Whether moving across town or across the country, a do-it-yourself move using a safe, reliable Penske rental truck may be the perfect option.

For those times when hiring movers is a better fit, Penske鈥檚 security experts encourage consumers to take a few precautions to ensure the safety of your family and your cherished belongings.

Scammers, offering seemingly inexpensive moving service, use online message boards, shell websites, social media, and other online listings to attract unsuspecting consumers.

Quite often, the prices and quotes are unclear, and when the movers show up, the scammers may be using unbranded trucks or trailers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates moving companies and provides and to issues after the move.

If you need a full-service move, consider sourcing your movers from the

Tips for a Safe Move

• Lock all vehicle doors.
• Secure the rear cargo area with a hardened padlock.
• Park in well-lit areas and under the view of security cameras, if possible.
• Make sure you have adequate theft insurance in your homeowner's insurance policy, while moving to your new location.
• Be mindful of what you post on social media.
• Consider packing and using "tracker tags" in your boxes.
• Take photos of prized valuables while packing for your records
• Take photos of the vehicles the movers are using (plates, truck and trailer numbers)
• Take photos of the rental truck you are driving (plates, truck and trailer numbers)

What can you do if you are the victim of theft or think you've been taken advantage by a moving scammer?

If you are the victim of theft or a scammer using a Penske rental truck, call the police immediately and contact the location.

Provide the truck information, moving company, and any other details such as photos, truck plates, truck number, rental agreement number, etc.

鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff

Penske鈥檚 top techs and customer service representatives (CSRs) from across the U.S. and Canada went head-to-head in Mooresville, North Carolina, at the 2025 National Tech Showdown.

The National Tech Showdown celebrates the skill, speed, and expertise of Penske鈥檚 frontline maintenance team with 44 finalists competing after eight weeks of local and regional challenges.

This year鈥檚 milestones:

• First time female techs reached the finals
• Seven past finalists returned
• Largest prize pool in event history

The format:
Two tracks tested bumper-to-bumper knowledge:

• Tech Pro: for Tech I and Tech II associates
• Preventive Maintenance (PM) Plus: Tech III and CSR associates

On June 12, all finalists completed a 25-minute online exam, and a one-hour, hands-on assessment focused on real-world performance.

鈥淭he Tech Showdown is a reflection of the discipline and expertise our maintenance teams bring to work every day,鈥� said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to recognize the precision and focus that keep our customers moving and our operations strong. They are the best in the business!鈥�

Top 2025 Finishers:

Tech Pro

1. Conner Fletcher | Tech I - Memphis, TN
2. Brian Reynolds | Tech I - Parkersburg, WV
3. Todd Wilcox | Tech I - Mobile, AL

PM Plus

1. Erick Mckenzie | Tech II - Garland, TX
2. Dhruv Rana | Tech III - Kearny, NJ
3. Cody Allen | Tech II - Kansas City, MO

Penske鈥檚 commitment to technician training and growth spans more than 11,500 maintenance associates across North America.

鈥淭his competition is built to reflect the grit, pressure and real-world challenges our teams face,鈥� said Holly Gerke, vice president of maintenance development and technical training. 鈥淭hese finalists have trained, adapted and executed with accuracy. It shows the strength of their preparation and the value of continued learning across our organization.鈥�

READING, Pa., (July 14, 2025) 鈥� Penske Truck Leasing recognized 44 of its top maintenance professionals during the 2025 National Tech Showdown, held June 12 at the Team Penske race shop in Mooresville, North Carolina. The internal competition brought together nearly 3,000 technicians and customer service representatives from across the United States and Canada for a series of timed exams, skilled challenges and diagnostic tasks.

This year鈥檚 event marked several milestones: female technicians competing in the finals for the first time, the return of seven 2023 national finalists and the largest prize pool in Tech Showdown history. Associates competed in one of two tracks: Tech Pro, for Tech I and Tech II associates, and Preventive Maintenance (PM) Plus, for Tech III associates and Customer Service Representatives. Each was designed to test bumper-to-bumper knowledge across all major brands in Penske鈥檚 fleet.

Conner Fletcher earned first place in Tech Pro after competing against 25 other national finalists. Erick Mckenzie placed first in the PM Plus, topping a field of 17 other competitors. Each finalist completed both a 25-minute online exam and a one-hour hands-on assessment designed to test critical thinking, technical depth, and on-the-job decision-making.

鈥淭he Tech Showdown is a reflection of the discipline and expertise our maintenance teams bring to work every day,鈥� said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to recognize the precision and focus that keep our customers moving and our operations strong. They are the best in the business!鈥�

This year鈥檚 top finishers also included:

Tech Pro

• 2^nd: Brian Reynolds, of Parkersburg, West Virginia
• 3^rd: Todd Wilcox, of Mobile, Alabama

PM Plus

• 2^nd: Dhruv Rana, of Kearny, New Jersey
• 3^rd: Cody Allen, of Kansas City, Missouri

鈥淭his competition is built to reflect the grit, pressure and real-world challenges our teams face,鈥� said Holly Gerke, vice president of maintenance development and technical training. 鈥淭hese finalists have trained, adapted and executed with accuracy. It shows the strength of their preparation and the value of continued learning across our organization.鈥�

The 2025 Tech Showdown followed eight weeks of district and area-level competitions. At each stage participants completed online and hands-on exams, earning escalating monetary awards and the opportunity to represent their locations on the national stage. The national finalists earned the highest-level recognition and awards offered through the program.

Penske鈥檚 investment in Tech Showdown is part of a broader commitment to training, recognition and career development for its 11,500-plus maintenance associates across North America.

For more information about Penske Truck Leasing, visit: .

Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 414,700 vehicles and serves its customers from more than 990 maintenance facilities and more than 2,000 rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit to learn more.

# # #

While fireworks and sparklers are staples of Independence Day celebrations, their incendiary nature place them among the hazardous cargo prohibited from Penske rental trucks.

Penske reminds consumers that under its rental agreement flammable, explosive or otherwise hazardous materials may not be transported in its rental vehicles.

Fireworks are considered a Class 1 hazardous material by the There are that apply to rental truck operators regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.

In addition to fireworks, Penske prohibits carrying or hauling hazardous cargo such as full gas tanks, propane tanks, paint thinners, pesticides, fertilizer, charcoal and lighter fluid.

Being mindful of hazardous cargo is just one factor do-it-yourself movers should keep in mind as they travel to new destinations over the long Independence Day holiday weekend.

Independence Day Travel Outlook

projects 61.6 million people will travel by car over the holiday weekend, a 2.2% increase over last year and the highest number on record.

鈥淪ummertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,鈥� said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.

鈥淔ollowing Memorial Day鈥檚 record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week,鈥� Barber said. 鈥淲ith the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.鈥�

, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 to be the busiest days on the road. Afternoon hours will be the most congested.

Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic. Construction, crashes, or severe weather could impact travel times. Drivers are advised to be mindful of stopped vehicles including emergency responders.

Tips for a Successful Moving Day

Whether moving across town or across the country, Penske Truck Rental has these tips for a successful moving day:

Pack up early so loading can begin as soon as you pick up your truck.

Give yourself enough travel time to account for potential delays, including road construction.

Make sure you have snacks and drinks ready for the road.

For cross-country movers, plan breaks and do a little sightseeing along the way.

After you arrive at your destination, make sure you allow enough time to unload.

If you are looking for a change of scenery and need some inspiration, check out our 2024 Top 10 Moving Destinations list.

offers on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the for more information.

Supply chains often face threats of disruption, from labor shortages to shifts in consumer demand and changes in available capacity. Climate-related challenges and geopolitical tensions, combined with shifting trade regulations, are also introducing potential disruptions by increasing transit times, capacity constraints and rate volatility.

鈥淲hile uncertainty is still a prevalent phenomenon, one thing remains certain: volatility is here to stay. The key will be to ensure supply chains become more agile and robust,鈥� according to .

An Economist Impact survey found that 55% of executives expect major disruptions in 2025. Supply chains need to adapt and endure, which increasingly means they need to be resilient and ready for the unexpected. This growing awareness is pushing many businesses to reevaluate how they plan, source and operate across their networks.

