve-uptime-even-during-technician-shortage Anyone working on modern commercial vehicles knows the greater amount of ECUs and sensors exponentially increases the volume of faults that can be triggered, and equally complex diagnostic tools must be used to troubleshoot whatever rolls into the shop. At the same time, managers
- [Four Trends Shaping the Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Industry in 2023](https://mindylong.com/four-trends-shaping-the-commercial-vehicle-maintenance-industry-in-2023/) - Read the article on the Fleet Maintenance website here. The trucking industry is facing several headwinds in 2023, including volatile diesel prices, weakening freight demand, and uncertain economic conditions. Still, the commercial vehicle service and maintenance industry reports a positive outlook for shop activities, repair volume, revenue, and service demand. The Unpacking the Commercial Vehicle Diagnostic
- [How to Diagnose Fleets' Biggest Aftertreatment Aeadaches](https://mindylong.com/how-to-diagnose-fleets-biggest-aftertreatment-aeadaches/) - Read the article on the Fleet Maintenance website. Aftertreatment systems are responsible for some of the most common faults found on commercial vehicles, and problems with the systems can result in unplanned downtime if they aren’t addressed. Diagnostic tools, telematics, and preventive maintenance can help, but technicians often face challenges when servicing the systems, which
- [Diagnostic tool use in commercial vehicle shops hits critical mass](https://mindylong.com/diagnostic-tool-use-in-commercial-vehicle-shops-hits-critical-mass/) - Read the article in Fleet Maintenance here: https://www.fleetmaintenance.com/in-the-bay/tools/article/55139143/diagnostic-tool-trends-for-2025-and-beyond This is Part One of a two-part story. Click here for Part Two. Eight years ago, a commercial vehicle shop, on average, had one diagnostic tool per six technicians, according to Noregon Systems. By the end of this year, the diagnostic solution provider estimates the ratio will be 1:3.
- [How going paperless can benefit your repair shop](https://mindylong.com/how-going-paperless-can-benefit-your-repair-shop/) - Read the full article on the Fleet Maintenance web site: https://www.fleetmaintenance.com/shop-operations/data-and-telematics/article/55267791/how-paperless-operations-can-increase-shop-efficiency-and-productivity. When Vision Truck Group’s maintenance operations went paperless in 2019, all communication was moved onto a digital platform that connected all areas of the shop. The Ontario, Canada-based heavy-duty truck dealer’s case activities, notes, photos, quotes, and more are entered into software from Decisiv, so anyone
- [Independent Contractor Rules Could Disrupt Drayage Operations](https://mindylong.com/independent-contractor-rules-could-disrupt-drayage-operations/) - LONG BEACH, Calif. — The drayage industry relies on owner-operators and the independent contractor model to move freight, but state action in California and New Jersey could limit the number of owner-operators available to work and disrupt drayage operations. “In the current business model, we need that independent owner-operator to exist,” said David Hensal, CEO
- [Regular Check-Ups Prevent Costly Fixes](https://mindylong.com/regular-check-ups-prevent-costly-fixes/) - Ken Eggen at Tango Transport in Shreveport, La., knows that one size doesn’t fit all. That is why he has separate preventative maintenance checklists for each of the three engine models his fleet runs. He goes a step further and sits down with his shop managers quarterly to pick through those checklists and make adjustments.
- [Technology Can Put Truckers in the Fast Lane When Crossing Canadian and Mexican Borders](https://mindylong.com/technology-can-put-truckers-in-the-fast-lane-when-crossing-canadian-and-mexican-borders/) - Safety and security remain a top concern for fleets crossing both the northern and southern borders, and motor carriers, including Celadon Group Inc. and Trimac Transportation Services, are turning to electronic transmissions, voluntary government programs and the latest technology to streamline crossings and protect their freight. “The way that Canada and U.S. Customs are going,
- [Electric Trucks Reach the Market](https://mindylong.com/electric-trucks-reach-the-market/) - It appears that the time for electric commercial trucks has arrived. After years of announcements promoting concepts and prototypes, several suppliers have introduced battery-electric production models. As with other alternative power systems, such as hybrids or natural gas trucks, electric trucks are not the silver bullet that will reduce all of a fleet’s operating costs.
