To say uncertainty has defined 2025 so far would be an understatement.
From government action on tariffs to changing regulations and enforcement, it’s understandable that businesses across the country are pausing major decisions and waiting to see how things develop. But that collective pause begets more uncertainty, more hesitation, and more concern for tomorrow—further discouraging economic growth and investment. Moreover, you still have people depending on you to fulfill orders, move goods, and meet deadlines.
So, what can fleets do? Along with understanding what’s happening in the world, it’s crucial to have a partner who’s not only weathered these storms before but can also help keep your business running no matter the winds ahead. With over eight decades of experience, NationaLease is ready to guide you through uncertain times.
Tariffs & trade policy
Up until the start of this year, persistently high inflation and its long-lasting effects were the most pressing element in the economy. Today, it’s tariffs. Specifically, all the uncertainty surrounding tariffs—when they’ll start, which countries will be impacted, and by how much they’ll be increasing. Answers to which businesses need in order to make informed decisions regarding purchasing, investing, expansion, debt, and other expenditures.
To emphasize, tariffs themselves aren’t solely the issue. Tariffs have a long history as a negotiating tool by the U.S. with respect to trade policy, and the legality of their widespread use is still up for the courts to eventually decide. However, their unexpected announcement, lack of specific details, and changing deadlines have forced businesses to suddenly contend with a huge question mark in their planning—making the already considerable task of predicting the future even more of a challenge.
Will we have a clearer idea of where tariffs will land in six months? One year? Hopefully, and yes, very likely. That doesn’t help fleets today, though. Is now the time to invest in new trucks? Should I hire new drivers, or wait in case the economy takes a downturn? Can I stay in business another year if the freight market doesn’t pick up?
These are real questions companies face every day. The more difficult it is to answer these and other concerns, the more uncertainty clouds outlooks and spurs indecision.
Deregulation: who makes the call?
After tariffs, sweeping changes to a host of contentious regulations have dominated headlines within the trucking industry. Most notably, the EPA’s recent decision regarding CARB, English-language requirements and stricter penalties for failing to demonstrate proficiency, and weakened DEF derates, to name only a few. The industry at large has vocally supported the bulk of the new administration’s executive directives—so where’s the problem?
Though few fleet owners are disappointed to see EV mandates likely going away, OEMs have been preparing for years to launch newly compliant models in 2027, prompting what many predicted would be a “pre-buy” in 2025 into 2026. With that deadline now in jeopardy, years of planning and decision-making could be thrown out of whack. On the one hand, OEMs aren’t going to “turn back the clock” and return to solely diesel engine production. On the other hand, buyers aren’t going to pay the swollen price tag of an EV or similar rig if they don’t have to.
Where does this leave the industry? Similar to tariffs, we’re left with an uncertain future—both immediate and long-term. Aging equipment in need of replacement doesn’t care about a standoff between state and federal authority, and fleets need to feel confident that when the time comes for a replacement, new stock is both available and affordable.
Let NationaLease ease your uncertainty
The best way to prepare for uncertain times is to control what’s in your control. You can’t do much about the decisions politicians and policymakers make that impact the economy, prices, or supply chain. You can, however, continue to make rational, informed decisions. After all, current conditions won’t last forever, and you want to be ready when the needle finally starts to move.
Along with the flexible benefits of a full-service lease, with NationaLease you also get a partner who understands how to navigate challenging times. After over 80 years in business, we’ve seen it all and know how to respond when uncertainty takes hold. Not to mention, with both flexible leasing and rental options available, you can quickly adapt to changing conditions with convenient terms, and access a wide array of new models to suit your needs.
Finally, we’re comprised of just over 100 family-run member companies, so we understand how deeply uncertainty affects operations at a local level. This means that with us you’re never just another number or account—you’re part of an organization where the people, from technicians to location managers, care about the work they do and the customers they support.
Dealing with uncertain times is never easy but the big questions of today will eventually turn into tomorrow’s realities, so it’s vital to prepare based on what you do know. If you’re interested in learning how else NationaLease can lessen uncertainty in your business, reach out to us today.
