California’s freight and agricultural sectors are under unprecedented strain, and few know the pressures better than Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express. From skyrocketing regulations to rising equipment costs, labor shortages, and insurance hurdles, their insights provide a rare glimpse into the daily challenges that keep the state—and the nation—fed.
Families and Businesses Feeling the Squeeze
Woods and Nunez describe a landscape where both families and companies are struggling to survive. Major corporations like Budweiser and Del Monte have left the state, leaving small and mid-size operations to absorb increasingly high costs. “It’s getting to the point where families can’t live in the state,” Woods says. Even logistics giants like UPS are offering huge incentives for employees to leave, highlighting the stress on the workforce and the fragility of supply chains.
Rising emissions regulations are set to further challenge trucking operators. New trucks slated for 2027 could cost $15,000–$25,000 more due to emissions technology, creating a significant financial burden for companies already operating on thin margins. “We don’t have the resources or time to provide the services and be profitable,” Woods explains.
Out-of-State Registration: A Band-Aid Solution
Some companies attempt to bypass California’s regulations by registering vehicles in neighboring states like Nevada or Arizona. However, Nunez notes that these maneuvers often backfire. Drivers are subject to California rules if they operate in-state for a certain period, and fines or license suspensions can quickly erase any perceived benefit. “If they do catch you and you can’t pay the fine…it’s just the same thing,” he says.
Insurance, Drivers, and the Next Generation
The insurance landscape is equally daunting. Rates continue to rise annually, even for companies that invest heavily in safety technology, like electronic logging devices and cameras. These systems monitor driver behavior and provide documentation to protect both drivers and the company in the event of accidents, but the added oversight also creates challenges around privacy and cost.
Recruiting and retaining drivers remains a top concern. While Wildwood Express has had success attracting younger drivers, visa and language barriers occasionally force talented employees off the road. Woods stresses the importance of demonstrating career longevity, providing health benefits, and maintaining a safe working environment to ensure experienced drivers remain with the company. “You’ve got to show them there’s a future here,” he says.
The High Cost of Technology and Maintenance
The financial burden of equipment goes beyond the initial purchase price. A new truck can cost around $200,000, with additional maintenance expenses for tires, alignments, and increasingly complex emissions systems. Rebuilding engines alone can cost $30,000–$40,000. Woods emphasizes that downtime from service delays can seriously impact profitability and operational efficiency, particularly during critical harvest windows.
Even routine upgrades, like sensors for emissions and fuel efficiency, require specialized service centers with limited staff. “Your truck might sit there for weeks at a time because they got to go every step,” Woods says, underscoring the logistical and financial hurdles that small and mid-size operators face.
Unity, Advocacy, and the Future of Freight
Despite these challenges, Woods remains optimistic about the resilience of the industry. He urges greater unity among business owners, employees, and industry stakeholders to advocate for reasonable policies in Sacramento. “We’ve got to stand up…we’re failing, and it’s not getting any better,” he explains.
Educating younger generations about the critical role of freight is also key. Woods notes, “We got to talk to those kids…understand really why and what we do is for everybody around the world.” By fostering awareness and respect for logistics, the next generation can help sustain California’s freight network and support the broader agricultural economy.
Connect with Wildwood Express
For those wanting to learn more or seek guidance, Mark Woods and Jose Nunez are available via email at markjr@wildwoodex.com and jose@wildwoodex.com. Based in Kingsburg, California, Wildwood Express remains committed to safety, efficiency, and educating the public about the vital work that keeps food, goods, and families moving across the state.