As conditions grow more complex, smart planning and flexible strategies are essential. Here are several strategies manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and fleets can use to future-proof their supply chains.

Right-Size Your Fleet

How fleets acquire, maintain and divest equipment directly affects their operational and financial performance, and fleet optimization begins with understanding how to match assets to operational needs. By analyzing historical, real-time and forecasted data, companies can determine the right mix and size of equipment needed.

Private fleets often rely on a blended strategy of leases, rentals and owned equipment to meet shifting capacity demands, lifecycle planning and evolving technology requirements. According to the , 34% of fleets use a combination of ownership and leasing of heavy-duty equipment. Slightly more, 38%, own most of their equipment, and 28% lease all or most of their heavy-duty units.

Optimize Networks and Routes

An optimized supply chain network provides stability during disruptions and allows companies to scale as opportunities arise. We use advanced modeling tools to design the ideal logistics networks based on shippers鈥� priorities and operations.

Network design considers several factors, including various port, warehouse and supplier configurations, to identify ideal sourcing and storage locations and eliminate inefficiencies, reducing costs and improving delivery times.

At a tactical level, network design also identifies opportunities to cut costs and improve service levels. Examples include consolidating shipments and optimizing routes based on the time of day, traffic patterns and real-time weather or traffic disruptions.

The State of Logistics Report found that network design is shifting from a three-year effort to a more continuous exercise, aimed at keeping pace with the rate of change and volatility, and helping to future proof supply chains and your businesses against disruption.

Increase Visibility of Inventory

Transparency enables agility, and real-time visibility allows shippers to identify risks early and make proactive adjustments, such as rerouting freight, sourcing from another warehouse or moving up a shipment. Visibility also supports smarter inventory management, helping companies determine optimal reorder points and the most strategic sourcing locations.

Supply chain visibility, real-time tracking and reliable data are essential for companies focused on keeping inventory levels low. When various links in the supply chain are connected, technology can combine data on inventory with supplier lead times and anticipated demand to improve decision-making, making a just-in-time approach possible. Improved visibility is a powerful way to future proof freight flows and inventory strategies.

Use AI To Future Proof Operations

Trucking and supply chain operations are generating significant amounts of data from vehicles, engines, telematics devices, routing software and more. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can process massive amounts of data quickly to identify patterns and uncover correlations that humans might miss, enabling smarter and faster decisions. Fleets can use the information to enhance truck efficiency and get a comprehensive picture of their operations. AI is also being used to improve efficiency in warehouses and the yard, and to automate supply chain management tasks.

We use AI in several applications. Fleets can use to improve miles-per-gallon and utilization. Our logistics company, Penske Logistics, utilizes AI-enabled yard management tools to automate trailer check-ins and check-outs, thereby increasing visibility into trailer locations and statuses, and streamlining yard operations while reducing manual errors. Other examples include network and route optimization, warehouse automation and more.

The State of Logistics Report noted that AI is no longer an emerging trend and AI-driven innovations are tools to enhance efficiency and resilience.鈥� As adoption accelerates, companies that embrace AI-driven efficiencies today will be best positioned to lead the next era of freight transportation,鈥� researchers wrote. AI-enabled tools are quickly becoming must-haves for companies working to future-proof their supply chain.

Diversify Key Suppliers

Overreliance on a single supplier or geographic region can leave businesses vulnerable. To reduce risk, many companies are reevaluating supplier locations and adding new sources of supply for critical components and materials. According to the State of Logistics Report, 36% of shippers are embracing friendshoring, 32%, are creating parallel supply chains and 29% are expanding into neutral markets.

These sourcing strategies help ensure products are available as needed, without overstocking, but they also require adaptable logistics support. Penske helps businesses stay agile with a nationwide network of transportation options, making it easier to shift resources as supplier networks evolve.

Secure Capacity With Confidence

Shippers and transportation providers can access capacity in several ways, both for long-term needs and short-term capacity surges. Fleets with in-house transportation can secure rental trucks and short-term leases to meet short-term spikes in demand. Utilizing long-term leases or purchasing used trucks can support sustained demand.

Companies can also turn to logistics providers to access capacity through for-hire or dedicated fleets, or on the spot market via freight brokerage. As a broker, we have access to a large pool of Penske-qualified carriers, which enables us to find the best rates and value. Our carrier sourcing solutions have saved millions of dollars in transportation costs by reducing rates and offering better carrier selection. In addition, we have the processes in place to add new carriers in 30-45 minutes.

Tap Into Trailers

Trailers offer a scalable solution to meet shifting transportation capacity or storage needswithout the commitment and cost associated with adding trucks or leasing warehouse space. They can be added to an existing fleet to increase capacity, create trailer pools or serve as temporary warehousing solutions. Incorporating trailers into your fleet strategy is another way to add agility and future proof freight handling.

Create a Contingency Plan

Having a plan in place before it鈥檚 needed allows companies to pivot quickly if something unexpected occurs. Contingency planning is often associated with adverse events, such as extreme weather or global disruption, but it can also be helpful when new opportunities arise. Plans should evaluate solutions related to transportation, warehousing and fulfillment.

Developing alternative routes, maintaining backup suppliers and leveraging technology to simulate 鈥渨hat-if鈥� scenarios are critical elements of preparedness. Being ready to act fast ensures companies aren鈥檛 losing market share as demands shift or disruptions occur.

Stay Prepared With Penske

Future proofing your supply chain starts with the right partner. We bring decades of experience, nationwide infrastructure, and advanced fleet and supply chain technology to help businesses stay agile, flexible and prepared.

In addition to full-service short- and long-term truck leases at , we have more than 85,000 commercial rental vehicles available through , including high-roof cargo vans, straight trucks with liftgates, Class 8 tractors, and dry van, flatbed and refrigerated trailers.

For companies looking to expand or refresh their fleet with greater control, offers well-maintained vehicles backed by strong maintenance records and transparent pricing.

Additionally, provides transportation and warehousing solutions across the supply chain, including dedicated transportation, transportation management, distribution center management and supply chain management.

We are also investing heavily in technology to increase visibility, break down silos and improves decision-making.

From planning and capacity to technology and visibility, we help you future proof your supply chain every step of the way.

What's Next?

Regardless of where you begin, each part of your transportation strategy helps to build a more flexible and resilient supply chain. From acquiring the right vehicles to optimizing your logistics network, our business lines offer targeted solutions to help you stay ahead. Explore how each one supports your future proofing strategy:

Learn More About Future Proofing With Truck Leasing

Leasing offers long-term flexibility, predictable costs and access to the latest vehicle technology to help you stay ready for what鈥檚 next.

Learn More About Future Proofing With Truck Rental

Commercial truck rental gives you fast, scalable access to the equipment you need 鈥� when and where you need it.

Learn More About Future Proofing With Logistics

Our logistics solutions are built to adapt, helping you increase visibility, improve efficiency and navigate disruption with ease.

Every day, more than 6,500 warehouse professionals across North and South America power Penske Logistics and its customers. This week, Penske is proud to recognize the dedication and impact of these essential team members during Warehouse Associate Appreciation Week, June 8鈥�14.

From bustling distribution centers in the United States and Canada to operations across Mexico and Brazil, Penske鈥檚 warehouse associates are the heartbeat of its logistics network. They help ensure that everything from automotive parts and household appliances to food, pharmaceuticals and more flows efficiently through the supply chain.

鈥淵ou not only deliver exceptional results and service to Penske鈥檚 customers 鈥� you keep the world moving forward,鈥� said Jeff Jackson, president of Penske Logistics, in a video message to associates. 鈥淥ur global supply chain starts with you.鈥�

Across 156 facilities, Penske鈥檚 warehouse teams work behind the scenes, but their impact is far-reaching. Their efforts help keep store shelves stocked, businesses operating smoothly and communities supplied with what they need most. Whether navigating daily operations, meeting seasonal demand or rising to unforeseen challenges, Penske鈥檚 warehouse associates exemplify precision, professionalism and a relentless drive for excellence.

鈥淭his week is all about celebrating you and your trade,鈥� said Pete Bayer, senior vice president of distribution center management operations. 鈥淵ou are a crucial part of the Penske Logistics organization, and we want you to know how important you are.鈥�

To Penske鈥檚 warehouse professionals: THANK YOU for the work you do to move the world forward.

