2026 Fleet Outlook: More bankruptcies, EVs lose luster, and what to expect from AI-powered trucks
For the first 2026 roundtable of The Fleet Lead podcast, four of our Commercial Vehciel Group editors gathered to to discuss the commercial vehicle market's transition from a stagnant 2025 to a cautiously optimistic 2026.
The included Jason McDaniel from Bulk Transporter and Josh Fisher, Jade Brasher, and Jeremy Wolfe from FleetOwner.
Despite continued carrier bankruptcies and consolidations, there are signs that the market might turn later this year. FMCSA's continued crackdown on driver qualifications could help bring upward pressure on rates. On the technology side, appetite for EVs is shrinking, while autonomous and AI deployment marches on—and a brainwave scanner could be the next driver-safety tool.
Timestamps:
- 1:30 – FMCSA's driver crackdowns
- 3:55 – Fleet bankruptcies
- 8:33 – How are carriers feeling about the market?
- 10:00 – General Motors' new headquarters
- 11:15 – GM strategy for EVs
- 20:36 – Survey: Fleets don't want EVs
- 27:08 – Autonomous truck expectations
- 29:42 – Brain monitoring devices for driver fatigue
- 34:55 – Heil Trailer military contracts and expansion
- 36:39 – Global mergers, acquisition deal trends