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The Doft blog

Stories from the road & the freight market

Trucking essentials for owner-operators and carriers, industry news that affects your rates, and the latest from Doft — with fresh stories published every week.

Owner-operator checking ELD compliance on smartphone in truck cab at golden hourTrucking Essentials

ELD Compliance After the Revocation Wave: Your 60-Day Action Plan

Five ELDs just got revoked by FMCSA. If you're running one of them, you have 60 days to switch. Here's what you need to know and do right now.

Aug 7, 20264 min read
Owner-operator in truck cab reviewing spot rates and contract terms on a loadboard during golden hourTrucking Essentials

Spot Rates vs. Contract: Lock In Now or Ride the Capacity Wave?

Capacity is falling faster than freight demand. Should you lock a multi-month contract at today's highs, or stay flexible on spot? The math depends on your fleet size and risk tolerance.

Aug 6, 20264 min read
Owner-operator checking loadboard on smartphone in semi cab at dawn on empty highwayTrucking Essentials

Capacity Stays Tight Through August: How to Position Your Truck Now

July's capacity crunch isn't easing. Here's how owner-operators can lock profitable work before the market shifts.

Aug 5, 20264 min read
Owner-operator reviewing insurance renewal documents at a dispatch office desk with a semi-truck visible outsideTrucking Essentials

Insurance Costs in a Tight Market: What Small Fleets Are Really Paying

Capacity is tight, rates are high, and insurance premiums have climbed alongside them. Here's what owner-ops and small fleets should know about coverage costs and how to negotiate better terms.

Aug 4, 20263 min read
Veteran driver and fleet owner reviewing paperwork at truck stop at sunsetTrucking Essentials

Veterans Fast-Track CDL: What the Freedom Haulers Expansion Means for Hiring

FMCSA just expanded CDL waiver eligibility for military veterans to 2 years. Here's what owner-ops and small fleets need to know about recruiting, training, and onboarding vet drivers now.

Aug 3, 20263 min read
Owner-operator checking rates on smartphone in semi cab at golden hour, sparse highway visible aheadTrucking Essentials

Capacity Crunch: Why Rates Stay High Even When Freight Slows

Tight trucking capacity is reshaping how rates work. Learn why high rates don't always mean a hot market—and how to read the real signals.

Jul 31, 20263 min read
Owner-operator studying a tablet while standing beside a new class 8 truck at a dealership lotTrucking Essentials

Class 8 Truck Demand Is Climbing: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

PACCAR's Q2 earnings signal strong class 8 demand ahead. Here's what rising truck orders mean for owner-ops deciding whether to invest in new iron right now.

Jul 30, 20265 min read
Owner-operator reviewing load data on laptop in truck cab at golden hourTrucking Essentials

Small Fleet Tech Stack: Build a Custom TMS Without Breaking the Bank

Owner-operators are using affordable tools and AI to automate dispatch, routing, and compliance. Here's how to build a lean operation that scales.

Jul 29, 20264 min read
Owner-operator reviewing compliance checklist on phone in semi cab at dawnTrucking Essentials

Compliance Crackdown & Tight Capacity: How to Stay Profitable When Standards Tighten

FMCSA enforcement is expanding while capacity stays constrained. Here's how owner-ops can maintain margins without cutting corners.

Jul 28, 20264 min read

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