Click to view the video with with or with .

By: Caitlin Stibitz

With forecasters predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, fleet operators are encouraged to take steps now to prepare in the event strong storms impact your area.

The Atlantic hurricane season began Sunday, June 1 and ends Sunday, Nov. 30, but the season historically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.

Along with high winds, hurricanes can cause flooding and storm surges. If your area is affected by these conditions, planning ahead can potentially save your business and your life.

Penske has tips and resources available to help you prepare for a hurricane and guidance before, during and after a storm.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

The 2024 season saw 18 named storms form with winds of 39 mph or greater. Eleven of the storms became hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater, and five strengthened to major hurricanes with winds reaching 111 mph or greater, according to the

The season included three record-breaking storms: Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Atlantic basin Category-5 hurricane on record; Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category-4 storm on the Florida Gulf Coast and Hurricane Milton, which resulted in a tornado outbreak that produced 46 tornadoes and caused torrential rainfall and localized flooding.

NOAA鈥檚 outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.

The forecast includes a prediction of between 13-19 total named storms with 6-10 forecast to become hurricanes. NOAA predicts 3-5 will form into major hurricanes.

Hurricane Preparation

The Department of Homeland Security, through its Ready national public service campaign, has assembled some hurricane for every stage of the storm. It includes evacuation tips, what to include in a disaster supply kit and how to create a family communication plan.

Tips for Penske Customers and Consumers

Penske offers the following advice to consumers and Penske customers on what to do before a storm arrives:

• Make safety your number one priority.
• Top off truck fuel tanks.
• Move trucks to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
• Stay tuned to local news stations for weather reports.
• Adhere to all travel, road advisories and restrictions.
• Delay travel into impacted areas when possible.
• Know your evacuation routes and have a plan.
• Seal and lock all fuel tank tops.
• Secure outdoor items and clear debris that could become a projectile.
• Charge all mobile phone battery packs and ensure you have charging cables.
• Put mobile devices on low-power mode to conserve battery.
• Ensure you have employee contact information and a post-storm follow-up plan to verify the status of each employee.

Important: If you suspect your vehicle may have been flooded do not start the vehicle. Starting the vehicle may cause significant damage to the emission control system. Contact your local Penske service location or 24/7 Roadside Assistance for guidance.

Penske Contact information

• Penske Location and Fuel Finder Tool
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance: 1-800-526-0798
• Consumer Truck Rental Reservations: 1-888-996-5415
• Commercial Truck Rental Reservations: 1-800-736-7531

Created annually for CSCMP by global consulting firm and presented by , this publication offers to the industry a close-up of the American economy through the lens of the logistics sector.

The report further suggests ongoing fragile business optimism driven by fluctuating demand, emerging technological disruptions, and a renewed need for resilience and agility.

Notable trends and statistics include:

• U.S. business logistics costs are $2.58 trillion, which amounts to 8.8% of the national GDP. Last year, the numbers were $2.45 trillion and 8.8% respectively.
• The logistics industry in 2024 saw a return to pre-pandemic patterns in some areas, but was also marked by flat business volumes, excess truck capacity and rising operational costs.
• E-commerce continues to move along at a brisk pace, with global online retail sales nearing $6.3 trillion, resulting in more efficient last-mile delivery, increasingly agile warehousing, and a stronger demand for air freight.
• Geopolitical tensions, combined with proposed and enacted tariffs, and shifting trade regulations around the world, have combined to increase transit times, capacity constraints, rate volatility in ocean freight (leading to longer home package delivery times and delays), and a greater reliance from third-party logistics providers to deliver end-to-end support.
• Mexico overtook China as the United States鈥� largest trading partner in 2024. Transactions between the U.S. and Mexico topped at a record $840 billion, a 6% year-over-year improvement.
• Technology investment continues to be an essential component of the modern supply chain. Data analytics, artificial intelligence as well as robotics and automation are among the headliners supply chain leaders are working on.

Mark Baxa, CSCMP president and CEO stated: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 logistics leaders are operating in a world of rapid shifts and persistent uncertainty鈥攁 true fog of global commerce. This year鈥檚 State of Logistics Report helps supply chain professionals cut through that fog with insight, data, and direction. It highlights not only the challenges of disrupted trade flows, evolving customer expectations, and constrained capacity, but also the resilience and innovation reshaping the logistics landscape. At CSCMP, we鈥檙e proud to provide this essential industry benchmark, empowering leaders to navigate complexity and chart a confident course forward.鈥�

Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and lead author for the State of Logistics Report, shared: 鈥淎s the fog thickens, the logistics industry must move beyond short-term fixes and fundamentally rethink resilience鈥攏ot as a luxury, but as a strategic imperative embedded in networks, technology, and decision-making. In a world defined by disruption, resilience is what ensures continuity, enabling agility and long-term durability. And as AI and automation drive down the cost of building resilient supply chains, the greater risk now lies in standing still.鈥�

Andy Moses, senior vice president of solutions and sales strategy, Penske Logistics remarked: 鈥淭here is a great deal of quality content in this year鈥檚 State of Logistics Report. Each day, we are helping our customers find resiliency in their supply chains, as we leverage best-in-class technology and amass capacity on a flexible basis as needed.鈥�

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, , lead logistics, , , , and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit to learn more.

Since 1926, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver鈥攙alue, results, impact. To learn more about Kearney, please visit .

Since 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has supported the supply chain management community through their mission to lead the supply chain profession by connecting, developing and educating the world鈥檚 supply chain management and logistics professionals throughout their careers. With more than 10,000 members globally, representing business, government, and academia from 62 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management. To learn more, visit

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has released the findings of the Penske Logistics-sponsored 2025 State of Logistics Report. The longstanding report indicates that businesses continue to navigate through a fog of supply chain and economic uncertainty. What is true today may not be true tomorrow in this rapidly changing landscape.

Created annually for CSCMP by consulting firm Kearney, this publication offers to the industry a close-up of the American economy through the lens of the logistics sector. The report further suggests ongoing fragile business optimism driven by fluctuating demand, emerging technological disruptions, and a renewed need for resilience and agility.

Notable trends and statistics include:

鈥� U.S. business logistics costs are $2.58 trillion, which amounts to 8.8% of the national GDP. Last year, the numbers were $2.45 trillion and 8.8% respectively.

鈥� The logistics industry in 2024 saw a return to pre-pandemic patterns in some areas, but was also marked by flat business volumes, excess truck capacity and rising operational costs.

鈥� E-commerce continues to move along at a brisk pace, with global online retail sales nearing $6.3 trillion, resulting in more efficient last-mile delivery, increasingly agile warehousing, and a stronger demand for air freight.

鈥� Geopolitical tensions, combined with proposed and enacted tariffs, and shifting trade regulations around the world, have combined to increase transit times, capacity constraints, rate volatility in ocean freight (leading to longer home package delivery times and delays), and a greater reliance from third-party logistics providers to deliver end-to-end support.

鈥� Mexico overtook China as the United States鈥� largest trading partner in 2024. Transactions between the U.S. and Mexico topped at a record $840 billion, a 6% year-over-year improvement.

鈥� Technology investment continues to be an essential component of the modern supply chain. Data analytics, artificial intelligence as well as robotics and automation are among the headliners supply chain leaders are working on.

Mark Baxa, CSCMP president and CEO stated: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 State of Logistics Report helps supply chain professionals cut through that fog with insight, data, and direction. It highlights not only the challenges of disrupted trade flows, evolving customer expectations, and constrained capacity, but also the resilience and innovation reshaping the logistics landscape.鈥�

Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and lead author for the State of Logistics Report, shared: 鈥淎s the fog thickens, the logistics industry must move beyond short-term fixes and fundamentally rethink resilience鈥攏ot as a luxury, but as a strategic imperative embedded in networks, technology, and decision-making. In a world defined by disruption, resilience is what ensures continuity, enabling agility and long-term durability. And as AI and automation drive down the cost of building resilient supply chains, the greater risk now lies in standing still.鈥�

Andy Moses, senior vice president of solutions and sales strategy, Penske Logistics remarked: 鈥淭here is a great deal of quality content in this year鈥檚 State of Logistics Report. Each day, we are helping our customers find resiliency in their supply chains, as we leverage best-in-class technology and amass capacity on a flexible basis as needed.鈥�

By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff

Whether you are planning a household or commercial move, rental trucks are convenient ways to transport a lifetime of belongings and memories to your new destination.

