Industry News

News from the world of Trucking

• Yerevan-based group posed as US carriers, stole freight and converted proceeds to crypto, Armenian police say    (2026-08-17)
  Armenian and U.S. authorities are searching for victims and similar operations following the July 23 cybercrime raid. The post Yerevan-based group posed as US carriers, stole freight and converted proceeds to crypto, Armenian police say appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Laredo hits low-balance truck toll accounts with fines up to $2,000    (2026-08-17)
  Commercial carriers crossing through Laredo’s international freight bridges now face escalating penalties and possible account suspension for insufficient toll account balances. The post Laredo hits low-balance truck toll accounts with fines up to $2,000 appeared first on FreightWaves.
• DATA CENTER BOOM: Why freight demand is stronger than you think    (2026-08-17)
  Don’t let traditional metrics fool you. Dr. Jason Miller uncovers how an explosion in data center construction is quietly fueling significant freight demand, often going unnoticed by conventional measures. We dive into how this overlooked sector is influencing the market and what it means for capacity and rates in the near future. Plus, what Federal […] The post DATA CENTER BOOM: Why freight demand is stronger than you think appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Slowest Freight Monday: Why Volume is MISSING from the Market    (2026-08-17)
  The freight market is experiencing one of its slowest Mondays this year, with experts noting a significant lack of volume. Is this a seasonal blip or a deeper structural shift? We dive into how contract repricing, rising tender lead times, and intermodal’s surge are impacting the trucking industry. What does this mean for capacity and […] The post Slowest Freight Monday: Why Volume is MISSING from the Market appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Electric Trucking: Is Tesla Semi Ready?    (2026-08-17)
  Inter-Coastal Trucking shares their 2-week Tesla Semi demo experience, revealing surprising driver reactions, range realities, and significant operational savings. Get the inside scoop on electric trucking viability for northeast routes. Intracoastal Trucking, a 100-truck, 600-trailer truckload carrier based in the Northeast, is currently running a two-week demo of a Tesla Semi on some of the […] The post Electric Trucking: Is Tesla Semi Ready? appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Why Your Trucking Lead Times are Getting Longer    (2026-08-17)
  Dive deep into FreightWaves SONAR data as we uncover surprising trends in tender lead times. Discover why lead times are extending, even during typical seasonal lulls, and what this ‘orderly tightness’ means for the freight market. We’ll break down the data for markets like St. Louis and Atlanta, offering crucial insights for shippers and brokers. […] The post Why Your Trucking Lead Times are Getting Longer appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Supply Chain Fraud: $111M Theft Shows New Sophistication    (2026-08-17)
  Freight crime is escalating, with new, sophisticated tactics like ‘bump and run’ causing massive losses for shippers and carriers. U.S. Bank’s Jeff Pape breaks down the emerging fraud trends, the crucial role of trust in carrier relationships, and how AI could reshape supply chain security amidst economic shifts. A $111 million theft of semiconductors — […] The post Supply Chain Fraud: $111M Theft Shows New Sophistication appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Empty containers a freighted issue for global trade growth    (2026-08-17)
  Resilient global trade is not only driving surprising growth, but volumes of ‘disbalanced’ empty containers, too. The post Empty containers a freighted issue for global trade growth appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trump threatens Oman as it works with Iran on a Hormuz deal    (2026-08-17)
  The deal would likely reopen the strait with ships entering through a route close to Iran and exiting through a route close to Oman. Ships would transit without paying fees or tolls during an interim period.
• Oil prices increase as Iran war drags on    (2026-08-17)
  The price for a barrel of Brent crude rose 2.4% to $90.62 on Aug. 17 in what counts as a relatively modest move compared with its jagged recent swings.
• The world’s third-largest shipping line has a new US chief    (2026-08-17)
  CMA CGM has promoted a senior executive from its British business to head its North American unit. The post The world’s third-largest shipping line has a new US chief appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Korean Air installing automated cargo equipment at Incheon, JFK terminals    (2026-08-17)
  Korean Air is making large capital expenditures in container handling automation and refrigerated store rooms at two key cargo hubs. The post Korean Air installing automated cargo equipment at Incheon, JFK terminals appeared first on FreightWaves.
