The February 25 edition of the AgNet News Hour continued a powerful two-part discussion on the growing crisis in California trucking, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill again welcomed Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express. Their message was urgent: without meaningful policy changes, the trucking industry that agriculture depends on may not survive. Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet in Kings County, detailed the mounting pressures squeezing freight companies from every direction. New truck prices have climbed close to $200,000 per unit, with 2027 models expected to increase another $15,000 to $25,000 due to additional emissions requirements and new technology mandates. Meanwhile, repair costs at dealership service centers can exceed $240 per hour — and trucks often sit for days or weeks waiting for qualified technicians. The biggest concern, Woods emphasized, isn’t engine reliability. Modern engines remain durable. Instead, nearly every mechanical issue stems from emissions systems, sensors, and regulatory compliance components. Diesel exhaust systems, filters, and electronic sensors frequently trigger downtime, leaving trucks parked while payments, insurance, and payroll continue. For many small and mid-sized fleets, there is no margin for extended downtime. Unlike major corporations with large reserves, independent operators cannot afford long-term research and development risks on unproven equipment. As Woods explained, trucking companies don’t need government assistance — they need government to step aside and allow them to operate efficiently. Insurance premiums remain another heavy burden. Companies invest in AI-driven safety systems, in-cab cameras, and electronic logging devices to protect drivers and limit liability. Yet insurance rates continue rising, especially in California’s increasingly litigious environment. A single accident can jeopardize both a driver’s commercial license and a company’s financial stability. Fuel costs add further uncertainty. With refinery closures on the horizon, concerns about diesel availability and potential price spikes loom large. If fuel prices rise dramatically, every product transported — from fertilizer and bee hives to finished almonds and fresh produce — becomes more expensive. As Papagni noted, freight touches every step of the agricultural supply chain. Workforce retention remains steady for Wildwood Express, but compliance enforcement and licensing scrutiny create additional hurdles. Meanwhile, deteriorating highway conditions, especially along Highway 99, accelerate wear and tear on already expensive equipment. The takeaway from the conversation was clear: trucking is not optional infrastructure. It is the backbone of agriculture and the broader economy. Without freight, food does not move. As Woods put it, the industry must stand united and demand practical solutions before more companies disappear.
