Big news this month — we partnered with a local coffee house in St. Paul to develop two exclusive 3-Axle roast profiles, built from the ground up using Guatemalan and Peruvian origin beans.

Instead of using stock blends, we created roasts that reflect the rugged, hardworking spirit of the trucking industry:

Dark Roast – Based on Guatemala

Bold, heavy on roasted nut and dark chocolate flavors, designed to stay smooth even after hours on the road

Medium Roast – Based on Peru

Balanced and slightly brighter, still rugged enough to hold up through long days and early mornings

Both are roasted locally in small batches here in Minnesota to keep every bag fresh and consistent.

We’re currently focusing on small retailers and local markets, plus direct online orders — making it easier for drivers to restock wherever they are.

Hump Day News

Here’s an updated snapshot of what’s happening in the U.S. trucking industry in 2025 covering challenges, innovations, and future-looking trends:

1. Market Conditions & Freight Outlook

• Freight volumes are stabilizing, with a modest projected growth of around 1.6% in 2025, signaling a rebound following earlier declines.  

• However, elevated costs and tighter financial conditions—from higher interest rates to sluggish business investment—are weighing on industry confidence. 

• Recent reports highlight dozens of trucking companies shuttering or filing for bankruptcy, as they struggle under thin margins and volatile demand. 

2. Rising Costs & Labor Dynamics

• The operating cost per mile for trucking hit a new high in 2023, driven by rising maintenance, equipment, insurance, and labor expenses—even as some fuel prices eased. 

• Driver wages rose sharply by 7.6% in 2023, underscoring the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining drivers in a fiercely competitive labor market. 

• Despite higher pay, labor turnover remains high, and chronic driver shortage persists. 

3. Technology & Sustainability—The Road Ahead

• Electric Trucking: The electric truck segment is growing fast—valued at $5.9 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $38.8 billion by 2032. 

• Electric infrastructure: California is leading the push for zero-emission trucks—with mandates aiming for 50% of heavy-duty truck sales to be electric by 2035, and full zero-emission compliance by 2045. 

• Autonomous Trucks: Major strides in commercial driverless trucking:

• Aurora Innovation has logged over 1,200 miles of autonomous driving between Dallas and Houston, now extending operations into night hours and planning expansion into Phoenix and El Paso. 

• McKinsey forecasts $616 billion in revenue potential from autonomous trucking by 2035. 

• AI and Efficiency:

• Uber Freight is using AI to reduce “deadhead” miles (empty runs) by 10–15%, while cutting wait times and improving operational flow. 

• Cybersecurity: The NMFTA released a “Roadmap to Resilience” with cybersecurity guidelines for fleets—reflecting growing digital threats and the industry’s push toward digitalization. 

Summary: Key Industry Trends Trend Impact

Freight Growth Moderates Slow but steady market recovery underway

Rising Costs &bankruptcies Pressure on small carriers; cost control is critical

Labor Shortages Persist Higher wages, but turnover remains a challenge

Electrification Ramps Up Boost from policies and infrastructure investments

Autonomous Trucks Expand Technology advancing rapidly, esp. in Texas

AI & Cybersecurity Focus Efficiency and security gain increasing importance

These developments signal a trucking industry at a pivotal crossroads balancing tight finances and labor shortages with rapid innovation and sustainability pressures.