“On the road” usually implies a long highway and a distant horizon. But this week, my travels took me to a place that proves adventure—and vital business—can be found just a few miles from where you started. I spent some time in the heart of Chicago visiting Carmichael NationaLease. A […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. Digital technology has transformed logistics, giving shippers and carriers unprecedented speed, efficiency, and visibility into cargo movements. But that same technology has created new vulnerabilities. A 2025 cargo theft report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reveals just how costly those vulnerabilities have become: Cargo theft now […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. America relies on the trucking industry to keep shelves stocked and commerce moving. But behind the scenes, motor carriers and their insurers are fighting for survival against an escalating threat: lawsuit abuse and the surge of nuclear verdicts reshaping the legal landscape. Excessive litigation and runaway […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. A little over three years ago, I wrote a NationaLease blog about the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a bipartisan effort that promised to address the chronic shortage of legal parking for commercial trucks. At the time, there was optimism that this legislation would finally bring relief to drivers […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. The future of fleet and maintenance leadership is closer than you think. These managers are the glue that holds your operation together. A great manager can make the difference between retaining skilled technicians and watching them walk out the door. Fleet and maintenance managers play a […]
Back in the Driver’s Seat: Starting 2026 with a Bang It’s been a little while since I’ve checked in here, but don’t let the quiet blog feed fool you—I haven’t slowed down for a second. While the “Jane Clark on the Road” updates took a hiatus, my actual travel schedule […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. Economic uncertainty continues to challenge businesses across industries, and trucking is no exception. As companies look ahead to 2026, many of the same pressures from recent years remain firmly in place. According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2025 Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry report, […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. It’s been a challenging year for many, and the holidays can make those challenges even more difficult to manage. That’s why those who take this time to give to others, to help those less fortunate have a happier holiday, set a glowing example for the rest […]