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SPONSORED BY FLEETWORTHY Ensuring compliance with regulations is the top concern for most fleets and owner-operators, according to “The Road Ahead 2025: Trucking and Fleet Insights Report” compiled by Fleetworthy. The report, based on a survey of 300 employees of large and mid-size carriers, along with owner-operators, reveals key challenges fleets and independent drivers face in regard to compliance, safety and administrative-related tasks. “With regulations in our industry constantly changing, fleets and owner-operators are spending a lot of time and money ensuring their trucks and company are staying compliant,” said Michael Precia, president and chief strategy officer at Fleetworthy. “In many cases, keeping up with compliance-related tasks hampers a trucking company’s ability to grow its business,” he continued. “In fact, 95% of all respondents in this report said compliance challenges are holding fleets and owner-operators back from growing their businesses and offering new services.” In addition, more than half (55%) of fleet operators surveyed said they’re “drowning in paperwork,” with complex compliance documentation becoming a major barrier to onboarding new drivers. This results in missed opportunities as well as increased costs. Other key findings include: 96% of respondents reported reducing costs in other areas of their business to cover compliance-related expenses over the past 12 months. 93% of respondents said they face significant challenges in managing tolls, including the complexity of multiple transponders and unpredictable toll expenses. 35% of owner-operators said they have considered ceasing operations due to rising costs and time required to manage compliance tasks. According to the report, the possibility of a nuclear verdict in the event of a significant accident or legal dispute is another top concern. This is especially the case for midsize and small trucking operations, which have more limited resources and capabilities to maintain robust compliance records and safety programs. In the report, 35% of leaders at midsize fleets reported being “very” or “extremely” concerned about being involved in a nuclear verdict case. Despite concerns regarding nuclear verdicts, 93% of all fleet leaders surveyed said they believe their organization has a strong safety culture and is well informed on all DOT regulations. Among owner-operators, 97% thought they were more aware of safety and compliance best practices and DOT regulations compared to other independent truckers on the road. To assist with fleet and driver safety, the report found an overwhelming majority of all respondents (96%) have made some type of investment in safety equipment in the past 12 months. In addition, in-cab cameras and monitoring systems are among the top (51%) of equipment being added by fleet owners and owner-operators. Click here to download the 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights Report.

SPONSORED BY FLEETWORTHY In today’s competitive trucking landscape, industry leaders face unprecedented challenges in managing compliance, cutting costs and driving operational efficiency. Watching trends and preparing for challenges is the best strategy for success. On Dec. 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, trucking leaders are invited to join industry experts Rob Abbott, vice president-customer success for Fleetworthy, and Mike Precia, the company’s chief strategy officer, as they discuss what’s ahead. During the webinar, Abbott and Precia will reveal key findings from Fleetworthy’s exclusive report, The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights Report. Based on survey responses from more than 300 fleet operators and independent truckers, attendees will learn how they stack up against their peers. In addition, industry experts will share actionable strategies to help motor carriers streamline operations, enhance profitability, improve driver retention and prepare for growth. According to Fleetworthy’s survey, the following are only a few areas in which fleet operators are struggling. 55% of fleet operators report that complex compliance documentation is a major barrier to onboarding new drivers. 65% of respondents say they’re unsure if their fleet would pass a DOT audit. 93% of respondents say they face significant challenges in managing tolls, with common issues being the complexity of multiple transponders and unpredictable toll expenses. Get the insights and solutions to drive meaningful change in 2025. Secure your spot today and take a strategic step toward operational excellence and growth. REGISTER NOW

SPONSORED BY CARRIERFORGE Starting a trucking company is an exciting venture, but it’s essential to understand the costs involved for success. From equipment choices to insurances and compliance, careful planning is key. Here’s an overview of the key startup costs to help you create an effective budget, with CarrierForge ready to support you through the process. Equipment: Your Biggest Financial Decision Choosing equipment is likely your largest financial commitment. Whether you buy, lease or rent, each option impacts both startup and long-term costs: Purchasing used equipment is cost-effective, with lower monthly payments, but requires a down payment (10%-40%) and has higher maintenance costs as trucks age. Leasing offers lower upfront costs, getting you on the road faster, but monthly payments can accumulate, leading to higher long-term costs. Renting provides the lowest initial costs, making it ideal for testing the waters, though rental fees add up over time, making it the most expensive option in the long run. CarrierForge can guide you in evaluating the best option for your business, whether you’re operating solo or planning to expand into a fleet. Insurance Costs Insurance is a crucial, ongoing expense. Rates vary based on factors like your location, driving history, cargo type, and equipment. New authorities often need to pay both a first month’s premium and a down payment to activate policies. Here’s a rough estimate of annual insurance costs: Cargo Vans: $6,000-$14,000 Box Trucks & Hot Shots: $12,000-$18,000 Semi Tractors: $16,000-$28,000 Because costs can vary, CarrierForge connects you with trusted providers so you can get the coverage you need at a competitive price. Predictable Costs In addition to equipment and insurance, there are predictable startup costs to consider, such as: Business Structure & Filings: Setting up your business entity costs between $200 and $300. Medium-Duty Compliance: If you’re running non-CDL box trucks or hot shots, plan for $600 to cover inspections and filings. Heavy-Duty CDL Compliance: For CDL operations, expect to pay about $1,300 for the medium duty items plus drug and alcohol regulations, HVUT 2290 taxes, and other compliance requirements. These predictable costs ensure your business is compliant and ready to operate. In Summary While these initial costs can be significant the total cost can be much higher without a knowledgeable mentor by your side. CarrierForge is here to help. We offer competitive rates on professional permitting services and can guide you through spreading these expenses out without delaying your startup. Plus, we connect you with trustworthy service providers offering fair prices on essential services. Click here to get started today.