• $634K in cocaine found hidden inside tractor at Texas border crossing    (2026-08-17)
  A tractor-trailer entered a major Texas cargo crossing before inspection equipment flagged something unusual. What officers found inside prompted a federal investigation. The post $634K in cocaine found hidden inside tractor at Texas border crossing appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Court freezes Trump administration bid for nationwide CDL database     (2026-08-17)
  A coalition of U.S. states persuaded a federal judge to temporarily block the Department of Homeland Security from obtaining commercial driver records. The post Court freezes Trump administration bid for nationwide CDL database  appeared first on FreightWaves.
• How to Fight Cargo Theft    (2026-08-17)
  Cargo theft costs are rising even as incidents decline. This article examines why location-based alerts, not static warning lists, are closing the gap for fleets.
• Cargo thefts decline, but high-value loads drive bigger losses    (2026-08-17)
  A decline in cargo theft activity in the second quarter was offset by increased targeting of high-value loads, according to a recent report.
• Progressive battles truck crash claim, says tractor-trailer wasn’t covered     (2026-08-17)
  Progressive Express Insurance has filed a federal lawsuit in Houston seeking a declaration that it owes no coverage for claims arising from a September 2023 highway accident. The post Progressive battles truck crash claim, says tractor-trailer wasn’t covered  appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Truck buyers await EPA emissions clarity    (2026-08-17)
  U.S. Class 8 retail truck sales surpassed year-ago levels for a second straight month, with Omdia Automotive data showing that July purchases increased 2.2%.
• Bad breakup: GlobalX Airlines revokes lawsuit vs. Ascent Global Logistics    (2026-08-17)
  Global Crossing Airlines is dropping its lawsuit against Ascent Global Logistics as the two companies end their relationship. The post Bad breakup: GlobalX Airlines revokes lawsuit vs. Ascent Global Logistics appeared first on FreightWaves.
• New study: Hormuz just one of many shipping chokepoints    (2026-08-17)
  A new study finds that the Strait of Hormuz is just one of many global shipping bottlenecks that can severely disrupt global trade. The post New study: Hormuz just one of many shipping chokepoints appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Truckload linehaul rates rip higher in July, Cass says    (2026-08-17)
  Truckload rates surged in July even as demand remained squishy, monthly data from Cass Information Systems showed. The post Truckload linehaul rates rip higher in July, Cass says appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Train thieves steal $200 million in cargo a year    (2026-08-17)
  The major freight carriers are joining with local police, the FBI and corporate security teams, investing millions of dollars in monitoring technology, drones, barbed-wire fencing and other improvements.
• Amazon deploys drones outside U.S. for 1st time    (2026-08-17)
  Amazon Prime Air is now conducting drone deliveries in the United Kingdom, the first such operation outside the U.S. The post Amazon deploys drones outside U.S. for 1st time appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Police recover $258K copper load from stolen J.B. Hunt trailer in North Carolina    (2026-08-17)
  Kenly police connected the recovery to a suspected cargo theft operation spanning multiple jurisdictions. The investigation now extends beyond North Carolina. The post Police recover $258K copper load from stolen J.B. Hunt trailer in North Carolina appeared first on FreightWaves.
• 60-day peace deal deadline expires with U.S., Iran far apart    (2026-08-17)
  Talks have focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a U.S. blockade on Iran, both of which were supposed to have happened under the interim deal. There has been no sign of any compromise on the strait.
• Dohrn bets on camera data to cut fleet insurance costs    (2026-08-17)
  Insurance premiums are skyrocketing across trucking. Dohrn President and CEO Robert Howard says fleets that own their safety data get to write their own experience rating. The post Dohrn bets on camera data to cut fleet insurance costs appeared first on FreightWaves.
