Industry News

News from the world of Trucking

• Kodiak taps HAAS Alert for real-time safety alerts    (2026-02-18)
  Kodiak AI is running HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud digital alerting system to warn motorists in real-time of information related to driverless truck breakdowns or stoppages. Safety Cloud sends digital alerts […]
• House Bill Seeks Crackdown on ‘Chameleon Carriers’    (2026-02-18)
  “These companies game the system, ignore the law and put American families at risk, all while punishing hardworking truckers who follow the rules,” Rep. Harriet Hageman (R‑Wyo.) said.
• TFI Highlights Strong Cash Flow While Posting Lower Revenue    (2026-02-18)
  TFI International saw earnings and revenue decline as 2025 drew to a close, but CEO Alain Bédard noted LTL segment operating ratio improvement and strong cash flow for the carrier.
• Studies Show US Companies, Consumers Bear Tariff Burden    (2026-02-18)
  National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said a study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showing U.S. companies bear most of the tariff burden “is an embarrassment.” 
• Venezuela’s Oil Output Can Grow 30%-40% This Year, US Says    (2026-02-18)
  There’s “enormous” interest among companies seeking to enter the Latin American producer, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in an interview in Paris.
• Kraft Heinz Replaces North American President    (2026-02-18)
  Nicolas Amaya will lead Kraft Heinz’s North American operations starting next week, replacing Pedro Navio, the company said in a statement
• Mullen Group Leans on Deals for Revenue Gains    (2026-02-18)
  A lack of capital investment by the private sector remained a significant headwind. Murray Mullen noted that consumers struggled with inflation as basic needs became more costly.
• Uber Will Spend $100M to Build Robotaxi Charging Stations    (2026-02-18)
  Uber said it will focus on building the high-capacity charging hubs starting in the San Francisco Bay Area, L.A. and Dallas — markets where it plans to launch public robotaxi services.
• California Won't Suspend Tesla Sales Over Autopilot Marketing    (2026-02-18)
  The automaker has taken “corrective action” including ending the use of Autopilot branding in California, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement late Feb. 17. 
• California, Texas account for 58% of US cargo theft in 2025    (2026-02-18)
  California and Texas dominated U.S. cargo crime in 2025, representing more than half of the nation’s 2,576 reported freight thefts. The post California, Texas account for 58% of US cargo theft in 2025 appeared first on FreightWaves.
• First look: Some US LTL indicators at TFI International turn higher    (2026-02-17)
  The US LTL operations at TFI International showed some signs of improvement. The post First look: Some US LTL indicators at TFI International turn higher appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Steel Dynamics Raises BlueScope Offer to $11 Billion    (2026-02-17)
  Steel Dynamics and SGH raised their all-cash bid for Australia’s BlueScope Steel in an effort to woo shareholders after the target rejected a previous offer.
• Feds expand non-domiciled CDL crackdown to Illinois    (2026-02-17)
  The FMCSA has warned Illinois to fix its non-domiciled CDL program or face decertification and the loss of up to $128.6 million in federal highway funds. The post Feds expand non-domiciled CDL crackdown to Illinois appeared first on FreightWaves.
• When the Farm Belt Feels the Pressure: What Agricultural Strain Could Mean for Freight    (2026-02-17)
  American agriculture rarely makes front-page freight headlines, yet it quietly underpins a significant portion of trucking demand. Grain, livestock, fertilizer, seed, feed, refrigerated meat, packaged goods, ethanol, farm equipment—entire freight ecosystems depend on a stable farm economy. Recent reporting has highlighted a sharp rise in farm bankruptcies and growing concern from agricultural leaders about systemic […] The post When the Farm Belt Feels the Pressure: What Agricultural Strain Could Mean for Freight appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Broker Transparency, Accountability, and the Freight Market Conversation We Need to Have    (2026-02-17)
  The freight market does not suffer from a lack of opinions. It suffers from a lack of structured conversations. Broker transparency has become one of the most debated topics in trucking, often framed in emotional terms and amplified by social media soundbites. Recently, I sat down with Chris Jolly, known widely as the Freight Coach, […] The post Broker Transparency, Accountability, and the Freight Market Conversation We Need to Have appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US and Japan Advance Tariff-Linked $550B Investment Plan    (2026-02-17)
  The U.S. and Japan unveiled the debut projects of a $550 billion investment fund, pressing ahead with a trade and economic pact in the weeks before Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to meet President Donald Trump.
