This edition leads off with a hard look at the Fort Pierce crash
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Welcome to this week’s Playbook newsletter — where safety isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a business decision.
This edition leads off with a hard look at the Fort Pierce crash that’s putting commercial driver training back under the microscope. We’re also unpacking what the DOT’s self-driving truck proposal means for your future, why broker scoring might be your next edge, and how SONAR’s new app could change the way you pick lanes. Let’s get into it.
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(Photo by: St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)
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A deadly collision in Florida has reignited concerns about how commercial drivers are licensed — and whether weak standards are putting lives at risk. Investigators point to training gaps, oversight failures, and systemic cracks that allowed an unqualified driver behind the wheel. For small fleets, it’s another wake-up call that compliance isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about protecting people, freight, and your business.
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(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
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The Department of Transportation just proposed a rule change that would update federal vehicle safety standards to account for trucks with no human driver. The move is being framed as a step toward innovation, but safety advocates and labor groups are warning that it could open the door to dangerous oversight gaps. For small carriers, this signals a future where the competition — and liability — could look very different.
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(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
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History says it might be worse than we’ve seen in a long time. And if we don’t take a hard look at what got us here — the post-COVID surge, the flood of new authority holders, the influx of non-domiciled CDLs, tariff tension, and our own short memories — we might just ride this slump longer than we need to.
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(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
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As more fleets switch to automatic transmissions, new data is raising questions about unintended consequences. While automatics help reduce fatigue and simplify training, some experts say they may also dull driver engagement and lead to costly mistakes behind the wheel. For owner-ops and small fleets, it’s a debate that goes beyond preference — it’s about performance, liability, and long-term risk.
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FreightWaves just dropped a mobile app version of its Blue-to-Blue lane score tool — giving owner operators and small carriers a quick, real-time look at the best lanes to run for revenue and repositioning. Whether you’re dispatching five trucks or flying solo, this tool helps you stop chasing rates and start planning your next move with actual market data.
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(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
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Not all freight is good freight — and not all brokers are built the same. This article dives into why carriers should be scoring brokers just like brokers score them, tracking things like rate reliability, detention pay, and communication. For small fleets and owner-ops, it’s a simple habit that could protect your profit and your sanity.
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Your feedback helps FreightWaves understand the needs of the market. By analyzing fleet size data, we can see trends and adapt our offerings to provide better tools, resources, and support for all our readers, from owner-operators to large carriers.
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Reefer rates falling, imports slowing — here’s what still holds true
Two weeks ago, the Playbook Market Update called it early: reefer rates sliding, rejection rates soft, and port traffic losing steam. Those signals haven’t changed. In this clip, Adam breaks down what that means for small carriers right now — especially for those running regional, drayage, or port-connected freight. It’s a no-fluff forecast built to help you protect your margin while others gamble on noise.
Listen Now:
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From trucking wife to industry change-maker — with Jessica Dotson
Jessica Dotson didn’t start her logistics journey in a boardroom — she started it at home, supporting her husband behind the wheel. Now a leader at Multi Service Fuel Card and a voice for women in trucking, Jessica joins The Long Haul to talk about family, purpose, and creating real opportunity for the next generation. This episode is all heart, hustle, and hard-won perspective.
Listen Now:
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Want more insights like this — built for small carriers, not spreadsheets?
The Playbook delivers boots-on-the-ground strategies, free tools, and no-fluff freight education every week. Join the community that’s helping small fleets run smarter, stay compliant, and win more freight in today’s market.
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Know your number — before you take the load
If you don’t know your breakeven, you’re driving blind. The Playbook Profit Calculator helps you price smarter, plan your week, and protect your margin in seconds. Whether you’re running one truck or ten, this free tool takes the guesswork out of your bottom line.
Use the Profit Calculator
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