Mission Financial Blog
What Is a Reefer Truck?
If you've been around commercial trucking for more than a minute, you've heard the word "reefer." Uber Freight's 2025 rate data shows reefer spot rates averaging $2.35 per mile versus $2.06 for standard dry van freight. That's a roughly 14% premium before seasonal...
Cass Transportation Index May 2026: What the Numbers Mean for Owner-Operators
The freight market is sending mixed signals in May 2026. Volumes are still slightly negative year-over-year. But rates are climbing fast, and capacity is shrinking hard. For owner-operators and small fleet owners, that combination matters a lot. The Cass...
What Are the Different Cab Sizes for Semi-Trucks?
The cab you choose affects driver comfort, storage, maneuverability, total length, and long-term operating costs. So, what are the different cab sizes for semi-trucks? Most buyers compare day cabs, flat-roof sleepers, mid-roof sleepers, raised-roof sleepers, and...
Parts & Labor Costs Up 27% Since 2019: Why Fleet Financing Has to Be Part of Your Maintenance Strategy
Combined truck parts and labor expenses have surged across the trucking industry over the last several years. Combined fleet maintenance costs increased 27.4% between 2020 and 2025, while labor expenses alone jumped 33.5%. For owner-operators and small fleets,...
EPA 2027 Is Coming: Why Fleets Are Buying Trucks NOW
Across the country, owner-operators and small fleets are reevaluating equipment plans because upcoming EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards could increase truck costs, change maintenance requirements, and tighten inventory availability. Many drivers remember earlier...
Class 8 Orders Surge 131%: What It Means for Trucking Financing Right Now
North American Class 8 orders surged in March 2026, creating a major shift for buyers trying to decide whether to finance a truck now or wait. According to ACT Research, preliminary net orders reached 38,050 units in March, up 131% year over year. This signals renewed...
Is Truck Driving a Good Career? Pros, Cons, Pay & More
Truck driving is one of the most accessible careers in the country. You don’t need a four-year degree, and you can get started in just a few weeks through a truck driving school. At the same time, it’s a demanding job. It requires long hours, time away from family,...
What Truck Gets the Best Gas Mileage? Top Fuel-Efficient Trucks Compared
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in trucking, so it’s no surprise that owner-operators keep asking: what truck gets the best gas mileage? The problem is there isn’t one clear winner. A truck that performs well in one operation may fall short in another. Real fuel...
Freight Fraud & Cargo Theft: How to Protect Your Trucking Business
Freight fraud and cargo theft are no longer edge cases in the trucking industry. Cargo theft results in more than $520,000 in average annual losses per motor carrier, and 75% of stolen cargo is never recovered. The problem is also growing fast. It's estimated that...
Cass Transportation Index Report: March 2026
The Cass Transportation Index Report for March 2026 reflects what many drivers are already dealing with: inconsistent freight bills, tighter margins, spotty work, and rising costs. The numbers confirm pressure across the freight market, but they also hint at early...