• Getting the Last Dime Out of Every Mile: A Lesson in Efficiency    (2026-02-17)
  When I was a teenager working at a Subway in Sumter, South Carolina, I used to get corrected for something that seemed small at the time. I would build a sandwich, stack it high, and make it look generous. My boss would walk by and say, “That’s too many tomato slices.” I didn’t understand it […] The post Getting the Last Dime Out of Every Mile: A Lesson in Efficiency appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Tesla Reports 14 Robotaxi Crashes in Texas Pilot    (2026-02-17)
  Tesla's robotaxis have been involved in over a dozen crashes in Austin since service began, according to reports the carmaker has made to regulators.
• Geotab rolls out new hardware, AI tools to expand its fleet intelligence platform    (2026-02-17)
  Geotab is expanding its hardware and AI portfolio with a series of product launches aimed at turning telematics data into more actionable fleet intelligence. Announced at Geotab Connect 2026 in […]
• New Jersey ends its prosecution of NFI CEO Brown and five others    (2026-02-17)
  The prosecution of NFI CEO Sidney Brown has come to an end in New Jersey. The post New Jersey ends its prosecution of NFI CEO Brown and five others appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Autonomous Vehicles Steer Robotics Growth    (2026-02-17)
  The market for AI-powered robots and autonomous machines could balloon into a trillion-dollar opportunity by 2035, according to a team of Barclays analysts. 
• Port of LA containers weaker on import lull    (2026-02-17)
  Unsettled trade policy and cautious importers were reflected in falling January container volumes at the Port of Los Angeles. The post Port of LA containers weaker on import lull appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Port of L.A. Imports Slump as Tariffs Disrupt Trade Flows    (2026-02-17)
  Total container traffic though the Port of Los Angeles dropped 12% in January as exports and imports weakened from a year earlier, when shippers rushed to move freight in anticipation of tariffs.
• Biodiesel Producers Welcome New IRS Tax Credit Guidance    (2026-02-17)
  Biodiesel producers are hailing new federal tax credit guidance for U.S.-manufactured renewable fuels as last year’s uncertainty contributed to a double-digit output drop.
• Chicago steals crown for worst freight bottleneck    (2026-02-17)
  Average truck speeds have dropped to 33.2 mph among the country’s most congested locations, with Chicago’s western suburbs taking the top spot from northern New Jersey. The post Chicago steals crown for worst freight bottleneck appeared first on FreightWaves.
• CVSA Will Target ELD Tampering in May Roadcheck    (2026-02-17)
  CVSA roadside inspectors will review a driver’s record of duty status as in past years but with specific scrutiny to determine if ELD tampering has occurred.
• Freight downturn deepens as supply chain bankruptcies mount    (2026-02-17)
  The latest bankruptcy filings underscore how the freight market’s uneven recovery is straining companies from trucking to manufacturing. The post Freight downturn deepens as supply chain bankruptcies mount appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern set new date to re-file merger application    (2026-02-17)
  Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern set a new date to file their revised merger application with regulators. The post Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern set new date to re-file merger application appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Ford Looks to Hit $30,000 EV Target by Shrinking Battery    (2026-02-17)
  Ford engineered its next-generation EV to be lighter, sleeker and more electrically efficient so that it can go farther on a charge and start at $30,000, some $20,000 cheaper than the average new car.
• Rail freight outlook waits for improved indicators    (2026-02-17)
  Rail freight demand hinges on sustained manufacturing, trade policy, and labor market developments, according to AAR. The post Rail freight outlook waits for improved indicators appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Sinokor Snaps Up Supertankers in Crude Oil Market Shakeup    (2026-02-17)
  Sinokor’s aggressive buying has spooked the market, traders say, in turn dramatically driving up the cost of freight as nervous charterers rush to book space in case prices rise further in the future due to the concentrated ownership.