Summer heat and humidity can have an impact on items kept in enclosed spaces such as a rental truck, so great care should be taken when packing items into the truck.

Penske reminds consumers that under its rental agreement flammable, explosive or otherwise hazardous materials may not be transported in its rental vehicles. Consumers should avoid transporting items such as propane tanks, paint thinner, pesticides, fertilizer, charcoal, and lighter fluid.

Fireworks are considered a Class 1 hazardous material by the There are that apply to rental truck operators regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.

Hazardous Materials Best Practices

A general rule of thumb is that all appliances or machinery that hold gasoline or oil should be completely drained before they are loaded into a truck.

You should also avoid packing any type of combustible or highly flammable items like aerosol cans and lighter fluid.

When packing items like a gas generator, lawnmower or weed whacker, make sure to drain the gasoline and oil completely until the tank is dry. Any amount of gasoline and oil can lead to build-up of highly combustible vapor.

When packing your truck, we recommend avoiding the following additional items:

Aerosols, ammunition and guns, antifreeze, automobile batteries, cleansers containing bleach or ammonia, compressed gasses, hazardous waste, marine pollutants, matches, nail polish remover, oil or gas, paint cans, rubbing alcohol, signal flares, and weed killer.

If you have questions about whether specific items are hazardous, or you have general questions about what you are allowed to pack into your moving truck, then contact your local branch of the Department of Transportation or a moving advisor at Penske Truck Rental.

Taking these necessary steps is vital to the protection of yourself and your property. It is also important to your rental truck and the safety of other drivers on the road.

Have a question or want to reserve your next Penske moving truck? Contact the experts at by calling 1-888-996-5415 or chat live with a Penske representative by clicking .

By "Move Ahead" Staff

What started with nearly 3,000 competitors has come down to just 44 of Penske鈥檚 skilled maintenance technicians and preventive maintenance professionals. These standout finalists are headed to the 2025 National Tech Showdown 鈥� a high-stakes competition that celebrates the precision, expertise and pride of our frontline service teams.

鈥淭ech Showdown is more than a contest 鈥� it鈥檚 a celebration of the talent, expertise and dedication that powers our business every day,鈥� said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 event raises the bar, sets a new standard for excellence and further emphasizes our deep commitment to investing in and developing our maintenance team.鈥�

Over the past eight weeks, competitors moved through district and area competitions that tested their technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities through a mix of online exams and hands-on challenges. The top performers from each area earned their spot at Nationals, where they鈥檒l compete for the top honor and unprecedented awards.

This year brings several exciting milestones. Three women are among the national finalists 鈥� a first in Tech Showdown history. Seven competitors are returning after participating in the 2023 competition. And for the first time, 12 additional finalists have been awarded Golden Pit Passes 鈥� special invitations recognizing their performance and potential.

Now in its 25th year and with the largest award pool in program history, the final round takes place June 12 at the Team Penske racing headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Want a closer look at the action? Follow along on social media as we celebrate our finalists and share more from Mooresville as the road to Nationals reaches the finish line.

By: Caitlin Stibitz

Traveling over the Memorial Day holiday? Make sure to pack a hefty dose of patience as a record number of drivers are expected to share the road to holiday destinations.

Joining holiday travelers will be thousands of do-it-yourself movers heading to new hometowns and professional truck drivers, working hard to keep the supply chain moving.

projects 45.1 million travelers to head 50 or more miles from home over the holiday weekend which begins Thursday, May 22, and ends Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. This year鈥檚 travel forecast sets a new Memorial Day record.

鈥淢emorial Day weekend getaways don鈥檛 have to be extravagant and costly,鈥� said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. 鈥淲hile some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends.鈥�

Holiday Travel Outlook

AAA projects 39.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, an additional one million travelers compared to last year.

More holiday travelers will arrive to their destinations by car. Driving is the preferred mode of transportation, with 87% of Memorial Day travelers choosing to take road trips, according to AAA.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the afternoons over the Memorial Day weekend to be the most congested. Travelers should plan to travel in the morning hours for the best chance to avoid heavy traffic.

Drivers in major metro areas, including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., can expect to see the heaviest traffic.

Summer Moving Season

Memorial Day also signals the start to the busy summer moving season, as do-it-yourself movers pack up for moves across town and across the country.

• Pack up early so loading can begin as soon as you pick up your truck.
• Give yourself enough travel time to account for potential delays, including road construction.
• Make sure you have snacks and drinks ready for the road.
• For cross-country movers, plan breaks and do a little sightseeing along the way.
• After you arrive at your destination, make sure you allow enough time to unload.

Moving plans taking a holiday? If you are looking for a change of scenery and need some inspiration, check out our 2024 Top 10 Moving Destinations list.

Penske Truck Rental offers on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the for more information.

By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff

, the artificial intelligence engine transforming commercial fleet management. Built in-house and powered by over 100 billion data points and more than 300 real-time models, Catalyst AI marks a major leap in data-driven decision-making 鈥� from the individual vehicle to the entire hub.

This release expands the platform鈥檚 ability to generate fast, meaningful, and scalable insights, helping fleet professionals act on data with unmatched precision.

鈥淭he new release marks a next chapter for Catalyst AI鈥攐ne that makes complex data more usable, more scalable, and more actionable,鈥� said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淲e鈥檝e enhanced the platform鈥檚 ability to surface trends, benchmark at the vehicle level, and identify meaningful outliers across fleets and facilities. Built in-house, the platform was designed to help our customers spend less time chasing data and more time improving performance.鈥�

New Features for Smarter Fleet Decisions

Catalyst AI now includes four core enhancements:

• FantasyFleet 鈥� Offers a new comparison set made up of top-performing vehicles mostsimilar to each vehicle in the user鈥檚 fleet鈥攈elping them find gaps and elevateperformance
• Vehicle-levelComparison 鈥� Enables users to compare individual vehicles to pinpointperformance differences, helping identify where targeted adjustments can drivebetter results
• Hub-levelComparison 鈥� Allows users to assess operations by location and uncoveropportunities for improved efficiency at the local level
• ImpactingMetrics 鈥� Gives users the ability to focus on specific metrics that mattermost to their business鈥攆uel efficiency, maintenance costs, utilization, andmore

This update reflects Penske鈥檚 commitment to giving fleets greater control over their operations 鈥� from trend detection to actionable benchmarking.

Real Results, Real Customers

鈥淐atalyst AI gives fleet managers the data they need at their fingertips to run the operation and know exactly where they stand. It lets us see how we鈥檙e performing against the market in real-time,鈥� said Brian Harper, fleet operations leader at Darigold, an early adopter of the platform. 鈥淭he data surfaced through Catalyst AI has already supported internal reporting and opened opportunities to reduce costs and reevaluate how we measure success. Penske鈥檚 at the tip of the spear with this kind of information,鈥� he continued. 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 glad to be in front of it with them, rather than behind it.鈥�

Meeting Industry Demands Head-On

According to Penske鈥檚 2025 Transportation Leaders Survey: A Road to AI Adoption, AI is seen as critical for resilience and adaptation in transportation:

• 93% of leaders believe AI can improve resiliency
• 54% say fleet-to-market comparisons would enhance efficiency and decision-making
• 40% of AI adopters have seen 50%+ improvements in fuel usage, cost, or routing.

Yet, 84% of transportation leaders say the industry is behind, and 36% feel only somewhat prepared for continued disruptions. These findings underscore the growing urgency for AI tools that deliver both visibility and measurable outcomes.

