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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 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
Owner-operator checking temperature logs on a reefer trailer at a produce warehouse dock at dawnTrucking Essentials

Reefer Freight Surge: Why Owner-Ops Should Consider Temperature-Controlled Work Now

Reefer rates are climbing as seasonal demand peaks. Here's how to evaluate whether switching to temperature-controlled loads makes financial sense for your operation.

Jul 27, 20264 min read
Owner-operator reviewing freight rates on loadboard app in semi cab at truck stopTrucking Essentials

When High Rates Hide a Weak Market: Reading the Freight Signals Correctly

Spot rates are surging, but volumes are tightening. Learn how to spot the difference between a genuine freight boom and a market correction waiting to happen.

Jul 24, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing a load on a smartphone in the cab of a semi at a truck stop.Trucking Essentials

High Rates, High Risk: Spot Market Fraud Tactics Owner-Ops Must Watch

When spot rates surge, so do scams. Learn the latest fraud schemes targeting owner-operators in hot freight markets—and how to verify loads before you roll.

Jul 23, 20264 min read

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