• TL rates up again without help from volume    (2026-02-17)
  The Cass Freight Index showed truckload rates advanced again in January even as volumes fell. The post TL rates up again without help from volume appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US Open to Changing Steel and Aluminum Tariffs, Greer Says    (2026-02-17)
  U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer signaled that the Trump administration is open to changing its tariffs on steel and aluminum amid pressure from business groups and trading partners.
• Carney Taps Veteran Charette as Chief Trade Negotiator to US    (2026-02-17)
  Janice Charette will work with the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, Dominic LeBlanc, on the joint review of the trade agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
• SearchCarriers unveils interactive Search Map to visualize trucking carrier discovery    (2026-02-17)
  New tool allows users to intuitively analyze trucking capacity by geography. The post SearchCarriers unveils interactive Search Map to visualize trucking carrier discovery appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Mexico’s Fuel Smuggling Crackdown Hobbles Automakers    (2026-02-17)
  Ford has a plant in Chihuahua, GM and Stellantis operate five in Coahuila, Nissan has production in Aguascalientes while Guanajuato is home to complexes for GM, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota and VW. 
• Macquarie-Led Group to Buy Qube Holdings for $8.3 Billion    (2026-02-17)
  Qube operates a transport and trade network that handles goods and services, including outbound grain and cottonseed shipments. It has operations in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. 
• UPS identifies 22 package facilities for closure    (2026-02-17)
  UPS has placed 22 unionized shipping stations on the chopping block, according to court documents discovered by FreightWaves. The post UPS identifies 22 package facilities for closure appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Genuine Parts to Split Automotive and Industrial Businesses    (2026-02-17)
  The decision comes at a volatile time for the automotive business, which is grappling with high costs, economic uncertainty and affordability challenges for consumers.
• Hapag-Lloyd to Buy Competitor Zim in $4.2 Billion Deal    (2026-02-17)
  Hapag-Lloyd AG is buying Israel’s Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd as the German shipping company aims to grow in size and bolster its presence in Asia.
• Perspective: Restoring Integrity Is Key to Trucking’s Future    (2026-02-17)
  The trucking industry's path forward begins with restoring professionalism and integrity. Safety, reliability and trust in America’s supply chain depend on it, writes ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen.
• Triumph Financial’s ‘white label’ FaaS offering looks to grow factoring footprint    (2026-02-17)
  Triumph Financial is making slow but steady progress in its Factoring as a Service offering. The post Triumph Financial’s ‘white label’ FaaS offering looks to grow factoring footprint appeared first on FreightWaves.
• 'Chameleon broker?': Big broker AGX goes bust, doesn't pay carriers, starts new MC    (2026-02-17)
  A source inside AGX Freight said carriers were misled about payment while company management launched a new brokerage, Freedom...
• Tanker yanker's 2024 Peterbilt 389    (2026-02-17)
  Gordon Merry hauls propane, butane, asphalt, natural gas and condensate with the rig.
• HOS waivers for heating fuel haulers extended in 21 states    (2026-02-17)
  Drivers transporting heating fuels in 21 states encompassing much of the Northeast and Midwest can operate beyond their maximum...
• 1999 Freightliner Classic a 'New Testament' to power of faith, family, hard work    (2026-02-17)
  The “New Testament” 1999 Classic small fleet owners Phillip and Kerri Couch hope spreads a positive “family friendly” sort of...
• New bill targets 'chameleon carriers' | Western Star battery-issue recall over fire threat hits 27K trucks    (2026-02-17)
  The new bill would require an FMCSA study of chameleon carriers, along with an 'automation tool' to help detect such carrier registrations...
• National gas cap could slash truckers’ diesel bills    (2026-02-16)
  New legislation would cap state fuel taxes at 50 cents per gallon by leveraging federal highway funds. The post National gas cap could slash truckers’ diesel bills appeared first on FreightWaves.
