RC Trucking Inc./Redding Transportation

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

FUEL COSTS BACK ON THE RISE
The fuel cost roller coaster has climbed again, and it feels like we’ve been stuck at the top of the loop for weeks. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt oil shipments, and the market is responding in its usual fashion—by overreacting. This isn’t our first rodeo, and it won’t be our last, but the latest sanctions need to take effect quickly to stabilize crude oil storage levels. If inventories fall too low, consumers will feel an even sharper pinch by Christmas.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE TRUCKS GONE
Shippers have been asking this question nonstop, and the answer remains the same. Carriers cannot operate at a loss indefinitely. Many shippers ignored the long‑term consequences of their rate strategies, and now they’re facing serious capacity shortages. We’ve reached—or are rapidly approaching—the inflection point. The carriers still standing will be in the driver’s seat. Shippers have effectively eliminated our competition, and those of us remaining will set the rates going forward.

OUR POSITION
Redding Transportation LLC and RC Trucking Inc. are well positioned to grow market share and expand capacity. We’ve added five new tractors, with two new trailers arriving in the coming weeks, and two additional tractors scheduled for January. After nearly 30 years, we’re still here, still strong, and still open for business. We will not be your cheapest carrier—but we will be your most reliable. We can handle volume, meet delivery expectations, and back it up with a proven track record.

TMS UPGRADE
Our upgraded TORO TMS system is officially live, and the transition has been smooth. We’re already seeing meaningful improvements. We can now dispatch brokered trucks via text without requiring an app, and outside carriers can upload tickets in real time through the link provided in the dispatch message. This accelerates payments to carriers and speeds up collections on our end.
A sincere thank‑you to Owen and Bradie for the tremendous amount of time and effort they invested to make this upgrade seamless. Their work has not gone unnoticed.

SUMMARY
The trucking industry continues its cycle of highs and lows, but we remain optimistic that the lows will be lower and the highs will be higher moving forward. Fall harvest is underway, with corn being shelled now and reports of early bean harvest beginning as soon as next week in some areas. Capacity is already stretched, and demand is about to surge—setting the stage for a strong finish to an already eventful 2026. Buckle up.

Thanks for riding along…
Danny

08/17/2026

Ole Lewis gettin it done today washing Trucks!!!

08/05/2026

Boss man swapping trailers in Wichita yesterday with one of the new 515hp Internationals

07/31/2026

Lee and unit #2211 reloaded out in California and headed back east to Indiana. Happy Trails Driver! 🤠
Lee LaFalier

07/27/2026

As The Wheels Turn– Reflections from the Road

This week’s update comes to you from the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio, Texas, where I’m tagging along with Rhonda, my wife of nearly 38 years, at the annual NIRMA conference. She’s been attending on her own for the past three years in her role as Director for RIMBU as part of her job as Supervisor of Records Management at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant. This year, I finally ran out of excuses — so here I am, taking in the sights and soaking up a little more of the world than I usually do.
San Antonio has been a great host. We arrived Saturday evening and spent the weekend exploring the River Walk, taking a boat ride, visiting the Alamo, and enjoying more than a few excellent restaurants. But the part of this trip that surprised me most wasn’t the city — it was the drive getting here.
Until now, Dallas was the furthest I had ever ventured into Texas. I expected the stretch between Fort Worth and San Antonio to be wide‑open country and easy cruising. Instead, it felt like one long, continuous city. Town after town, development after development — hardly a break in between. For someone who grew up in a small town and never felt the pull to travel, it was eye‑opening.
It was also meaningful. We passed through or near many of the towns our trucks deliver to. Seeing those places firsthand gave me a new appreciation for what our drivers navigate on a regular basis. I was driving a pickup; they’re hauling 80,000 pounds of tractor‑trailer through the same corridors, day after day. That takes skill, patience, and a level of awareness most people never think about.
Our drivers are — and always will be — the backbone of our operation. Their expertise is often invisible because it’s expected. Four million miles a year is a lot of exposure, and yet we average only a couple of incidents annually. That’s not luck. That’s professionalism. That’s consistency. That’s nearly 30 years of doing the job right.
This trip reminded me just how much respect our drivers deserve. They carry the responsibility, the pressure, and the weight — literally and figuratively — with a steadiness that keeps our company moving safely and successfully.
I’m grateful for them. I’m proud of them. And after seeing a slice of their world this week, I’m even more confident in the work they do.

Thanks for riding along.

Danny

07/14/2026

Danny giving a tutorial on hooking up a trailer this beautiful morning in Wichita Kansas.

07/10/2026

Looking for a great local job? RC Trucking Inc./Redding Transportation is hiring for both their shop and semi-truck driver positions! 🙌

• Competitive pay & benefits
• Locally owned & operated
• Positive company culture

Take advantage of this work opportunity by reaching out to RC Trucking! 🚛

07/07/2026

Loading for another 250…

07/06/2026

Summer Has Arrived
Wheat harvest wrapped up quickly this year, and now the summer heat is settling in with 100‑degree temperatures expected next week. These conditions will challenge radiators, tires, A/C systems, and—most importantly—our drivers. High temperatures make product stick in trailers, increasing the labor required to unload. Please stay patient, stay hydrated, and take advantage of shade or air‑conditioning whenever possible.

Holiday Hoops
With the holiday falling on a Saturday, we anticipated a smooth Friday with minimal disruptions. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Several origins failed to load as scheduled, and receivers closed early, creating widespread delays.

This must improve moving forward. While some customers operate through holidays, our ability to function depends on return loads and consistent hours. We send drivers out to support customers who require holiday coverage, yet too often we absorb the losses. Bounce rates will be implemented for all holidays—and in cases like July 4th, the day before as well—to ensure operational costs are covered.

Fuel Prices & Market Pressure
Fuel prices have finally dipped from recent highs, offering welcome relief. Rates have come down as well, which is expected. However, truck capacity remains tight and continues to tighten.

Shippers should not expect a return to pre‑war pricing. Fuel was only one factor pushing rates upward. High costs for repairs, equipment, tires, and ongoing fuel expenses have established a new baseline as carriers work to regain profitability.

Summary & Looking Ahead
Significant challenges remain. Many companies have delayed equipment upgrades and capital investments after three difficult years, but some of those decisions can’t wait any longer. Trucks and trailers don’t last forever, and driver recruitment is becoming increasingly complex as society evolves.

Approach each challenge with an open mind. What worked 20 years ago won’t work today, heck, what worked 10 years ago may not work today!

Ask yourself:

Can you adapt to change?

Can you identify the right changes to make?

Do you have the drive to push through?

Your answers will shape the future of your company.

Just another day in the office for me.

Thanks for riding along,
Dan