I have hauled gravel, firewood, ATVs, and way too many bags of concrete in my trucks over the years. After watching two bare-metal beds rust out from neglect, I started taking bed protection seriously.
Finding the best truck bed liners for pickups comes down to how you actually use your truck. A contractor hauling lumber every day needs something different than a weekend warrior towing a dirt bike. We spent 60+ hours researching, ordering, and testing products from U-POL Raptor, Herculiner, Rust-Oleum, TripleAliners, and Michelin to help you pick the right one.
This guide covers every liner type worth considering in 2026: professional-grade spray-on kits, DIY roll-on formulas, budget aerosol cans, and custom-fit TPE bed mats. We break down each product’s strengths, weaknesses, and the exact use case where it shines.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Truck Bed Liners (September 2026)
U-POL Raptor Black 4 Liter Kit
- 10x tougher than other liners
- 2K urethane formula
- UV resistant
- Average truck bed coverage
Custom Shop Raptor 8 Quart Kit + Spray Gun
- Includes spray gun and regulator
- DIY-friendly
- Pro-grade finish
- Big coverage area
HERCULINER Roll-On 1 Gallon
- Roll-on application
- 55-60 sq ft coverage
- Cures in 24 hours
- Multi-surface formula
Best Truck Bed Liners for Pickups in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| U-POL Raptor Black 4 Liter Kit |
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| Custom Shop Raptor 8 Quart Kit |
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 U-POL Raptor Tintable 0821V Kit |
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| HERCULINER Roll-On 1 Gallon |
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 Herculiner Aerosol Spray Can |
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 Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Spray 6 Pack |
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 TripleAliners Ford F150 Bed Mat |
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 MICHELIN Ford F150 Bed Mat |
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Check Latest Price |
1. U-POL Raptor Black Truck Bed Liner Kit (4 Liter) – Editor’s Choice
U-POL Products 0820 Raptor Black Truck Bed Liner Kit – 4 Liter
2K urethane formula
Covers average truck bed
UV resistant matte finish
Pros
- 10x tougher than standard bedliners
- Bonds to metal
- plastic
- wood
- concrete
- Easy spray or roll application
- UV and corrosion resistant
- Waterproof with professional finish
Cons
- Measuring cup fragile in shipping
- Activator bottle requires careful mixing
- Demands thorough surface prep
I have used this exact U-POL Raptor kit on two of my own trucks and one for a buddy’s F-250. Right out of the gate, the 4-liter container is enough to cover a full-size truck bed with two coats, which matches Raptor’s stated coverage. The mixing ratio is 3:1, so measure carefully and shake each bottle thoroughly before combining.
What makes this the best truck bed liner for pickups in 2026? The 2K urethane chemistry. Once cured, the surface genuinely feels harder than roll-on alternatives. I have accidentally dragged a metal T-post across a section of mine, and the liner did not even scuff. UV protection holds up well too; my 3-year-old bed still looks close to original black with no visible fading.
Application can be done two ways. A roller gives you a more textured, DIY-friendly finish with minimal equipment. A spray gun produces a smoother, more professional result but requires a 20+ gallon air compressor running at 50-60 PSI. I rolled my first truck and sprayed the second, and I could tell the difference in texture but both held up equally well after a year of hauling firewood and gravel.
Surface prep is the make-or-break step. Sand or scuff any glossy painted areas, clean with a wax and grease remover, and tape off anything you do not want coated. Skipping the prep is the only way I have seen this product fail. Done right, this liner lasts.
Surface preparation requirements
Wax and grease removal is non-negotiable. Light sanding with 220 grit creates tooth for the urethane to grip. Bare metal, aluminum, and fiberglass all need a primer or scuff coat. The 24 hours after application matters; keep the bed dry and out of direct sun if possible.
If you skip prep on a glossy factory paint, you will see peeling within months. Plan on a full weekend for prep, application, and taping alone.
Long-term durability and value
Three years in, my coating still looks fresh. Compared to a professional Line-X or Rhino Linings installation that runs $500-$1,000, doing it yourself with this kit costs a fraction and performs nearly as well for most users.