SPONSORED BY CARRIERFORGE If you’re a seasoned owner-operator who’s always run under another carrier’s DOT number or a professional driver ready to step into full independence, CarrierForge is here to help you take the next big step. Our mission is to make starting your own trucking business easier, faster and more affordable by providing you with the knowledge, tools and support you need to get your new authority up and running with confidence. Why Choose CarrierForge? Starting a new trucking company can feel like navigating a maze. Between filing the correct paperwork, securing the necessary permits and understanding compliance requirements, many aspiring business owners end up overwhelmed by the complexity and hidden costs of the process. That’s where CarrierForge comes in. Founded by industry veterans Matt Roherty and Brendt Peeters, with over three decades of combined experience, we know the challenges new carriers face and are dedicated to helping you overcome them. We have helped countless clients untangle the web of errors that can arise when business owners attempt to file their DOT numbers without fully understanding the process. For example, many new business owners are not clear on the differences between general goods, household goods or exempt commodities. They don’t know the specifics of being a private versus a for-hire carrier or how many cargo types they should list. Understanding these distinctions is crucial — not only for compliance with regulations but also for determining your insurance eligibility. By guiding you through these and other decisions, CarrierForge helps you avoid facing unexpected expenses, delays or legal challenges down the road. How We Simplify the Process At CarrierForge, we guide you through the steps to become a legally compliant for-hire carrier. We help you consider critical operational items, find quality service providers willing to work with new authorities, and keep track of every step and decision along the way. Unlike other services, we provide straightforward, self-guided permitting services that are both informative and affordable. Clear, Simple Guidance: Our process is built around simple, easy-to-answer questions about your operations, and we alert you when you’ve selected an uncommon or potentially costly setup. Every decision you make has an impact, and we’re here to ensure those impacts are positive. Cost-Effective Services: While many companies charge high fees for filing paperwork or use a “free” DOT number as a bait-and-switch tactic, CarrierForge is transparent about costs. You can get your USDOT number with CarrierForge for as little as $117.47, or bundle it with an MC authority application for just $477.47. With CarrierForge, you get more than just a number — you get the confidence that your business is being built on a solid foundation from day one. Support with Essential Compliance: From obtaining a USDOT number to securing your MC authority, we handle the paperwork so you can focus on running your business. We also help with additional permits such as HVUT 2290s, State Highway Use Permits and more. Understanding the Costs Starting your own trucking company involves several expenses. While some costs are predictable, like business filings or basic compliance requirements, others, such as equipment and insurance, can vary widely. Here’s what you can expect: Equipment Costs: Whether you buy, lease or rent, the cost of equipment can fluctuate greatly. We help you understand the pros and cons of each option, ensuring you make the right choice for your business. Insurance Costs: Factors like your location, driving history, cargo types and equipment will affect your insurance rates. We help you find the best options for your needs. Predictable Startup Costs: Beyond equipment and insurance, you’ll need to consider expenses like business structure filings, USDOT and MC numbers, and specific compliance requirements. Our guidance ensures you’re prepared for these predictable costs. Typical Timeline for Setting Up a Trucking Company For most CarrierForge clients, the goal is to set up interstate operations to maximize freight opportunities from the start. Here’s a general timeline for the most common equipment types (subtract three weeks for intrastate operations): Cargo Vans: 3-4 weeks Non-CDL Box Trucks and Hot Shots: 4-5 weeks Semi Tractors, CDL Box Trucks and Hot Shots: 5-6 weeks The Steps to Independence Launching your own trucking business doesn’t have to be daunting. As your digital business mentor, here are the key steps we’ll guide you through: Establishing a Business Entity: Setting up an LLC or S-Corp can offer tax advantages and liability protection. We’ll help you understand the process and expedite your filing where needed. Securing Your DOT and MC Numbers: Getting your USDOT number is just the beginning. We ensure you understand the requirements and timelines for obtaining your motor carrier authority so you’re ready to operate when your paperwork is complete. Applying for Additional Permits: From state-specific permits to tax accounts, we simplify the process of obtaining the right documentation to keep your business compliant. Acquiring Equipment: Whether you already have equipment or need to acquire it, we offer insights into the best strategies based on your budget and needs. Start Your Journey with Confidence CarrierForge is here to turn your dream of independence into reality. We’ve helped countless clients avoid the pitfalls of DIY applications, hidden fees and costly mistakes. Our experience, transparency, and dedication to your success set us apart as the one you can trust to guide you through every step of your startup journey. Let us handle the details so you can focus on what you do best — driving your business forward. Connect with CarrierForge today to learn more about how we can help you establish your own authority and start your trucking company with confidence.

