Trucking industry leaders stated that fleets are experiencing one of the fastest periods of operational and regulatory change in recent memory, according to a panel discussion at Fleetworthy’s Roadshow 2026 conference in Austin on May 19, as reported by FreightWaves.
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Panelists included David Heller, Michael Hayes, and Ken Resta. Heller noted that fleets are struggling to keep up with rapid changes in federal trucking enforcement and compliance policies. He pointed to new rules on English language proficiency and a non-domiciled commercial driver’s license rule, which he said are altering the industry almost overnight. Heller, senior vice president of safety and government affairs at the Truckload Carriers Association, described the accelerated pace of enforcement actions as a major shift from the traditional multiyear regulatory rollout process that trucking companies were accustomed to. He added that the industry is moving toward stronger safety accountability, predicting that safer carriers will benefit while less compliant operators may struggle to survive increased scrutiny.
Resta, senior director of safety at Stevens Transport, said driver retention remains a major operational challenge, especially as fleets recruit newer workers with little long-term interest in trucking careers. Stevens Transport, based in Dallas, Texas, operates over 1,600 trucks as one of the largest refrigerated fleets in North America, specializing in temperature-controlled truckload, dedicated, and kosher-certified food-grade tanker services across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Resta added that fleets are also dealing with rising cargo theft, increasing fuel prices, and growing compliance burdens in a difficult freight environment. He emphasized the need for more creativity in approaching drivers and technology to continue being successful and profitable.
Hayes, senior national fleet asset manager at PepsiCo, which operates one of the largest private trucking fleets in North America with more than 80,000 diesel and delivery trucks across its beverage and Frito-Lay divisions, said fleets need to rethink how they view professional drivers. He stressed focusing on training and long-term development rather than treating drivers as interchangeable labor, and noted that modern trucks are increasingly computer-driven.
The panelists discussed the growing integration of artificial intelligence into maintenance operations, dispatch systems, safety monitoring, and routing decisions. Hayes pointed to PepsiCo’s use of virtual expert technicians that remotely assist mechanics with diagnostics and repairs, and said the company is exploring AI integrations to connect directly to trucks for faster troubleshooting and reduced unnecessary parts replacement. Resta said AI is being applied in camera systems, machine-vision safety tools, dynamic weather-risk monitoring, pricing models, and dispatch optimization. However, the panelists warned against over-reliance on automation at the expense of relationships with drivers and frontline managers. Resta stated that keeping people first is essential, while Heller argued that professional drivers will remain central to trucking operations even as automation advances, with AI tools intended to make drivers’ jobs better, easier, and safer.
On profitability, Resta said routing efficiency, freight planning, and reducing deadhead miles are becoming increasingly important. Heller noted that fleets are relying on technology such as weigh-station bypass systems and predictive maintenance tools to maximize truck utilization and minimize downtime. Resta referenced data from last week’s International Roadcheck enforcement event, where 574 vehicles were placed out of service in one day due to brake violations, highlighting how poor maintenance can erase thin margins. Hayes said large fleets increasingly depend on strategic partnerships with outside vendors and technology providers for maintenance, compliance, and operational support to save money.
Looking ahead, Resta said carriers that proactively embrace technology, training, and safety culture will likely outperform those that react to change after problems emerge, adding that success goes beyond compliance. Heller stated that a key differentiator will be a willingness to stay informed and engaged with industry peers, noting that people attending such events are being prepared while those not present are being reactionary.