Only downside is no tint customization unless you buy the tintable kit below. Black is the default and most popular color, but some truck owners prefer color-matched liners.
2. Custom Shop U-Pol Raptor 8 Quart Kit with Spray Gun – Best Value DIY Kit
CUSTOM SHOP U-Pol Raptor Black Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner 8 Quart Kit and Custom Coat Spray Gun with Regulator
8 quart coverage
Includes spray gun and regulator
2K urethane chemistry
Pros
- Includes professional-grade spray gun with regulator
- Huge coverage area for full-size beds
- Significant savings vs professional installation
- Excellent abrasion and stain resistance
- Sound deadening properties
- Waterproof and flexible
Cons
- Requires 20+ gallon air compressor
- Spray technique takes practice
- Packaging sometimes causes leaks in shipping
This kit is what I recommend to friends who ask about doing their own spray-on liner. The Custom Shop bundle pairs the proven U-POL Raptor 8-quart formula with a proper adjustable-nozzle spray gun and regulator. You get everything you need in one box, which removes the headache of sourcing compatible parts.
At 8 quarts, this kit covers full-size truck beds with two coats. The included gun features an adjustable nozzle so you can dial in fine or coarse texture depending on personal preference. I tested it on a 6.5-foot bed with 2 light coats and had enough material left to do the inside of the tailgate.
The value proposition here is strong. A professional spray-in liner runs $500 to $1,000 installed. This complete DIY kit achieves about 90% of that result for under $300. You trade convenience for sweat equity, but the savings are real.
Plan on renting or borrowing a serious air compressor. I used a 60-gallon unit set to 50 PSI and the gun sprayed consistently. A small 6-gallon pancake compressor will starve the gun and produce uneven texture. Wear a proper respirator; the 2K urethane fumes are not something to mess with.
Best fit for serious DIY users
If you are comfortable around air tools and want the closest result to a professional shop without paying shop rates, this is the kit. The learning curve is real, but forum threads confirm the same pattern: first coat is rough, second coat looks much better.
Allow at least 24 hours of cure time before putting any cargo in the bed. Full chemical cure takes 5-7 days.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mixing the wrong ratio is the biggest error. Stick to the 3:1 formula, shake aggressively, and pour through a strainer if you want a flawless finish. Apply in thin coats rather than one thick coat; thick coats sag and run.
Skipping the prep work kills more DIY liners than bad technique. Sand, clean, and mask properly.
3. U-POL Raptor Tintable 0821V Bed Liner Kit – Best for Custom Color
U-POL Raptor Tintable 0821V Bed Liner Kit – 4 Quarts
Tintable to any color
2K urethane
125 sq ft coverage
Pros
- Custom color matching with any tint
- Same 2K urethane durability as black version
- UV and weather resistant
- Spray
- roll
- or brush application
- 50-state VOC compliant
- Skid-resistant additives available
Cons
- No manufacturer warranty
- Requires careful 3:1 mixing
- Full cure takes 5-7 days
The tintable version of U-POL Raptor solves a problem that gets overlooked in most bed liner reviews. Black is the default, but what if you want a color-matched liner? This kit accepts universal tints so you can match factory paint codes or create a custom look.
I used this kit on a project truck where the owner wanted a charcoal gray to match his plastic trim. The tinting process is straightforward; add up to 8 oz of base coat tint per bottle, mix with the 3:1 ratio of hardener, and spray. The finish still has the same durability and texture as the standard black kit.
Coverage is rated at 125 square feet per gallon, which works out to roughly one gallon for a standard 6-foot bed with two coats. The 4-quart kit works for compact and mid-size beds, while the 1-gallon version suits full-size trucks.
Application is flexible. I sprayed most of the bed and rolled the inside of the tailgate for a uniform look. Bonding works on sanded OEM paint, bare metal, aluminum, fiberglass, and prepared concrete. Whatever your truck bed material, this urethane will stick if the surface is properly prepped.
Who needs a tintable liner
Show truck owners, color-conscious enthusiasts, and anyone whose truck has a non-black paint scheme benefit most from a tintable system. Matching the bed to the body creates a more cohesive look than a contrasting black insert.
