2026 Outlook: Rise of AI, dwindling EV focus, and brain-reading trucks

The first 2026 roundtable of the Fleet Lead podcast brings together editors from Fleet Owner and Bulk Transporter to analyze a commercial vehicle market currently transitioning from a stagnant 2025 toward a cautiously optimistic 2026. 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 tech tool. Featuring Jason McDaniel from Bulk Transporter and Josh Fisher, Jade Brasher, and Jeremy Wolfe from FleetOwner. Timestamps:  1:30 – FMCSA's driver crackdowns 3:55 – Fleet bankruptcies 8:33 – How are carriers feeling about the market? 10:00 – General Motors's 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.