The 2026 trucking industry outlook shows a reasonably stable economy, rapidly tightening truck capacity, rising freight rates, and new opportunities for professional drivers who manage their businesses wisely.

Top Department of Defense (DOD) trucking companies for secure freight in 2026 include specialized carriers that meet strict DOD freight requirements, security expectations, team-driving standards, and high-stakes logistics demands.

Over my time as lease manager with Competitive Equipment Sales (CES), I've worked with countless CDL drivers at every stage of their truck driving journey. From first-time lease operators to more seasoned drivers, the questions are all pretty much the same: How does leasing a truck actually work? What should I expect from a lease-purchase program? How do contract terms differ?

Key Takeaways:

Key Takeaways:

ATS driver experience and training requirements What you’ll haul: Freight and equipment types Pay and home time Pros and cons The Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) flatbed program is a structured driver training and development program that helps motivated over-the-road drivers build the skills needed to haul flatbed, step-deck, RGN, heavy haul, and high-value freight with Anderson Trucking Service. Hands-on flatbed securement training Support for drivers with little or no flatbed experience Competitive pay for company and lease drivers A long-term path from standard flatbed to oversized and heavy haul freight For the right kind of driver, flatbed offers challenge, variety, and real earning power. But if you’ve ever looked at a loaded step-deck and thought, “I’d love to learn how to handle that,” you’ve probably also wondered: Where do I even start?

When winter weather moves in, the right equipment — and the confidence to use it — makes all the difference. After 19 years on the road, and more than 2 million accident-free over-the-road (OTR) miles (including through many snow-covered mountain passes), I've seen what winter can throw at a driver. Now, as part of the Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) safety team, I'm here to help drivers chain up correctly, stay compliant, and make confident, safe decisions when winter weather hits (and it will!).