Work trucks can also use brighter colors for visibility or branding purposes.
Drawbacks to consider
There is no manufacturer warranty with this kit. That is a real downside compared to the standard black version, which carries limited warranty coverage. Tinting also introduces variability; mix enough at once to avoid color differences between batches.
Full cure takes longer than roll-on alternatives, so plan for a week of light use before heavy hauling.
4. HERCULINER Roll-On Truck Bed Liner (1 Gallon) – Best Budget DIY
HERCULINER Roll-On Truck Bed Liner, 1 Gallon Can, Black, Textured, Suitable for All Truck Beds, 55-60 sq ft Coverage
Roll-on application
55-60 sq ft coverage
24-hour full cure
Pros
- Lowest cost per square foot in this guide
- No spray equipment required
- Multi-surface formula works on 101 uses
- Skid-resistant textured finish
- Rust-proof and won't chip or peel
- Fast 10-12 hour functional cure
Cons
- Supplied rollers are low quality
- Formula consistency has changed in recent batches
- Demands extensive prep for proper adhesion
Herculiner is the original DIY roll-on bed liner, and there is a reason it has stayed popular for 20+ years. For under $100, you can coat a full-size truck bed with a textured, durable finish. No air compressor, no spray gun, no respirator required.
My first DIY bed liner was Herculiner about 8 years ago. It went on a 2003 Silverado that I used for hauling lumber and firewood. The application took a Saturday morning, including prep, and the bed was usable by the next day. After 5 years of hard use, the surface was still intact when I sold the truck.
The kit comes with the gallon of liner, a roller, and a brush. The included roller is throwaway quality; buy a quality phenolic core roller separately for better results. The coating goes on thicker than paint, so work in small sections and maintain a wet edge.
Coverage is 55-60 square feet per gallon, which is enough for one good coat on a standard bed. Two coats give you noticeably better wear and a more uniform texture. The full cure is 24 hours, with light use possible after 10-12 hours.
Where Herculiner shines
For the money, no other product on this list gives you as much coverage and durability. If you are on a tight budget, do not own an air compressor, and want a weekend project, Herculiner is the practical pick. The textured finish provides real skid resistance for cargo.
Beyond truck beds, this product works on trailers, boat decks, walkways, and dozens of other surfaces. That versatility is part of the brand’s appeal.
Honest weaknesses
Recent user reviews mention some formula changes; the coating runs a bit thinner than the original formulation. Compensate by applying a heavier coat or planning on three coats instead of two. The supplied roller is junk; spend an extra $10 on a real phenolic core roller.
If you want a smoother finish or are matching body color, this product is not the right choice. Black with a textured finish is what you get.
5. Herculiner Aerosol Spray Truck Bed Liner – Best Touch-Up Solution
Herculiner Aerosol Spray Truck Bed Liner, 15 Ounce Spray Can, Black, Textured, Suitable For All Truck Beds, 6-7 sq ft Coverage
15 oz aerosol can
6-7 sq ft coverage
Moisture-cure formula
Pros
- Ideal for spot repairs and cut-ins
- Protects against scratches and rust
- Works on trim
- bumpers
- wheel wells
- Easy aerosol application
- Cures with air moisture
- Inexpensive per can
Cons
- Not a full bed liner substitute
- Some cans have nozzle clog issues
- Thinner than roll-on Herculiner
An aerosol bed liner sounds redundant until you actually need one. After my U-POL Raptor job, I had a few small spots near the wheel wells where the texture did not match the rest. A can of Herculiner Aerosol fixed those blemishes in 10 minutes.
This product is not designed to coat an entire bed. It is built for touch-ups, cut-ins along the bed rails, and coating smaller areas like bumpers, trim, and wheel wells. The 15 oz can covers 6-7 square feet, which is enough for several repair spots or one small panel.
The moisture-cure formula is unique. Unlike 2K urethane, this product hardens by absorbing humidity from the air. That makes it less temperature sensitive and faster to set, though I still wait 24 hours before heavy contact.
What I appreciate most is the texture match. The aerosol produces a similar look to roll-on Herculiner, so repaired spots blend in instead of standing out. That is genuinely useful if you have a dark spot on your bed that bugs you every time you load up.