SPONSORED BY EKSATELECOM Seamlessly combining advanced technology with unmatched comfort, EKSAtelecom’s revolutionary S30 open-ear air conduction true wireless headset is designed to meet the unique needs of truck drivers. “At EKSAtelecom, our focus on developing headphones for truckers stems from a commitment to meeting their unique needs. Long hours on the road demand comfort, durability and advanced features to ensure safe and clear communication,” said Fiona Yang, marketing manager. “The S30’s open-ear design benefits truckers by allowing them to stay connected to their surroundings, enhancing situational awareness for safer driving.” In addition to safety benefits, the S30 seamlessly supports music, podcasts, and calls without impeding outer hearing. This ensures truckers can enjoy entertainment and stay connected while remaining attentive to the sounds of the road. Features of the S30 headset include: • Open-Ear Comfort The S30 features an avant-garde open-ear design prioritizing exceptional comfort, enabling a natural and unencumbered wearing sensation. Adjustable ear hooks ensure a secure fit, making the open headset ideal for extended wear without discomfort. • 99.9% VoicePure ENC Noise Cancellation Standing out in noisy environments, the S30 incorporates remarkable 99.9% VoicePure ENC Noise Cancellation technology for crystal-clear calls, eliminating distractions and ensuring clear communication. • 70+ Hours Working Time Experience over 70 hours of uninterrupted usage with the S30, providing unmatched productivity. Quick 5-minute charging offers 1 hour of music playback, while a two-hour charge fully replenishes the battery. • Wireless Connection Range of 99 feet, plus IPX5 Waterproof Rating With Bluetooth 5.3, the S30 offers seamless wireless connectivity within a range of 99 feet (30 meters). The headset’s IPX5 water resistance ensures durability against splashes and sweat, providing flexibility for various activities. • TubeBass™ Technology Elevate your audio experience with TubeBass™ bass enhancement technology, adding depth and rhythm to the music. Enriching lower frequencies, this technology creates a robust, profound, and immersive sound, allowing delicate details and vocals to shine with clarity and brightness. The S30 wireless headset can be purchased at Love’s Travel Stops, through Amazon with a $20 off coupon) or at EKSAtelecom’s website.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is calling for transportation companies to complete the organization’s annual survey on gender diversity in the industry. The data will be used to develop this year’s WIT Index. The annual index serves as the official industry barometer to regularly benchmark and measure the percentage of women who work in the transportation sectors, including professional drivers, corporate positions, and leadership roles. For-hire trucking companies, private fleets, transportation intermediaries, railroads, ocean carriers, equipment manufacturers, technology companies and other providers throughout the transportation sector are asked to report the percentage of women in various roles within their workforce. Data can be reported via the live survey through April 1, 2024, at www.womenintrucking.org/index. Companies participating in the survey will receive an executive summary of the 2024 WIT Index at no cost, which will enable them to benchmark their gender diversity practices against other companies in transportation. “Since 2016, when the Women In Trucking Association first launched the WIT Index, the percentages of women in key roles within the industry have been steadily rising,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. “We created the WIT index to monitor the industry’s progress in gender diversity among all roles, including corporate leaders and supervisors, drivers, technicians, safety directors and human resources. Maximum participation by companies involved in trucking is critical to the success of this vital research.” Last year, the 2023 WIT Index survey found a substantial number of women in leadership roles. Approximately 31.6% of women are in C-Suite/executive positions, 36.9% are in supervisory leadership roles and 28.4% serve on boards of directors. In addition, the WIT Index found that among the participating companies, 12.1% of all professional drivers are women.