- [SmartWay Program May Help EPA Shape Greenhouse-Gas Rules](https://mindylong.com/smartway-program-may-help-epa-shape-greenhouse-gas-rules/) - As federal regulators ready mandates to curtail greenhouse-gas emissions and improve heavy-duty trucks’ fuel mileage, Environmental Protection Agency and trucking company officials said that research gleaned from EPA’s 8-year-old SmartWay program can help shape those rules. The new regulations, being developed by EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, set different targets for various
- [Parts Demand Is Surging: Truck Makers, Suppliers Expand Offerings, Improve Distribution to Combat Supply Challenges](https://mindylong.com/parts-demand-is-surging-truck-makers-suppliers-expand-offerings-improve-distribution-to-combat-supply-challenges/) - A growing economy and strong new truck sales have increased demand for aftermarket parts, creating supply challenges. Truck manufacturers and component suppliers said they’re working to alleviate pressure on the industry by expanding offerings, improving distribution channels and using predictive forecasting tools to get ahead of demand. “With the economy running on all cylinders, it
- [Retailers Turn to Logistics Providers to Help Manage Returns Process](https://mindylong.com/retailers-turn-to-logistics-providers-to-help-manage-returns-process/) - Transport Topics Jan 8 2019. For online retailers, one of the challenges with the reverse logistics process is knowing what to do once items are returned. Some products could be returned to a finished goods warehouse whereas defective ones could go to a location to refurbish or recycle the product. “Retailers have not figured out
- [Some Fleets Embrace Paid Lodging for Drivers as Alternative to Sleeper Cabs](https://mindylong.com/some-fleets-embrace-paid-lodging-for-drivers-as-alternative-to-sleeper-cabs/) - When Bill McNamee, a professional truck driver for Carbon Express, first learned he’d be sleeping in hotel rooms while out on the road rather than in a sleeper berth, he thought the concept was strange. Five years later, he says he hopes to never spend another night in a sleeper. “After 20-plus years of being
- [Awake and Aware: Fleets Turn to Video, Analytics Technology to Identify Signs of Driver Fatigue, Distraction](https://mindylong.com/fleets-turn-to-video-analytics-technology-to-identify-signs-of-driver-fatigue-distraction/) - Distracted and drowsy driving creates risk for drivers as well as fleets, but various forms of technology can alert drivers to these hazards and enable fleets to tailor training to prevent future events. Hirschbach Motor Lines, a carrier based in Dubuque, Iowa, uses camera technology and alarms from Lytx Inc. to help prevent fatigued driving.
- [Drivers Feel Safer in Hotel Rooms, Fleets Say](https://mindylong.com/drivers-feel-safer-in-hotel-rooms-fleets-say/) - Carriers that provide paid lodging for drivers said sleeping in hotel rooms not only improves their quality of rest, but also provides them with a greater sense of security. Steve Bramble, director of talent acquisition for Holland, a subsidiary of YRC Worldwide, said drivers feel safer sleeping in hotels. “There is something to having the
- [Carriers Invest in Inspection Strategies, Tools](https://mindylong.com/carriers-invest-in-inspection-strategies-tools/) - Motor carriers are investing in training, technology and ongoing education to help ensure their drivers conduct thorough pre- and post-trip inspections, which are essential for complying with federal safety standards and minimizing vehicle downtime. “Good inspections help to reduce and prevent over-the-road breakdowns by making sure trucks are in good working condition,” said Chad Willis,
- [Pets Can Help Fleet Recruitment Efforts and Boost Driver Satisfaction](https://mindylong.com/pets-can-help-fleet-recruitment-efforts-and-boost-driver-satisfaction/) - Roadmaster Group once turned down a driver applying to the company who requested to travel with a pet alligator. But the Phoenix-based specialized carrier — as well as many other fleets — does allow its drivers to bring along a cat or dog as a companion. About 40% of the company’s husband-and-wife team drivers take
- [Intermodal Works to Attract E-Commerce Shipments](https://mindylong.com/intermodal-works-to-attract-e-commerce-shipments/) - LONG BEACH, Calif. — Speed and visibility are two of the most important factors that can help those within the supply chain capture e-commerce market share, and intermodal is finding ways to be more competitive in the space, according to speakers at IANA Intermodal Expo 2019 here. Tom Williams, group vice president of consumer products
- [IMO 2020 Could Shift Freight Patterns, Increase Costs](https://mindylong.com/imo-2020-could-shift-freight-patterns-increase-costs/) - LONG BEACH, Calif. — A panel representing the shipping industry spoke about the looming International Maritime Organization mandate that will require cargo vessels to burn low-sulfur diesel, and shippers and carriers said the requirements could lead to price increases or the rerouting of freight. Walmart Inc. discussed the rules, referred to as IMO 2020 and
- [Nikola Celebrates Entry Into HFCEV Market](https://mindylong.com/nikola-celebrates-entry-into-hfcev-market/) - View the Story on Transport Topics' Website COOLIDGE, Ariz. — Nikola Corp. celebrated the commercial launch of its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles with 900 of its customers, suppliers and supporters at its manufacturing facility Sept. 28. “Today is the culmination of a long journey,” CEO Steve Girsky said. “This is a company that always
- [Data Collection and New Technology Bring ADAS Improvements](https://mindylong.com/data-collection-and-new-technology-bring-adas-improvements/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website. The technology powering advanced driver assistance systems is continuing to improve, laying the groundwork for more autonomous driving and creating significant safety and maintenance benefits. “ADAS technology is continuing to improve and evolve over time, from the software to hardware, including radar, lidar and cameras; the quality, cost
- [Have Trucking Insurance Premiums Peaked?](https://mindylong.com/have-trucking-insurance-premiums-peaked/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website here. With the year more than halfway completed, there has been much concern about rising insurance premium costs. However, are we getting close to an environment in which those rates are leveling out or even reversing course? And what are the main factors to get the industry there?