Best uses beyond the truck bed
I keep a can of this in my shop for coating trailer hitches, plastic trim pieces that get scratched, and the inside of toolbox compartments. Anywhere you want a tough black textured finish without committing to a full gallon, this aerosol works.
Wheel wells and fender flares benefit from the same protective coating. A quick pass with the aerosol extends the life of plastic and metal parts exposed to road debris.
What it cannot do
This is a 6-7 square foot product, not a full bed solution. Anyone advertising this as a substitute for proper coating is misleading you. Plan on using it for repairs and small jobs only.
Some cans have nozzle clogging issues. Shake the can thoroughly and test spray on cardboard before applying to your truck.
6. Rust-Oleum Automotive Truck Bed Coating Spray (6 Pack) – Best Aerosol Value
Rust-Oleum Automotive Truck Bed Coating Spray Paint, Black
15 oz cans, 6-pack
20 sq ft per can
Stops Rust formula
Pros
- Excellent rust prevention
- 6-pack offers better value per ounce
- Any-angle comfort spray tip
- Dries to touch in 1 hour
- Durable textured non-skid finish
- Works on bare or primed metal
Cons
- Spray nozzles clog occasionally
- Quality varies between cans
- Thinner than dedicated bed liner coatings
Rust-Oleum’s truck bed coating is the most popular aerosol option on Amazon, and the 6-pack brings the per-can cost down significantly. With over 6,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is a proven product for protecting bare metal truck beds.
I have used Rust-Oleum bed coating on utility trailers and a flatbed that needed quick protection before a winter of salt exposure. The Stops Rust formula is the headline feature; it actually works. After a season of road salt and abuse, the coated surfaces showed no corrosion.
Application is standard aerosol. Shake for two minutes after the mixing ball rattles, spray in steady back-and-forth passes, and overlap each pass by 50%. The any-angle spray tip is a thoughtful touch; you can spray upside down without flooding the nozzle.
Drying is fast. The can dries to touch in 1 hour, and you can recoat in 15-30 minutes. Plan on 3-4 cans per full-size truck bed for complete coverage with two coats. The 6-pack is sized right for most DIY jobs.
Where this product excels
Rust prevention on metal surfaces is what Rust-Oleum does best. If you have a bare metal trailer, vintage truck, or project bed that needs protection fast, this is a cost-effective solution. The textured finish is non-skid, which helps cargo stay put.
Compared to a dedicated 2K urethane system, this is thinner and less chemical-resistant. But for general utility use, the protection is solid.
Honest limitations
Spray nozzles can clog mid-job. Hold the can upside down and spray into a rag for a few seconds after each use to clear the nozzle. Quality varies between cans, so buy from a retailer with a good return policy.
For a heavy-use work truck bed, consider upgrading to a roll-on or 2K urethane system. This is best for moderate use, repairs, and rust prevention on metal surfaces.
7. TripleAliners 5.5FT Truck Bed Mat for 2024-2026 Ford F150 – Best Custom Mat
TripleAliners 5.5FT Truck Bed Mat for 2024-2026 Ford F150 & Lightning
Custom fit for 2024-2026 F150
TPE material
3D laser scanned
Pros
- Millimeter-precise fit with 3D laser scanning
- FortiGrip material with 25% better wear resistance
- Reinforced edge walls block water and dirt
- 3D anti-slip surface keeps cargo in place
- Simple drop-in installation
- Raised rear lip channels liquid out
Cons
- Ships folded
- requires sun exposure to flatten
- Not Prime eligible for faster shipping
Custom-fit bed mats are a different category from coatings, but they solve the same problem: protecting your truck bed from scratches, dents, and cargo sliding. The TripleAliners mat is engineered specifically for 2024-2026 Ford F-150 and Lightning trucks with the 5.5-foot bed.
Fitment is the standout feature. The 3D laser scanning captures every contour of the F-150 bed, including the wheel well cutouts and tailgate shape. I dropped one into a buddy’s 2025 F-150 and the mat sat perfectly with no shifting or curling edges.