• The New Maintenance Playbook    (2026-08-17)
  Every minute of downtime costs money, and fleet leaders face more challenges than ever in keeping vehicles on the road. With technician shortages, increasing maintenance complexity, and mounting cost pressures, the fleets that succeed will be those that adopt flexible, data-driven maintenance strategies built for change.
• FBI seeks truck drivers nationwide who may be victims in 54-count tax fraud case    (2026-08-16)
  Most identified clients were self-employed truckers who found Genuine Financial Services through word-of-mouth referrals. Investigators believe additional customers may not know whether the company completed their filings or paid their taxes. The post FBI seeks truck drivers nationwide who may be victims in 54-count tax fraud case appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Borderlands Mexico: ANPACT warns tariffs threaten truck trade as exports surge    (2026-08-16)
  This week in Borderlands Mexico: ANPACT warns tariffs threaten truck trade as exports surge; Stonepeak acquires rail-served logistics property in Fort Worth; and Green Tide Logistics launches Mexico-US maritime corridor. The post Borderlands Mexico: ANPACT warns tariffs threaten truck trade as exports surge appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Maritime rates back on the rise    (2026-08-15)
  Container import demand has been elevated but stable. Why are rates volatile? The post Maritime rates back on the rise appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Optimus previews digital twin of US freight network    (2026-08-15)
  Most freight data explains what already happened. Optimus is building a network twin to model what breaks next, and which corridors absorb the pressure. The post Optimus previews digital twin of US freight network appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Why 22 States Are Suing to Block a Federal Demand for 17 Million Truckers’ Records.    (2026-08-15)
  A legal battle now underway over the records of America’s truck drivers is being described very differently depending on who is doing the describing. The U.S. Department of Transportation calls it a “radical” effort by state attorneys general to shield dangerous drivers from the law. The states call it an unlawful federal seizure of the […] The post Why 22 States Are Suing to Block a Federal Demand for 17 Million Truckers’ Records. appeared first on FreightWaves.
• $6.6M in vapes, nicotine pouches seized from US semis entering Canada in 4 days    (2026-08-15)
  Border officers intercepted three shipments from commercial drivers arriving from the United States. CBSA told FreightWaves what officers found and why organized crime remains a concern. The post $6.6M in vapes, nicotine pouches seized from US semis entering Canada in 4 days appeared first on FreightWaves.
• UPS’ Miguel Corral claims grand champion honors at NTDC 2026    (2026-08-14)
  Miguel Corral, a 4-axle driver with UPS, captured Bendix Grand Champion honors at ATA’s National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships on Aug. 14 in Pittsburgh.
• Before “Freight Tech” Was a Category: 2018 to 2020 and the Founding Class    (2026-08-14)
  Nominations for the 2027 FreightTech 100 close August 31. Nominate your company here. There was a time, and it was not long ago, when telling someone at a shipping conference that you worked in “freight tech” would get you a blank look. The freight industry had technology, of course. It had transportation management systems, some […] The post Before “Freight Tech” Was a Category: 2018 to 2020 and the Founding Class appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Driver pay pressure rises as capacity declines    (2026-08-14)
  Competition for truck drivers has rebounded as freight conditions improve, driving up hiring costs, sign-on bonuses and pay increases at several fleets.