鈥淲e鈥檝e designed Catalyst AI with our customers鈥� needs in mind,鈥� said Sherry Sanger, executive vice president of strategy and marketing at Penske Transportation Solutions. 鈥淐atalyst AI represents a strategic leap forward in how fleets use data. It鈥檚 not just about visibility鈥攊t鈥檚 about empowering smarter decisions across the entire network with technology that works in the real world.鈥�

The Technology Behind the Intelligence

鈥淐atalyst AI now analyzes over 100 billion data points annually,鈥� said Tim Haynes, vice president of digital and customer data at 黑料社 鈥淲e鈥檝e engineered a system that runs more than 300 models in real time鈥攄elivering comparison logic, trend detection, and scoring that is both scalable and immediate. This release reflects the technical backbone required to help fleets benchmark smarter and respond faster.鈥�

Catalyst AI is embedded within Comparative Insights, a feature of Penske鈥檚 Fleet Insight庐 digital platform. While fleet-level insights remain free to customers, new Comparative Insights Premium unlocks deeper comparisons and access to the new Fantasy Fleet 鈥� available with a 30-day free trial.

Visit to learn more and start your journey with Catalyst AI.

By: Tana Korpics

Summary Bullets

• Penske delivers a new level of AI-powered fleet intelligence鈥攗nmatched in scope, scale, and actionable insights.
• Developed in-house, Catalyst AI applies proprietary models that transform complexity into competitive advantage.
• Catalyst AI advances from fleet-level visibility to granular insights鈥攅nabling real-time benchmarking and diagnostics now at the individual vehicle and hub level.
• 93% of leaders believe AI can improve resiliency鈥攂ut 84% say the industry is behind, signaling urgency for adoption.

Reading, Pa., May 12, 2025 鈥� Today, Penske Truck Leasing introduced the new generation of fleet intelligence with the latest release of Catalyst AI鈩�, its proprietary artificial intelligence engine and industry leading AI platform that redefined fleet management. Built specifically for commercial transportation, Catalyst AI applies machine learning in advanced methods鈥攖urning one of the industry鈥檚 richest vehicle data sets into faster, more strategic decision-making across operations.

Catalyst AI was built to meet a fundamental need in modern operations: how to take the right action, at the right time, from the right data. The update introduces four core enhancements designed to make that possible:

• Fantasy Fleet 鈥� Offers a new comparison set made up of top-performing vehicles most similar to each vehicle in the user鈥檚 fleet鈥攈elping them find gaps and elevate performance.
• Vehicle-level Comparison 鈥� Enables users to compare individual vehicles to pinpoint performance differences, helping identify where targeted adjustments can drive better results.
• Hub-level Comparison 鈥� Allows users to assess operations by location and uncover opportunities for improved efficiency at the local level.
• Impacting Metrics 鈥� Gives users the ability to focus on specific metrics that matter most to their business鈥攆uel efficiency, maintenance costs, utilization, and more.

鈥淭he new release marks a next chapter for Catalyst AI鈥攐ne that makes complex data more usable, more scalable, and more actionable,鈥� said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淲e鈥檝e enhanced the platform鈥檚 ability to surface trends, benchmark at the vehicle level, and identify meaningful outliers across fleets and facilities. Built in-house, the platform was designed to help our customers spend less time chasing data and more time improving performance."

Catalyst AI continues to evolve in step with the complexities of modern fleet operations, delivering faster insights, clearer benchmarks, and intelligence designed to keep businesses ahead. Developed by Penske, the platform reflects what today鈥檚 fleet professionals need: trusted insights that drive action.

That demand is reflected in Penske鈥檚 2025 Transportation Leaders Survey: A Road to AI Adoption, which found that 93% of senior business decision makers in the transportation and logistics industry agree that AI will improve their organization鈥檚 resiliency and ability to adapt to sudden shifts. More than half (54%) said the ability to compare their fleet鈥檚 performance to others in the same market would improve both efficiency and operational decision-making. As they specifically plan for today鈥檚 continued economic uncertainty, fleet leaders cited their most critical data needs as: visibility into maintenance costs (44%), fuel price trends (41%), and fleet utilization (36%).

Organizations that have embraced AI are already reaping the benefits with 40% of respondents using AI tools saying they鈥檝e seen improvements of at least 50% in fuel usage, cost reduction, or distance traveled through smarter routing and optimization. However, 84% of transportation leaders think the industry is lagging behind in AI adoption and 36% only feel somewhat prepared to respond to ongoing supply chain disruptions and economic volatility. This signals a growing urgency for tools that not only provide data but translate it into tangible actions that drive outcomes, such as lowering operating costs and increasing efficiency.

鈥淲e鈥檝e designed Catalyst AI with our customers鈥� needs in mind,鈥� said Sherry Sanger, executive vice president of strategy and marketing at Penske Transportation Solutions. 鈥淐atalyst AI represents a strategic leap forward in how fleets use data. It鈥檚 not just about visibility鈥攊t鈥檚 about empowering smarter decisions across the entire network with technology that works in the real world.鈥�

Since Catalyst AI launched in 2024, the platform has grown to support thousands of users, helping fleet professionals move from lagging metrics to leading decisions. The platform is now a foundational part of how teams across Penske鈥檚 network report, benchmark, and plan鈥攁cross vehicles, locations, and systems.

鈥淐atalyst AI now analyzes over 100 billion data points annually,鈥� said Tim Haynes, vice president of digital and customer data at 黑料社 鈥淲e鈥檝e engineered a system that runs more than 300 models in real time鈥攄elivering comparison logic, trend detection, and scoring that is both scalable and immediate. This release reflects the technical backbone required to help fleets benchmark smarter and respond faster.鈥�

Catalyst AI is embedded within Comparative Insights, a feature inside the Fleet Insight庐 digital platform. Comparative Insights, powered by Catalyst AI, at the fleet level remains available at no cost to Penske customers. The new Comparative Insights Premium Plan unlocks access to vehicle- and hub-level comparisons and the Fantasy Fleet feature, with a 30-day free trial available before subscription. To learn more, visit .

About Penske Truck Leasing

is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 419,000 vehicles and serves its customers from more than 990 maintenance facilities and more than 2,200 rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit to learn more.

Survey Methodology 鈥� The second edition of The Transportation Leaders Survey: A Road to AI Adoption was conducted online by Big Village among a sample of 255 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who are owners, founders, or executive leaders or decision makers of a Transportations or Logistics businesses. This survey was live April 16-23, 2025.

The transportation and logistics sector is moving past AI curiosity and into real-world application. According to Penske鈥檚 newly released 2025 Transportation Leaders Survey: A Road to AI Adoption, fleet leaders are steadily embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and seeing measurable returns 鈥� even as traditional practices and implementation concerns linger.

In what marks a turning point for the industry, 70% of companies now report adopting AI solutions 鈥� up 17 percent from 2024. And that investment is paying off. Fleet executives cite improvements in fleet planning (36%), route optimization (35%), and operational efficiency (34%) among the top gains realized over the past year.

But the transformation is just beginning. While optimism is growing, 84% of executives still believe the industry lags behind others in adopting AI 鈥� up 20 percent since 2024. The results paint a picture of an industry gaining confidence in AI鈥檚 value while acknowledging the work ahead to fully harness its potential.

From Potential to Performance

The data reveals a shift from theoretical benefit to tangible impact. About four in ten respondents say their organizations have achieved at least 50% savings in fuel costs, operational expenditures, and distance traveled through AI-powered route optimization.

Leaders are also seeing gains in driver safety, customer satisfaction, and visibility across the supply chain 鈥� a clear sign that AI is becoming integral to fleet operations. And this momentum isn鈥檛 isolated. More than nine in ten (91%) of executives believe organizations that adopt AI are better positioned for future growth.

Persistent Challenges and Emerging Risks

While leaders recognize how AI can help future-proof their operations, many are still struggling to navigate current challenges. Rising costs (52%), supply chain disruptions (45%), and managing fleet operations (40%) continue to challenge executives. In fact, fleet operations jumped 10 percent as a top concern year-over-year, indicating increasing complexity as fleets grow and customer expectations rise.

The report also highlights a stark contrast between innovation and legacy mindsets: 94% of respondents still rely on traditional annual forecasting to guide fleet planning. At the same time, nearly all (97%) agree that benchmarking with real-time data is becoming essential to navigate economic uncertainty and sudden market shifts.

Leadership Is Aligned, But Caution Remains

One promising insight: leadership is largely on board. 93% of respondents say their senior teams understand the value AI brings to supply chains and fleets. And looking ahead, 91% agree it鈥檚 critical for the next generation of fleet and logistics professionals to be equipped with AI-enabled skills and tools.