The FortiGrip TPE material is denser than generic rubber mats. TripleAliners claims 25% better wear resistance compared to standard TPE. The 3D anti-slip surface texture keeps tools, coolers, and groceries from sliding around during hard stops or off-road driving.
Installation is genuinely simple: open the package, lay the mat in the bed, and go. No tools, no adhesives, no waiting for cure time. The mat is also removable for cleaning, which is huge if you haul messy materials.
Why a custom mat instead of a coating
If you lease your truck, want a removable solution, or want to preserve the factory spray-in liner underneath, a mat is the smart play. Many newer trucks ship with a factory bed liner that owners want to protect rather than coat over.
Raised edge walls contain spills and debris. Water, dirt, and snow stay on the mat instead of getting trapped against the metal floor, which prevents the moisture issues that plague drop-in plastic liners.
What to expect at delivery
The mat ships folded for packaging. Lay it flat in the sun for 1-2 days to remove creases and let it relax to its final shape. Once flattened, the fit is excellent.
Not Prime eligible is a small inconvenience, but standard shipping is reasonable given the size and weight of the package.
8. MICHELIN Truck Bed Mat for 2024-2026 Ford F-150 – Premium Tailgate-Friendly Pick
Michelin Truck Bed Mat for 2024-2026 Ford F-150/F150 Lightning-5.5FT
5.5 FT F-150 fit
TPE material
Blue laser precision
Pros
- Blue laser precision fit
- 10x more accurate than red laser scanning
- All-weather protection with raised walls
- Tool-free install and removal
- Compatible with spray-in liners
- Backed by 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with drop-in bedliners
- Lower review count than established competitors
- Premium pricing
Michelin entered the truck bed mat market with what amounts to a premium offering. The Blue Laser scanning technology is the marketing hook, and it is not just hype. Michelin claims 10x more accurate scanning compared to standard red laser systems, and the resulting fit shows it.
I got my hands on one of these mats for a 2025 F-150 Lightning. The fit was the tightest I have seen from any custom mat. Every wheel well curve and bed rail contour matched the truck geometry. There was zero movement when I shoved a heavy cooler across the bed.
The TPE material is heavy-duty and free of harsh chemicals. That matters in summer heat; some cheaper mats off-gas and smell terrible in a hot truck bed. This mat stays neutral even after baking in direct sun.
The raised walls contain spills effectively, and the rear lip tapers toward the tailgate for easy loading. Cleaning is tool-free; pull the mat out, hose it down, and drop it back in. The 1-year manufacturer warranty is reassuring for a premium-priced product.
Best fit use case
If you own a 2024-2026 F-150 with the 5.5-foot bed and want the absolute best-fitting mat on the market, this is it. The Michelin name carries weight in the automotive world, and the engineering reflects that.
This mat is specifically designed for trucks without a drop-in bedliner. If you have the factory spray-in liner, you are good. If you have a plastic drop-in, this mat will not fit properly.
Trade-offs to consider
The review count is lower than competitors because Michelin is newer to this category. 183 reviews is enough to establish quality but not as deep as the 3,000+ reviews on the TripleAliners mat. Premium pricing puts it $15-$30 above the competition.
For owners who prioritize fit precision and brand reputation, the extra cost is worth it. For budget-conscious buyers, the TripleAliners mat above offers similar protection at a lower price.
Truck Bed Liner Buying Guide: How to Choose
The best truck bed liners for pickups come down to three main categories, each with distinct advantages. Spray-on coatings deliver the most durable, factory-quality finish but require the most prep work. Roll-on liners strike a balance between cost and protection. Bed mats are removable and easy to install but only suit specific truck models.
Spray-on bed liners
Professional-grade 2K urethane spray-on liners, like U-POL Raptor and Rhino Linings, are the gold standard for truck bed protection. The chemical bond to the metal creates a permanent barrier that resists scratches, dents, UV damage, and chemical spills.
Professional installation runs $500 to $1,000. DIY kits like the ones reviewed above cost a fraction of that. The trade-off is application skill, equipment (spray gun, air compressor, respirator), and time investment.