• Nearly $111M in data center freight stolen as thieves test ‘bump and run’ tactic    (2026-08-14)
  Scott Cornell explains why compromised drivers made the tactic work and how stronger carrier verification could have stopped it. The post Nearly $111M in data center freight stolen as thieves test ‘bump and run’ tactic appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Truck Driver Health: Why so many are dying young    (2026-08-14)
  Truck drivers face immense challenges, from unhealthy food options to sedentary lifestyles and poor sleep, leading to a significantly shorter life expectancy. Jeremy Reymer, founder of Project 61, reveals how these conditions directly contribute to alarming safety risks on the road. Learn why the trucking industry’s “operating system”—its drivers—are often overlooked, and how Project 61 […] The post Truck Driver Health: Why so many are dying young appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Freight Market Rejection Index: Is the ‘Softness’ Misleading? | SONAR Update    (2026-08-14)
  The freight market is showing what appears to be softness, but a closer look at the Rejection Index reveals a different story. This week’s SONAR update breaks down why current market conditions are actually robust, not cooling off. Learn how intermodal savings and strategic shifts are painting a picture of strength as we head into […] The post Freight Market Rejection Index: Is the ‘Softness’ Misleading? | SONAR Update appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Freight Brokers: Your Trailer Insurance Has HUGE Gaps!    (2026-08-14)
  Freight brokers often face hidden risks with their trailer insurance. Andy Kuchar, President of Centerline Insurance Company, reveals why many trailers are “criminally underinsured” and how common policies exclude crucial over-the-road coverage. Learn the red flags in your current insurance and how dedicated policies protect against massive liabilities, even for small incidents. Freight brokers operating […] The post Freight Brokers: Your Trailer Insurance Has HUGE Gaps! appeared first on FreightWaves.
• DHL Express triples Shenzhen air cargo capacity with terminal expansion    (2026-08-14)
  DHL Express has moved into a larger terminal at Shenzhen airport in China to support direct international air flows in a busy manufacturing region. The post DHL Express triples Shenzhen air cargo capacity with terminal expansion appeared first on FreightWaves.
• ICE expands state law enforcement partnerships with Indiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming     (2026-08-14)
  Indiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming law enforcement agencies have signed task force model agreements with ICE to act on immigration violations during truck inspections and traffic stops. The post ICE expands state law enforcement partnerships with Indiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming  appeared first on FreightWaves.
• LTL carriers urge more shipper education on NMFC changes    (2026-08-14)
  Shippers need more education on density-based changes to the NMFC system introduced for the LTL market just over 12 months ago, executives say.
• Tankers go dark for longer to get oil out of Middle East    (2026-08-14)
  Vessels carrying non-Iranian crude started turning off their transponders to avoid detection in the weeks following the start of the conflict in late February.
• Oil prices swing on 2 tanker attacks in Strait of Hormuz    (2026-08-14)
  Brent crude, the international standard, rises 0.4% to $87.46. The average price of gas rose again overnight to $4.08, according to motor club AAA.
• Before the lawsuit: Trucking deposition preparation    (2026-08-14)
  The questions are not intuitive and the traps are not obvious. Fleet safety professionals are getting a look at both before a real plaintiff's attorney finds them. The post Before the lawsuit: Trucking deposition preparation appeared first on FreightWaves.
• U.S. oil companies cut capital spending in shale basins    (2026-08-14)
  Chevron and ConocoPhillips cut capital expenditure in the Lower 48 by 10% in the first six months of the year while Occidental Petroleum cut spending in the Permian Basin by 20% in that period.
• NTDC narrows 2026 field to 45 finalists    (2026-08-14)
  The annual event traces its roots to 1937 and draws drivers who have maintained accident-free records in pursuit of a national title.
• Tyson to close more beef plants as cattle shortage drags on    (2026-08-14)
  The country’s largest meatpacker said it would cease operations at an Illinois beef plant and a Utah case-ready facility, while also pursuing the sale of another beef plant in Washington.
• Retail sales unexpectedly fall in July as tax refunds fade    (2026-08-14)
  Retail sales slipped 0.6% last month, the biggest drop since May 2025, from a revised gain of 0.2% in June, according to Commerce Department data released Aug. 14.
• Volkswagen to reduce majority stake in truck maker Traton    (2026-08-14)
  VW holds an 87.5% stake in Traton. Its goal is to bring down the Traton holding to 75% plus one share to retain control.