However, concerns around AI鈥檚 risks haven鈥檛 diminished. Security risks (49%), limited regulation governing (36%), and fears of unethical use (35%) are top of mind. These findings highlight the need for strategic, responsible adoption that balances innovation with transparency and trust.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 survey makes one thing clear: AI is no longer a concept on the horizon 鈥� it鈥檚 a practical tool reshaping how fleets operate. Organizations that have embraced AI are already reaping the benefits, and the foundation is being laid for broader, more transformative adoption in the years ahead.

As the industry continues to evolve, success will hinge on bridging the gap between emerging technology and traditional practices, all while building trust in the systems that drive the future of fleet management.

By: Tana Korpics

Survey Methodology 鈥� The second edition of The Transportation Leaders Survey: A Road to AI Adoption was conducted online by Big Village among a sample of 255 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who are owners, founders, or executive leaders or decision makers of a Transportations or Logistics businesses. This survey was live April 16-23, 2025

The survey for the 30th annual is now live. If you are a supply chain professional, we welcome your input. to take part. It closes on July 31. The study will be released and available at no cost, at this year鈥檚 Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals where will be the exclusive Premier Sponsor.

This year鈥檚 main topics are:

鈥� The shift from transactional to strategic 3PL partnerships

鈥� 3PL engagement: Partnership models and the model structures

鈥� Emerging technologies: The top solutions currently in use and a look ahead

The study will also provide continuing the conversation updates and allow for further context on current industry trends. The publication is a collaboration between Penske Logistics, NTT DATA and .

The speakers for the 2026 3PL Study are Dr. Langley, supply chain professor at Penn State University; Alex Darby, director of supply chain consulting at ; and , senior vice president of sales for Penske Logistics.

By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff

In addition, Penske published findings from its national Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trends Survey, which examines consumer sentiment and trends around relocation.

The list shows where people are moving, while the survey offers insight into why. This year 82% of respondents viewed moving as a fresh start, and more than half moved to find a greater sense of community.

Top 10 Moving Destinations in 2024 ():

1. Houston, Texas (No.1 four consecutive years)
2. Atlanta, Ga. (4)
3. San Antonio, Texas (2)
4. Dallas, Texas (6)
5. Orlando, Fla. (7)
6. Charlotte, N.C. (3)
7. Las Vegas, Nev. (5)
8. Chicago, Ill. (Returning 鈥� last ranked in 2021)
9. Austin, Texas (8)
10. Tampa, Fla. (9)

The 2024 data reflects continued migration to the Sun Belt, with multiple Texas and Florida cities appearing in the top 10. Houston retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Atlanta, which rose to No. 2. Chicago reentered the ranking for the first time since 2021.

鈥淓ach year, the Top Moving Destinations list helps track relocation trends and guide how we support customers across the country,鈥� said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of Penske Truck Rental. 鈥淚n 2024, we saw people moving with clear intent鈥攄riven by lifestyle fit, space, or location. As we look ahead, Penske continues to provide the tools and resources they need to move confidently鈥攁nd we鈥檙e here to support those planning their next move, wherever they鈥檙e headed.鈥�

What Drives Moves

According to the survey, the top reasons for moving in 2024 were:

• Closer proximity to loved ones (28%)
• Better job opportunities (27%)
• Lower cost of living (23%)
• Needing more space (23%)

Overall, 67% of respondents reported that moving had a positive impact on their overall well-being, and 56% viewed the process itself positively. When coordinating a move, 69% preferred to rent and drive their own truck. Among those who rented 57% found that packing and organizing overtime helped reduce stress, and 49% relied on family and friends for support.

Penske Truck Rental offers support across North America. The Penske Truck Rental app enables customers to make and modify rental reservations, access loading guides and how-to videos, connect with Penske's 24/7 roadside assistance, and cancel reservations without fees.

About Penske Truck Rental
is a business unit of Penske Truck Leasing. With one of the newest moving truck rental fleets, Penske Truck Rental provides do-it-yourself movers with clean, well-maintained and reliable rental trucks as well as moving equipment, packing supplies and accessories. Call 1-800-GO-PENSKE for questions about moving.

About Penske Truck Leasing
is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 428,000 vehicles and serves its customers from more than 990 maintenance facilities and more than 2,200 truck rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit pensketruckleasing.com for more information.

Top Moving Destinations Methodology
For the past 15 years, Penske Truck Rental has been compiling this list using analysis of one-way consumer truck rental reservations made via the company's website, calls to its 1-800-GO-PENSKE call center and through one-way reservations made at Penske's over 2,200 truck rental locations.

Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trends Survey Methodology
The Moving Trends Survey was conducted via a survey fielded online by Big Village among a sample of 279 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who have moved to a new city or town in the past five years.

More Moving Resources

To explore moving tips, tools and previous Top Moving Destination lists, visit .

Marking the start of National Moving Month and peak moving season, has released its 15^th annual Top Moving Destinations list, identifying the top 10 U.S. cities that recorded the highest volume of one-way consumer truck rentals in 2024.

In addition, Penske published findings from its national Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trends Survey, which examines consumer sentiment and trends around relocation.

The list shows where people are moving, while the survey offers insight into why. This year 82% of respondents viewed moving as a fresh start, and more than half moved to find a greater sense of community.

Top 10 Moving Destinations in 2024 ():

1. (No.1 for four consecutive years)
2. (4)
3. (2)
4. (6)
5. (7)
6. (3)
7. (5)
8. (Returning 鈥� last ranked in 2021)
9. (8)
10. (9)

The 2024 data reflects continued migration to the Sun Belt, with multiple Texas and Florida cities appearing in the top 10. Houston retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Atlanta, which rose to No. 2. Chicago reentered the ranking for the first time since 2021.

鈥淓ach year, the Top Moving Destinations list helps track relocation trends and guide how we support customers across the country,鈥� said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of Penske Truck Rental. 鈥淚n 2024, we saw people moving with clear intent鈥攄riven by lifestyle fit, space, or location. As we look ahead, Penske continues to provide the tools and resources they need to move confidently鈥攁nd we鈥檙e here to support those planning their next move, wherever they鈥檙e headed.鈥�

What Drives Moves

According to the survey, the top reasons for moving in 2024 were:

• Closer proximity to loved ones (28%)
• Better job opportunities (27%)
• Lower cost of living (23%)
• Needing more space (23%)

Overall, 67% of respondents reported that moving had a positive impact on their overall well-being, and 56% viewed the process itself positively. When coordinating a move, 69% preferred to rent and drive their own truck. Among those who rented 57% found that packing and organizing overtime helped reduce stress, and 49% relied on family and friends for support.

Penske Truck Rental offers support across North America. The Penske Truck Rental app enables customers to make and modify rental reservations, access loading guides and how-to videos, connect with Penske's 24/7 roadside assistance, and cancel reservations without fees.

More Moving Resources

To explore moving tips, tools and previous Top Moving Destination lists, visit .

Top Moving Destinations Methodology

For the past 15 years, Penske Truck Rental has been compiling this list using analysis of one-way consumer truck rental reservations made via the company's website, calls to its 1-800-GO-PENSKE call center and through one-way reservations made at Penske's over 2,200 truck rental locations.

Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trends Survey Methodology
The Moving Trends Survey was conducted via a survey fielded online by Big Village among a sample of 279 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who have moved to a new city or town in the past five years.

In today鈥檚 ever-changing environment, Americans continue to seek new beginnings and connections 鈥� whether for loved ones, job opportunities, or a better quality of life. Findings from Penske鈥檚 latest annual survey, Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trend Survey, provides fresh insights into how and why people are moving.

Moving Motivations: Closer Connections and New Opportunities

According to the survey, nearly a third (28%) of U.S. adults have moved to a new city or town within the past five years. Among those who moved, the top reasons were:

• Wanting to be closer to family and loved ones (28%)
• Pursuing better job opportunities (27%)
• Seeking a lower cost of living or taxes (23%)
• Needing more space (23%)

The strong pull of relationships and affordability continues to influence moving decisions, with job prospects remaining a steady motivator compared to previous years. Our annual Top Moving Destinations list identifies the top cities consumers moved to in the past year based on one-way rental truck data. The list helps us not only see where consumers are moving to plan resources and tools, it also uncovers migration trends that show where people are moving for fresh starts.