• AIT Worldwide Logistics lands new owner    (2026-02-16)
  AIT Worldwide Logistics traded hands again on Monday, with Greenbriar Equity Group buying a majority piece of the company. The post AIT Worldwide Logistics lands new owner appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Carriers anticipate pricing power while shippers plan for flexibility in 2026    (2026-02-16)
  The freight market is entering 2026 with cautious optimism replacing the extreme volatility of recent years. As market dynamics evolve, shippers and carriers are approaching the year with notably different strategies, according to new survey data from Echo Global Logistics. Echo surveyed 1,024 shippers and 832 carriers between October and November 2025, capturing expectations that […] The post Carriers anticipate pricing power while shippers plan for flexibility in 2026 appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Airforwarders Association chief Fried calls it quits after 21 years    (2026-02-16)
  Brandon Fried announced his retirement as head of the Airforwarders Association, effective at the end of the year. The post Airforwarders Association chief Fried calls it quits after 21 years appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Dr. John McElligott, trucking industry health advocate, dies at 80    (2026-02-16)
  Dr. John McElligott, co-founder of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and a longtime advocate for truck driver health, has died at 80. The post Dr. John McElligott, trucking industry health advocate, dies at 80 appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Crossword Puzzle Solution for February 16, 2026    (2026-02-16)
  Here's the solution to the crossword puzzle found in the February 16, 2026 print edition.
• Estes Logistics expands with Key Trucking acquisition    (2026-02-16)
  Estes Logistics has acquired Pacific Northwest operator Key Trucking for an undisclosed sum. The post Estes Logistics expands with Key Trucking acquisition appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Hundreds of carriers unpaid after big brokers R&R, AGX Freight, Helix Logistics shutter    (2026-02-16)
  Sizable brokers are closing left and right, and a bank's lawsuit alleges some just continued to book loads despite knowing they're...
• Medlog opens new Saudi logistics park    (2026-02-16)
  Medlog has opened Medlog 1, a major integrated logistics park in Saudi Arabia, strengthening the country's position as a global logistics hub. The post Medlog opens new Saudi logistics park appeared first on FreightWaves.
• $7.8 million cargo theft ring charged in Florida    (2026-02-16)
  Six individuals charged in the case face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. Also...
• US manufacturing pipeline grows, firms plan $1B in new factories    (2026-02-16)
  John Deere, Rockwell, AOI, SEL and others break ground on plants across Texas, the Midwest and Southeast. The post US manufacturing pipeline grows, firms plan $1B in new factories appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd buying Zim of Israel for $4.2 billion    (2026-02-16)
  Zim, Israel’s flag ocean carrier, confirmed it will be acquired by Hapag-Lloyd of Germany for $4.2 billion. The post Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd buying Zim of Israel for $4.2 billion appeared first on FreightWaves.
• UPS challenges Teamsters suit over $150,000 driver buyouts    (2026-02-16)
  UPS says a Teamster lawsuit seeking to stop it from offering a large buyout package to parcel drivers is without merit and should be dismissed by a district court. The post UPS challenges Teamsters suit over $150,000 driver buyouts appeared first on FreightWaves.
• The high-stakes fight over New York City’s renewed delivery regulation law    (2026-02-16)
  Another attempt to license last mile delivery drivers in New York City is raising many questions on numerous logistics issues. The post The high-stakes fight over New York City’s renewed delivery regulation law appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trucking Announcements: Zeigler joins Fleet Advantage, Einride adds Hicok to board of directors    (2026-02-16)
  Each week, trucknews.com lists notable events, promotions, and awards in the trucking industry. This week, Cory Nacke joined Work Truck Solutions as chief customer officer and Fleet Advantage has appointed Kevin Zeigler […]
• Red state AGs want Justice to review rail merger    (2026-02-16)
  A coalition of GOP Attorney Generals have asked the Department of Justice to review the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. The post Red state AGs want Justice to review rail merger appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Open Borders, Open Trucking    (2026-02-16)
  You can’t own a fishing boat, fly an airplane, broadcast a radio signal, split an atom, or drill for oil in America without proving you’re an American. But you can operate an 80,000-pound commercial motor vehicle on every highway in every state in the nation without being a citizen of this country, or even setting foot in it. Welcome to the American trucking industry, where the door isn’t just open. It’s been taken off the hinges. The post Open Borders, Open Trucking appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Making the Business Case Amidst the Rapid Proliferation of Advanced Fleet Technology and Digital Innovations    (2026-02-16)
  Commercial fleets have never had more technology available to them. Advanced powertrains. AI-driven analytics. Connected vehicles. New safety systems. Digital platforms promising better visibility, lower costs, and improved uptime.