Roll-on truck bed liners
Roll-on liners like Herculiner are the most accessible DIY option. You apply the coating with a paint roller, similar to house paint. No special equipment beyond rollers, brushes, and basic prep supplies.
Durability is below spray-on systems but still impressive. Roll-on liners typically last 5-10 years with proper prep and application. Cost is significantly lower than spray-on alternatives.
Truck bed mats
Custom-fit TPE or rubber mats drop into the bed without any installation work. They protect the factory paint or spray-in liner underneath. The trade-off is that mats can shift if not properly secured, and they may trap moisture against the bed floor.
Mats work best for newer trucks with factory liners that owners want to preserve. They are not a substitute for actual coating on older trucks with bare metal beds.
Key factors to weigh
Consider how you use your truck. Daily work hauling demands spray-on durability. Weekend recreation can get by with a mat. Budget, DIY skill level, and whether you plan to keep the truck long-term all factor into the decision.
Climate matters too. Hot southern summers can cause low-quality mats to off-gas or deform. Cold northern winters make some coatings harder to apply and cure. Match the product to your typical weather conditions.
Spray-On vs Drop-In vs Mat: Which Type Is Best?
Spray-on liners provide the best protection but cost the most and require the most work. Drop-in plastic liners were popular in the 1990s and 2000s but trap moisture and scratch paint. Modern TPE bed mats offer a removable alternative to drop-ins without the moisture issues.
For heavy-duty work trucks, spray-on is the clear winner. The bond to the metal cannot shift or scratch the paint underneath. For leased trucks or owners who want flexibility, mats are the safer choice. Roll-on liners split the difference, delivering solid protection at moderate cost.
Cost ranges from roughly $90 for a roll-on kit to $300 for a complete DIY spray-on kit, with professional installation reaching $1,000. Custom bed mats run $100 to $200 depending on truck model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Rhino or LineX bed liner?
Both Rhino Linings and Line-X are professional spray-on brands with similar 2K urethane chemistry. Line-X is often praised for slightly thicker application and longer track record. Rhino Linings offers more color options and dealer flexibility. For most users, performance is comparable; choose based on local dealer reputation and price.
What is the toughest bedliner available?
Professional 2K urethane spray-on liners from Line-X, Rhino Linings, and U-POL Raptor are the toughest bedliners available. These coatings bond chemically to the metal bed and resist impacts, scratches, chemicals, and UV damage. Drop-in plastic liners and roll-on coatings are tougher than bare metal but do not match 2K urethane performance.
What is better, Raptor Liner or Herculiner?
Raptor Liner is a 2K urethane spray-on system that delivers a harder, more chemical-resistant finish than Herculiner. Herculiner is a roll-on coating that costs less and is easier to apply without special equipment. Choose Raptor for maximum durability and a smoother finish; choose Herculiner for budget-friendly DIY application.
Which is better, spray-in or drop-in bed liner?
Spray-in bed liners bond directly to the metal and provide superior protection against scratches, dents, and chemical spills. Drop-in plastic liners are cheaper and removable but trap moisture and can scratch paint. For most pickup owners, a spray-in liner or custom bed mat is the better long-term choice.
How long do spray-in bed liners last?
Professional spray-in bed liners from Line-X and Rhino Linings typically last the lifetime of the truck with proper care. DIY 2K urethane kits like U-POL Raptor last 5-10 years or longer depending on application quality. Roll-on liners like Herculiner last 5-7 years before needing touch-ups or recoating.
Final Verdict
After testing these eight options across multiple trucks and use cases, the best truck bed liners for pickups in 2026 come down to your priorities. For maximum DIY durability, the U-POL Raptor Black 4-Liter Kit is our top recommendation. The 2K urethane chemistry delivers professional-grade protection at a fraction of shop prices.
If budget is your main concern, Herculiner Roll-On delivers solid protection for under $100. For 2024-2026 Ford F-150 owners who want a removable solution, the Michelin and TripleAliners custom mats offer excellent fit and weather protection without any installation work.
Whatever you choose, take the time to prep your bed properly. The best liner in the world will fail on poorly prepared surfaces. Spend the weekend doing it right, and your truck bed will thank you for the next decade.