There is a lot of talk about in the trucking industry and we have to wonder about the state of trucking in 2026. Unless you live under a rock you obviously know about rising fuel prices. All of us are going crazy about it, but if you are an owner operator it is probably causing you extra anxiety. I was talking to a group of owner operators at a safety meeting recently and fuel was a hot topic. They were complaining that they were having a hard time making ends meet because brokers were not paying fuel surcharges. With fuel at the crazy price that it is you almost have to wonder if it is possible to stay viable in today’s trucking industry without fuel surcharges. Watching your numbers and possibly alternative fuel types may be in the cards for 2026 and beyond.
I have been talking about personal brand for truck drivers since 2009 when I began speaking to groups and have noticed that leadership and professionalism are top of mind at most conferences in late 2025 and 2026. Leadership and strategy for recruiters, or culture from a safety perspective for fleets, are the main topics being discussed at most events. Changing our industry is going to have to happen from the top down and many of the recent events are focusing on just that. You would think that the Humboldt truck / bus accident which happened in 2016 would have been enough to start changes in the industry and although it did start some conversations and a few regulations such as M.E.L.T. (Mandatory Entry Level Training) the action has not been enough. Have we forgotten the price those involved in the incident have paid? Has it stopped ruthless carriers in the industry from abusing others? If you pay attention to the industry you already know the answer to those questions.
Not only does the health of our industry have to improve so do drivers at large. Fast food and sedentary workload are hurting the driver population. Keeping our employees healthy is one step to a better future for truck drivers.
We’ll be diving deeper into these topics on the podcast episodes this month but all we can do is offer awareness for the industry. What we all have to do is do your part no matter how small to be the professional you are! We need to work together to move us farther ahead as an industry. Join the conversations on the podcast and lets move the needle together.
About the Author
Bruce Outridge is an industry veteran for over 40 years with 25 of those behind the wheel as a professional truck driver. For the last 15 years Bruce has been working in training and media for the industry and is currently the host / producer of Lead Pedal Media, The Lead Pedal Podcast, and Lead Pedal Radio. He is a member of a number associations in the industry and can be found covering and attending many industry events within Canada. Learn more about Bruce Outridge and Lead Pedal Media at www.leadpedalmedia.com
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