- [Increased Demand Drives Efficiency in the Cold Chain](https://mindylong.com/increased-demand-drives-efficiency-in-the-cold-chain/) - As demand for the cold chain continues to increase, so does the desire to control costs, say refrigerated freight experts. The need to increase efficiency and maintain equipment, while also improving sustainability as fleets meet stricter regulatory requirements and customer expectations, has become the priority. “Our customers are forecasting a higher demand on fresher foods,
- [Intermodal Industry Faces Uncertainties After Strong 2018](https://mindylong.com/intermodal-industry-faces-uncertainties-after-strong-2018/) - LONG BEACH, Calif. — After a banner year in 2018, the intermodal industry is being challenged by a variety of issues, but it remains resilient despite uncertainties. Joni Casey, president of the Intermodal Association of North America, shared those thoughts as she welcomed attendees to the IANA Intermodal Expo 2019 here Sept. 16. More than
- [Food and Beverage Fleets Adopt Sustainable Practices](https://mindylong.com/food-and-beverage-fleets-adopt-sustainable-practices/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/food-fleets-electric. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Private fleets operating in the food and beverage sector are demonstrating effective use cases for electric-powered trucks, electric transport refrigeration units and alternative fuels as they implement their sustainability initiatives. “Everybody knows the expense is hard to offset sometimes, and quite frankly, sometimes you’re
- [Private Fleets Continue Optimization Efforts](https://mindylong.com/private-fleets-continue-optimization-efforts/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website here. Private motor carriers, like all trucking operations, have been adjusting to shifting freight market conditions during the past year as truck capacity has loosened and freight rates have softened. In this business environment, private fleet operators have focused on optimizing efficiency, controlling costs and improving asset utilization,
- [Rail, Intermodal Providers Add Technology, Improve Operations to Boost Efficiency](https://mindylong.com/rail-intermodal-providers-add-technology-improve-operations-to-boost-efficiency/) - LONG BEACH, Calif. — Rail and intermodal providers said they are increasing speed and efficiency to become more competitive, and technology is helping them improve operations. “We’re thinking about what is needed to compete against the truck,” Keith Reardon, senior vice president of consumer product supply chain growth at Canadian National Railway, said here at
- [Experts Dissect Challenges of Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure](https://mindylong.com/hydrogen/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/experts-dissect-hydrogen. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Affordable and available hydrogen is critical to large-scale adoption of fuel cell systems and internal combustion engines that use the fuel, but it’s up to manufacturers and fuel producers to develop solutions and help address the economic and operational hurdles fleets confront with hydrogen fueling
- [AI, Analytics, Automation Drive the Development of TMS](https://mindylong.com/ai-analytics-automation-drive-the-development-of-tms/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website here. From the stand-alone dispatching software of the past to today’s complex, integrated technology platforms that leverage cloud computing, transportation management systems have evolved to provide real-time data and advanced analytics to improve freight visibility and fleet decision-making. “Initially, the systems didn’t do much more than freight bill
- [Transparency, Privacy Features Help Boost Camera Acceptance](https://mindylong.com/transparency-privacy-features-help-boost-camera-acceptance/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website here. Video-based safety systems are helping fleets prevent crashes and exonerate drivers, but successful deployment of this technology continues to hinge on driver acceptance. Fleets and technology providers said they’re finding ways to gain drivers’ support and protect their privacy. “As long as you’re upfront with the drivers
- [Trailer Tech Capabilities Continue to Improve for Fleets](https://mindylong.com/trailer-tech-capabilities-continue-to-improve-for-fleets/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website here. Trailer telematics and sensor technol­ogy continue to advance, and providers said they’re offering much more than simple track-and-trace applications. Multiple streams of information, advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence are generating insights fleets can use to improve productivity, enhance safety, support drivers and increase profitability. “We’re at
- [Clarios Releases New Battery Technology to Reduce Idling](https://mindylong.com/clarios-releases-new-battery-technology-to-reduce-idling/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/clarios-battery-technology. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Clarios has released a battery-monitoring technology, IdleLess, that provides real-time insights on heavy-duty vehicles while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Cagatay Topcu, vice president of Clarios Connected Services. noted the solution can reduce engine idling time by up to 60%, saving $3,300 in annual fuel costs
- [Scaling Clean Transportation Requires a Multifuel Approach](https://mindylong.com/scaling-clean-transportation-requires-a-multifuel-approach/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/scaling-clean-transportation. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Different fuels have different roles to play in the transition to low-carbon transportation, and having multiple vehicle options running on various power sources will help fleets find the solution that matches their operational needs, spurring adoption. “If there’s only one to pick from, then
