Originally appeared in Commercial Carrier Journal. I’ve been writing about the challenges of hiring quality diesel technicians for years, and frankly, it hasn’t gotten any easier. As we move through 2026, thousands of positions remain open across the industry. With trucks becoming more technologically complex and freight demands evolving, fleets […]
Jane Clark
372 posts
The weather in Chicago has been delightful this month. Most days have been 75 degrees and sunny, with the occasional summer storm that passes through and leaves the grass greener and the flowers blooming brighter. I am always reluctant to leave home at this time of year, because in the […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. Summer brings its own set of challenges to fleet management. From horrific flash floods to scorching heat and unrelenting wildfires, these are the perils of summer. For many coastal areas, hurricane season is also approaching. Despite the sudden freezes that occurred in some parts of the […]
Since our founding over 80 years ago, the reciprocal service network has been one of the cornerstones of NationaLease. Conceived as a way to encourage mutual support amongst fleets when parts and labor were in scarce supply during World War II, this network of reciprocity has come to the aid […]
Originally appeared in the FleetOwner. Last week, I discussed the need for upskilling fleet diesel techs to meet today’s technology demands. That’s true whether you’re discussing a new hire or a seasoned professional who’s been with you for years. Yet, one of the most persistent challenges facing fleet operators isn’t […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. For years, fleet operators have faced a persistent and worsening challenge: finding and retaining qualified technicians. What was once a concerning and ongoing labor shortage has now evolved into an operational bottleneck, especially for fleets operating across multiple locations. According to a 2025 report from the American Transportation Research […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. In trucking, “time is money” is more than just a phrase. When trucks are parked at a loading dock instead of moving freight, revenue stalls. Detention and delays quietly chip away at productivity, creating a domino effect that disrupts schedules, frustrates drivers, and eats into margins. […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. In a recent post, I explored how rising insurance costs are putting pressure on fleet operations. That reality makes safety an even more urgent priority across the industry. Whether it’s protecting drivers on the road, keeping technicians safe in the shop, or ensuring the well-being of […]