• United Airlines cargo chief Jan Krems to retire after storied career    (2026-08-14)
  United Airlines’ Cargo President Jan Krems is stepping down next month after a dozen years at the carrier and a reputation as one of the best air cargo executives of the past 40 years. The post United Airlines cargo chief Jan Krems to retire after storied career appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Maersk bets vertical integration will win the Last Mile    (2026-08-14)
  Last-mile delivery is where every upstream mistake finally comes due. It is the last stop before the customer, the last chance to get an order right. It is also the first place where blame lands when something goes wrong. Maersk is betting that connecting every link in that chain, from the port to the doorstep, […] The post Maersk bets vertical integration will win the Last Mile appeared first on FreightWaves.
• 5 suspects arrested in SoCal rail-cargo theft probe after shots fired from moving BNSF train    (2026-08-14)
  The BNSF train continued northbound as deputies searched rail cars from the ground and air. The investigation soon moved beyond the tracks. The post 5 suspects arrested in SoCal rail-cargo theft probe after shots fired from moving BNSF train appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Rhode Island, Utah tighten limits on non-domiciled CDLs    (2026-08-13)
  Losses of foreign truck drivers could exceed a federal projection of 200,000 as more states restrict non-domiciled licenses.
• Trade court upholds Trump suspension of de minimis exemption    (2026-08-13)
  Trump’s suspension of the carve-out had led to more than $1 billion in duty payments by the end of 2025, according to Customs and Border Protection.
• States sue Trump administration over bid to access 17 million CDL records    (2026-08-13)
  More than 20 states are seeking an emergency court order to block the Trump administration from obtaining data tied to 17 million commercial drivers. The post States sue Trump administration over bid to access 17 million CDL records appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Yang Ming’s first-half rebound sets up a volatile second half    (2026-08-13)
  Yang Ming saw an early peak and higher rates pump earnings, but the outlook for H2 is less certain. The post Yang Ming’s first-half rebound sets up a volatile second half appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Top West Coast port sees second-best July on record    (2026-08-13)
  The Port of Long Beach posted its second-busiest July as imports staged a surprising surge. The post Top West Coast port sees second-best July on record appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Volvo Trucks: $60M Saved with OTA Updates [24% Fewer Stops]    (2026-08-13)
  Volvo Trucks is transforming fleet operations with groundbreaking over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Learn how this technology empowers drivers to initiate updates overnight or during breaks, eliminating downtime. Volvo’s Chief Digital Officer Nicole Portello reveals how these updates have already cut unplanned stops by 24% and saved fleets an estimated $60 million in avoided downtime. Discover […] The post Volvo Trucks: $60M Saved with OTA Updates [24% Fewer Stops] appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Rising Fleet Costs? Data Has Answers    (2026-08-13)
  Rising maintenance costs are hammering fleets. Join Brad Bournes from Love’s Travel Stops as he breaks down the biggest cost pressures today, from surging parts and labor to technician shortages. Discover how leveraging predictive maintenance and smart data tools can transform your fleet operations from a cost center to a strategic advantage. Fleet maintenance costs […] The post Rising Fleet Costs? Data Has Answers appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Spot Rates Split as Tender Rejections Hold Above 13%    (2026-08-13)
  Tender rejections are stuck near 13.5%, still far above a balanced freight market — but spot rates and volumes are starting to tell a more complicated story. In this SONAR update, we break down why truckload demand softened faster than expected, how intermodal is taking share from long-haul truckload, why short-haul freight still looks firm, […] The post Spot Rates Split as Tender Rejections Hold Above 13% appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trump trade enforcers deploy AI in tariff evasion crackdown    (2026-08-13)
  In a report released Aug. 13, the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy accused dozens of countries of being part of China’s “shadow transshipment network.”
• AI agents can find the load. MapUp helps them determine its profitability    (2026-08-13)
  Autopilot dispatchers rank freight by posted rate because nobody gave them the arithmetic. MapUp’s new MCP server prices a lane’s fuel, tolls and time in seconds. The post AI agents can find the load. MapUp helps them determine its profitability appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Acertus expands with Fisher Shipping acquisition    (2026-08-13)
  Acertus, a finished vehicle transportation provider, has announced its acquisition of Fisher Shipping. The post Acertus expands with Fisher Shipping acquisition appeared first on FreightWaves.