- [Trucking’s Next Generation Brings New Ideas to the Workplace](https://mindylong.com/nextgen/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/truckings-next-generation. PHOENIX — Young professionals joining the trucking industry are reshaping their workplaces by advocating for flexible working environments, prioritizing mental health and acting on their vision of success. “We need to be standing up for what we want to see happening in the industry,” said Jason Douglass,
- [Cameras Help Fleets Reduce Liability, Gain Operational Value](https://mindylong.com/cameras-help-fleets-reduce-liability-gain-operational-value/) - Read on Transport Topics' website here. The use of cameras on heavy-duty trucks has gone mainstream as more and more fleets have adopted forward- and inward-facing cameras to coach drivers and reduce liability. Now the latest smart camera technology is taking things a step further, helping carriers capture more angles, gain new insights and derive more
- [The Freight Broker of the Future](https://mindylong.com/the-freight-broker-of-the-future/) - View the full story on Transport Topics' website at: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/future-freight-broker Automation, artificial intelligence and data science are transforming freight brokerage operations, increasing productivity and altering everything from how brokers price freight to how they make decisions. As these advances in technology continue to take hold, the brokers of the future will depend on algorithmic tools,
- [Fleets Grapple With Shifts in Trade, Freight Amid Tariffs](https://mindylong.com/fleets-grapple-with-shifts-in-trade-freight-amid-tariffs/) - Mindy Read the article on Transport Topics at https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fleets-grapple-trade-tariffs. Shifting U.S. trade policies, fluctuating tariffs and the resulting supply chain upheaval have created an uncertain business landscape for the North American trucking industry, in the present and down the road. The on-again, off-again tariffs have been a roller coaster ride for motor carriers that were already operating in
- [Trucking Leaders Share Best Practices for Hiring Veterans](https://mindylong.com/trucking-leaders-share-best-practices-for-hiring-veterans/) - Read the article on Transport Topics' website: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trucking-hiring-veterans. PHOENIX — Many trucking companies actively recruit members of the armed services transitioning to civilian life, but attracting, supporting and retaining military veterans can take extra work. “There is not a company out here that doesn’t want to hire veterans,” said David Pike, director of recruiting at NFI.
- [2026 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study](https://mindylong.com/2026-annual-third-party-logistics-study/) - 2026 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study The Annual Third-Party Logistics Study is the longest running and most detailed look at the current state of logistics outsourcing globally. It investigates leading trends and takes a deep dive into how supply chain organizations and 3PLs can collaborate to drive value. Each year, the study selects special topics that
- [E-Commerce Transforms Trucking Equipment, Labor and Logistics](https://mindylong.com/e-commerce-transforms-trucking-equipment-labor-and-logistics/) - "If you’re in that so-called ‘final-mile’ phase, you might want smaller, more nimble vehicles. There are intermediary steps where products are moving into and out of distribution centers that may rely on traditional tractors and trailers." Trucking continues to adapt to U.S. consumers’ desire to buy more goods online and have more control over when
- [Meeting Customers' Delivery Demands in an E-Commerce World](https://mindylong.com/meeting-customers-delivery-demands-in-an-e-commerce-world/) - Transportation and logistics providers said they were able to meet the increased e-commerce demand for rapid, free shipping this past holiday season through a mix of new technologies and advanced preparation. “People are judging us not on what we do on a normal day, but what we do on their busiest days,” said Andy Moses,
- [All in the Trucking Family](https://mindylong.com/all-in-the-trucking-family/) - There often is a unique closeness among employees at trucking companies that is difficult to find in other industries. For a number of trucking fleets, that closeness has been fostered by being family-owned for multiple generations. This family-oriented culture not only leads family members to join the business but also leads to employees encouraging their
- [Top techs credit ongoing training with success, share study tips](https://mindylong.com/top-techs-credit-ongoing-training-with-success-share-study-tips/) - More than 100 technicians came together to compete during the Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2018 National Technician Skills Competition, SuperTech, that tests the knowledge and capabilities of truck service and repair technicians from across the country. Winning techs said ongoing education from their employers and equipment and component manufacturers contributed to their success. Kyle Ballard,

## Pages

- [Home](https://mindylong.com/) - Mindy Long is a professional writer specializing in transportation, supply chain and fuel issues, although her eclectic portfolio reflects her ability to quickly master nearly any subject. Mindy's work has appeared in newspapers and magazines and on television.
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