Beating the Challenges of a Move

More than half of movers (53%) preferred renting a truck instead of handling the move completely on their own.

Of course, moving isn鈥檛 without its hurdles. The biggest challenges reported were:

• Packing and unpacking (55%)
• Adjusting to a new neighborhood or city (29%)
• Finding a new place to live (31%)

Luckily, we know how to for a move! To ease moving stresses, movers leaned on smart strategies to better prepare:

• Packing gradually over time (52%)
• Staying positive (45%)
• Seeking help from family and friends (41%)
• Taking regular breaks (41%)

Interestingly, two-thirds of movers also reported that despite the stress, the experience overall had a beneficial effect on their mental and emotional health.

Moving Mindsets: Fresh Starts and Positive Impacts

A powerful theme emerged in the survey: moving is seen as an opportunity for a fresh start offering a positive impact on well-being and growth.

• 82% of respondents view their move as a new beginning.
• 67% said moving positively impacted their overall well-being, fostering personal growth and new opportunities.
• 56% described moving as an exciting time and a fresh slate for the future.

For many, relocating means exploring new areas, building community ties, and embracing change with optimism.

Final Thoughts: Moving as a Milestone

The Settling In survey highlights a broader trend: Americans continue to move not just for necessity, but for meaningful life improvements. Whether it鈥檚 for family, work, affordability, or a better sense of community, today鈥檚 movers are motivated by a mix of practical and personal reasons 鈥� and overwhelmingly view relocation as a positive, transformative experience.

By: Tana Korpics

Maintaining the nation鈥檚 roadways requires periodic maintenance and even new construction.

New speed limits, traffic patterns and rights of way, as well as worker and vehicle movement, can all impact work zone safety.

, April 21-25, shines a spotlight on ways motorists and professional truck drivers can work together to keep work zone workers safe.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has joined with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) to coordinate and sponsor the awareness campaign.

This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淩espect the zone so we all get home.鈥�

Before taking the wheel, the FHWA encourages drivers to keep the following in mind when entering a work zone.

Sharing the Road

Work zones present challenges for truck drivers 鈥� narrowed lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven road surfaces can lead to crashes and fatalities if they are not prepared and alert. Plan your route, reduce speed, stay alert, and do your part while traveling through work zones.

Large blind spots, long stopping distances, and size constraints make maneuvering large trucks and buses in work zones particularly challenging. Passenger vehicles should be mindful that CMV drivers need to take extra precautions when driving through these areas.

Pay close attention to road workers and flaggers 鈥� give them extra room, always slow when approaching them, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

How to Drive Safely Through Work Zones

There are plenty of resources available to research your routes and check for upcoming work zones. Make sure you know of any road work before embarking on your route and when possible, use detours to avoid having to pass through these areas.

Reduce speed while traveling through work zones, paying close attention to signs and signals.

Be aware of passenger vehicle drivers around you, who may not be aware of commercial vehicle driving challenges, including large blind spots and longer stopping distances.

When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible 鈥� pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot.

Rear-end crashes are common in work zones. Obey all speeds, avoid distractions, and maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you at all times.

For more information on work zone safety, visit the FHWA website.

By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff

The 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo returns to Anaheim, California, later this month, and with it comes an increased presence for both and . will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 28.

Penske Transportation Solutions will be exhibiting in booth 5620 and Penske Energy will be on display right next door in booth 5833.

Penske Transportation Solutions will once again serve as a conference Presenting Sponsor and as a Title Sponsor (the 2025 publication debuts on April 28 at no cost).

A half-dozen Penske leaders will take part in educational sessions.

Monday, April 28

鈥� David Battisti, executive vice president and general counsel, will be a panelist for a session that highlights the role of regulations in the advancement of industry sustainability efforts, as part of the policy workshop.

鈥� Sherry Sanger, executive vice president of strategy and marketing, will discuss the company鈥檚 work with AI, that includes its offering, and its usage in commercial transportation.

鈥� Travis Hill, Penske Energy managing director, will be a moderator for a discussion on rapidly developing charging stops.

鈥� Ivet Taneva, vice president of environmental affairs, will moderate a session about carrier strategies to reduce emissions.

Tuesday, April 29

鈥� Volvo is hosting a special event in its booth, a discussion of the new State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, with Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning, slated to take part.

Wednesday, April 30

鈥� Hitachi is leading a session inside the exhibit hall鈥檚 new Showfloor Theater on the unexpected challenges that can be found in the electrification journey. Sean Yentsch, vice president of facilities, will offer his learnings.

By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff

Penske Truck Leasing has opened a new facility at 633 NW 50^th Avenue in Ocala, Florida. The new location, situated near Interstate 75, expands Penske鈥檚 capacity to serve customers and meet growing demand in the region.

The 20,864-square-foot facility sits on 8.62 acres and features five drive-thru bays with 10 service areas, an automated wash bay, and a full-service fuel island. The location provides and truck rental, , and .

鈥淭he new Ocala facility reflects our commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports both our customers and associates,鈥� said Paul Johnson, area vice president 鈥� Florida, for Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淲ith expanded capabilities and advanced technology, we are better positioned to meet the region鈥檚 transportation needs efficiently and reliably. This facility also enhances our ability to provide seamless service for both consumer and commercial customers in a rapidly growing market.鈥�

Penske鈥檚 previous Ocala facility operated on a 2.5-acre site with limited parking and three service bays. The new facility鈥檚 expanded space addresses these constraints while incorporating Penske鈥檚 proprietary fully digital and voice-directed and , enabling customers to utilize advanced onboard technology systems, including electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics and onboard cameras.

With its proximity to major transportation routes, the Ocala facility is positioned to serve the area鈥檚 growing population and commercial activity. It is designed to enhance service capabilities and provide the infrastructure needed to support future demand.

Penske currently employs over 50 associates at the new facility and is hiring locally and nationwide. For a list of open positions in the Ocala area and at other Penske locations across North America visit for more information.

The 20,864-square-foot facility sits on 8.62 acres and features five drive-thru bays with 10 service areas, an automated wash bay, and a full-service fuel island. The location provides and truck rental, , and .

鈥淭he new Ocala facility reflects our commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports both our customers and associates,鈥� said Paul Johnson, area vice president 鈥� Florida, for Penske Truck Leasing. 鈥淲ith expanded capabilities and advanced technology, we are better positioned to meet the region鈥檚 transportation needs efficiently and reliably. This facility also enhances our ability to provide seamless service for both consumer and commercial customers in a rapidly growing market.鈥�

Penske鈥檚 previous Ocala facility operated on a 2.5-acre site with limited parking and three service bays. The new facility鈥檚 expanded space addresses these constraints while incorporating Penske鈥檚 proprietary fully digital and voice-directed and , enabling customers to utilize advanced onboard technology systems, including electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics and onboard cameras.

With its proximity to major transportation routes, the Ocala facility is positioned to serve the area鈥檚 growing population and commercial activity. It is designed to enhance service capabilities and provide the infrastructure needed to support future demand.

Penske currently employs over 50 associates at the new facility and is hiring locally and nationwide. For a list of open positions in the Ocala area and at other Penske locations across North America visit for more information.

Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 428,000 vehicles and serves its customers from more than 990 maintenance facilities and more than 2,230 rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit to learn more.

Penske has recently become aware that criminals are using its name, branding, false but realistic-looking websites, look-alike email addresses, social media accounts, and even creating online job listings on various employment websites as a part of employment recruiting scams.

Recruitment scams start with an email or text message sent to a candidate outlining a job they believe the individual may be interested in with a promise of a high salary and remote work.

While the individuals may have never applied for a career opportunity with Penske, scammers attempt to legitimize their fraudulent job offer by using Penske鈥檚 name, logo, and names of associates from the recruiting and HR team in correspondence.

Be Careful on LinkedIn and Other Social Platforms

Recruiting scams are increasingly circulating online via email, social media, and through websites as noted by the

Much of the recent recruiting scam activity is taking place on LinkedIn with false, yet very realistic, recruiter or copycat recruiter profiles. While LinkedIn has taken steps to verify accounts, the verification badge is not foolproof and has been subverted by several scammers or not used at all.

