Best Transportation Industry Books of 2026

This book, titled "Turnaround Time: Uniting an Airline and Its Employees in the Friendly Skies," takes readers behind the scenes of United Airlines' remarkable turnaround. Oscar Munoz, the CEO who led the charge, faced numerous challenges, from a stalled merger with Continental to a reputation in free fall. However, he learned that championing the employees themselves was the key to success. The book details how Munoz and his team weathered turbulence, overcame battles with investors, and navigated PR crises, ultimately bringing the people of United together as one team. Overall, this book offers a compelling look at the power of employee engagement and the importance of leadership in a high-pressure industry.

100 Cars That Changed the World is a delightful read that showcases some of the most iconic vehicles from the past century. The book offers a glimpse into the history of the automobile industry and how cars have evolved over time. It features stunning color photography and vintage black and white photography that beautifully capture the essence of each car. From the Ford Model T to the Tesla Model S, the book covers a range of vehicles that have had a significant impact on the industry. Overall, 100 Cars That Changed the World is a must-read for automotive enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of cars.

The Toyota Way, Second Edition: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer by Jeffrey K. Liker is a must-read for managers seeking to improve their organization's processes and systems. The book provides valuable insights into Toyota's world-changing processes and how to develop an improvement program that fits your conditions. The author has updated the classic guide with new frameworks for driving innovation and quality in your business, including brain science and skills for learning to think scientifically, a fresh approach to leadership models, and more. The Toyota Way offers a model of how to set a direction, continuously improve and learn at all levels, flow value to satisfy customers, improve leadership, and get quality right the first time.

Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars is a fascinating book that captures the essence of the golden era of American automotive history. With informative profiles of 70 vehicles, the book chronicles the burst of design and engineering innovations that followed the end of World War II, the exuberant styling and the "horsepower race" of the Fifties, and the rise of the youth market and the muscle car in the Sixties. The hardcover book is 144 pages long and features stunning images of classic American cars. Overall, Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars is a must-read for anyone who loves classic cars and is interested in the history of American automobiles.

American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company is a gripping account of how CEO Alan Mulally led the struggling automaker back from the brink of bankruptcy. Author Bryce G. Hoffman provides unprecedented access to Ford’s top executives and documents, taking readers inside the boardroom as Mulally uses his Business Plan Review meetings to turn the company around. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in business management and the American auto industry. Hoffman’s storytelling is both vivid and colorful, making American Icon a standout in the genre of narrative nonfiction.

The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger - Second Edition with a new chapter by the author is an engaging read that tells the story of how a simple idea transformed the global economy. Marc Levinson's book explores the creation and adoption of the shipping container, and the significant impact it had on transportation costs and trade. Levinson draws on previously neglected sources to provide a comprehensive history of the shipping container, and the negotiations and investments required for its success. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in economic history and the global economy.

Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success is a captivating book that shares the secrets behind the greatest success story in commercial aviation. The authors, Kevin and Jackie Freiberg, provide readers with unlimited access to the people and inside documents of Southwest Airlines. The book shows how the power of principle-centered leadership inspires people to achieve incredible results. It is a must-read for anyone interested in making their employees and customers raving fans of their business. Overall, Nuts! is an original, insightful, and reader-friendly book that offers concrete suggestions on how to transfer the Southwest inspiration to your own business and personal life.

The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer is a must-read book for managers in any industry who want to improve business processes, cut costs and increase quality. The book explains the management principles and business philosophy behind Toyota's worldwide reputation for producing high-quality cars with the fewest defects of any competing manufacturer, while using fewer man-hours, less inventory, and half the floor space of its competitors. The author, Dr. Jeffrey K. Liker, provides practical ideas that managers can use to develop their own approach to business. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their business practices.

The "Food Truck Business Guide for Beginners" is a comprehensive guide that offers a simple strategic plan to build and maintain a successful mobile business. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to start a food truck business and avoid common mistakes that lead to failure. It covers everything from writing a tailored business plan to securing funding and finding the right customers. The book also includes up-to-date information on licensing and the hottest mobile food options. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the food truck industry.