Job seekers on LinkedIn and other social media platforms should be very careful about disclosing their personal information. These scams may appear very professional and legitimate. However, they are neither legitimate nor affiliated with Penske in any way. Job seekers should be on alert for online scams when job hunting online.

Prospective applicants should carefully research the legitimacy of any unsolicited recruiting communications that appear to come from Penske or any other employer to help

stop fraud and avoid falling victim to such online scams.

Penske Career Applicants:

• Must apply to jobs online via our websites for consideration (i.e. www.gopenske.com, )
• Must interview with a Penske representative before the extension of any job offer
• Job offers from Penske will always be verbally extended, with a formal offer letter sent, and outlined pre-employment screening requirements outlined (i.e. background screening, clinical services, etc.)
• Please note: All legitimate email addresses from Penske Transportation Solutions, , or representatives will end in: penske.com and not in any other form.
• Be Suspicious If:
• You haven't applied for a job with Penske but received an unsolicited offer of employment
• You receive any unsolicited employment offers and/or unsolicited employment contracts from Penske
• There are misspellings or poor grammar in the communication
• Anything that seems even slightly out of place on the website, paperwork or letterhead
• You receive employment offers or communications from non-黑料社com email addresses (e.g.: yahoo.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com, aol.com, etc.)
• You receive requests for sensitive personal information such as Social Security Numbers, account numbers, or requests to access accounts or transfer any funds or to make or receive payments to or from a third party of any kind
• Any organization that emails you a copy of a check and tells you to print it out and deposit it.

Penske Never:

Sends unsolicited job offers or employment contracts of any kind

Requires any fees, payments, checks, or access to any of your financial, banking, or any other types of accounts

Would send a candidate a check, with a request to have that check deposited before an official start date.

Helpful Resources

As mentioned above, The Federal Trade Commission provides consumers with free tips and information on how to avoid being scammed online and what to do if you feel you have been scammed.

You may view those tips and information via the . If you have been scammed online, you may also report the crime through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's .

Questions? We're Here to Help.

If you ever have any questions regarding the authenticity of any communication sent purportedly by or on behalf of Penske's Human Resources Department or members of its recruiting team, please contact us at 1-855-297-3675.

By "Move Ahead" Staff

Any situation that competes with a driver鈥檚 attention on the road can be a distraction to safe driving.

April has been designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to educate drivers about distractions and how to practice good distracted-driving safety habits.

We have assembled tips from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help keep motorists, movers and professional drivers safe when sharing the road.

In the coming weeks. more do-it-yourself movers will begin to share the road with professional truck drivers and motorists.

Additional vehicles on the roadway are among the many distractions all drivers face and challenge their ability to remain safe when behind the wheel.

Examples of distractions to safe driving include talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, adjusting the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.

AAA suggests drivers adjust things like seats, mirrors and climate controls before starting your journey. Avoid the temptation to reach for possessions that may roll around by storing them away.

Eat meals or snacks before you start your trip. If you decide to eat while driving, avoid messy foods that can take your attention away from driving.

If pets and children need your attention, pull over safely and resist the temptation to reach into the back seat, which can cause you to lose control.

For professional truck drivers, distractions can come from inside and outside their truck cabs.

While passing buildings or billboards, drivers could become distracted and suffer a momentary lack of focus.

Penske offers these tips:

• Turn off all unnecessary devices.
• Plan ahead.
• Don't multitask
• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Drive defensively

By taking steps to minimize driving distractions, no matter how small, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.

By Move Ahead Staff

During a recent awards ceremony, celebrated its 2024 Freight Management Carrier award recipients. The award is based on: A Penske Logistics enterprise scorecard combined with customer, operations and sourcing feedback. The 14 honorees were chosen from among Penske鈥檚 base of trucking carriers within its freight management operations.

鈥淲e have been navigating a challenging freight environment on behalf of our customer base, and thankfully these award winners have been the best-of-the-best in helping us weather the storm,鈥� stated Tracy Urbanski, senior vice president of operations for freight management, Penske Logistics. 鈥淎 hearty congratulations go out to our worthy recipients.鈥�

These are the 2024 Penske Logistics Freight Management Carrier Award winners:

鈥� Brokerage Provider: Total Quality Logistics

鈥� Flatbed Transporter - National: TMC Transportation

鈥� Flatbed Transporter 鈥� Regional: Freedom Trans Dedicated

鈥� Intermodal Carrier: Knichel Logistics

鈥� Less-Than-Truckload U.S. National Carrier: Estes Express Lines

鈥� Less-Than-Truckload U.S. Regional Carrier: Pitt Ohio

鈥� Less-Than-Truckload Canadian Carrier: Trans-Frt. McNamara

鈥� Liquid Bulk Transporter: Venezia Liquid Tank Lines

鈥� Truckload Canada: Lion Force Transport

鈥� Truckload U.S. National Carrier: Landstar

鈥� Truckload U.S. Regional Carrier: MVT Services

鈥� Refrigerated Provider: Roadtex

鈥� Mexico Cross-Border Carrier: Select Dedicated Solutions

鈥� Penske Carrier of the Year: Lion Force Transport

Penske Logistics has more than $6.7 billion in freight under management. Penske provides freight management and brokerage solutions to help manage transportation networks, and handle seasonal needs, capacity surges and challenging lanes. about joining Penske鈥檚 professional carrier network.

By "Move Ahead" Staff

鈥淲e have been navigating a challenging freight environment on behalf of our customer base, and thankfully these award winners have been the best-of-the-best in helping us weather the storm,鈥� stated Tracy Urbanski, senior vice president of operations for freight management, Penske Logistics. 鈥淎 hearty congratulations go out to our worthy recipients.鈥�

These are the 2024 Penske Logistics Freight Management Carrier Award winners:

• Brokerage Provider: Total Quality Logistics
  
• Flatbed Transporter 鈥� National: TMC Transportation
  
• Flatbed Transporter 鈥� Regional: Freedom Trans Dedicated
  
• Intermodal Carrier: Knichel Logistics
  
• Less-Than-Truckload U.S. National Carrier: Estes Express Lines
  
• Less-Than-Truckload U.S. Regional Carrier: Pitt Ohio
  
• Less-Than-Truckload Canadian Carrier: Trans-Frt. McNamara
  
• Liquid Bulk Transporter: Venezia Liquid Tank Lines
  
• Truckload Canada: Lion Force Transport
  
• Truckload U.S. National Carrier: Landstar
  
• Truckload U.S. Regional Carrier: MVT Services
  
• Refrigerated Provider: Roadtex
  
• Mexico Cross-Border Carrier: Select Dedicated Solutions
  
• Penske Carrier of the Year: Lion Force Transport

Penske Logistics has more than $6.7 billion in freight under management. Penske provides freight management and brokerage solutions to help manage transportation networks, and handle seasonal needs, capacity surges and challenging lanes. Please about joining Penske鈥檚 professional carrier network.

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, lead logistics, freight management, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit to learn more.

For the first time in company history, will be the top sponsor at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Starting in 2025, Penske will be the exclusive Premier Sponsor at EDGE, to take place Oct. 5-8 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

鈥淚t was an easy decision for our company to become the EDGE Premier Sponsor,鈥� stated Jeff Jackson, Penske Logistics president. 鈥淲e have a longstanding history of success with CSCMP that dates back nearly two decades.鈥�

Penske was previously among several Major Sponsors. The company鈥檚 presence at this leading supply chain event is considerable, which includes an exhibit, various media activations at and around the host facility, and a collection of experts that speak at EDGE鈥檚 educational sessions.

Penske Logistics also presents the CSCMP State of Logistics Report in conjunction with Kearney, supports local roundtables, has sponsored various publications, and takes part in executive leadership programming.

Mark Baxa, president and CEO of CSCMP: 鈥淐SCMP is delighted to collaborate with the Penske team in so many ways and is grateful for their professional, all-encompassing support of our mission: to connect, educate and develop supply chain professionals throughout their careers. Penske鈥檚 role as the top EDGE conference sponsor, their ongoing support of the State of Logistics Report, and support for the new CSCMP member exclusive live LMI monthly discussion are indicative of Penske鈥檚 high commitment to advancing the supply chain discipline.鈥�

By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff