Industry News

News from the world of Trucking

• Situation in South Grows More Dire With Icy Roads, Outages    (2026-01-29)
  It could be days before power is restored across the South, where more subfreezing temperatures are expected by Jan. 30 in areas unaccustomed to and ill-equipped for such cold.
• Port Houston hits container highs as Corpus Christi leans on LNG growth    (2026-01-29)
  Port Houston posted record container and truck volumes in 2025, while Port of Corpus Christi saw modest overall declines in cargo traffic. The post Port Houston hits container highs as Corpus Christi leans on LNG growth appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Judge Denies Bid to Make California Issue Non-Domiciled CDLs    (2026-01-29)
  A federal judge refused a request by Chinese American truckers to force the California Department of Motor Vehicles to resume issuing non-domiciled commercial driver licenses.
• Paschall employee ownership group IPS announces leadership transition    (2026-01-29)
  Interstate Personnel Services (IPS), which runs a family of employee-owned trucking companies, has announced CEO Dave Gibbs will retire Feb. 1 after eight years at the helm. He’ll be replaced […]
• The $75,000 Bond and Truckers Left Holding The Bag    (2026-01-29)
  Nearly 88,000 trucking companies closed in 2023. Fraud losses topped $455 million in 2024. Carriers filing claims against $75,000 surety bonds are discovering that the pot's already been split 50 ways. As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on whether brokers can be held liable for hiring bad carriers, it's time to ask: who really bears the risk in freight, and is the system rigged against the people actually moving the loads? The post The $75,000 Bond and Truckers Left Holding The Bag appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Caterpillar Earnings Boosted by AI Data Center Power Demand    (2026-01-29)
  The company’s power and energy segment — now Caterpillar’s biggest and fastest-growing segment — posted a 25% profit jump compared to the year-earlier period.
• Toyota Keeps Title as Top Carmaker With Record Sales in 2025    (2026-01-29)
  Toyota kept its title as the world’s biggest carmaker for a sixth year, widening its lead over Volkswagen by posting record sales despite trade turmoil and growing competition.
• US Trade Gap Widens From Smallest Since 2009 as Imports Rise    (2026-01-29)
  The goods and services trade gap nearly doubled from the prior month to $56.8 billion, Commerce Department data showed Jan. 29. The trade data has been prone to volatility related to trade policy.
• Stock soaring, job numbers dropping: what’s next for C.H. Robinson?    (2026-01-29)
  Another successful quarter led analysts on the C.H. Robinson earnings call to wonder what the longer-term future holds. The post Stock soaring, job numbers dropping: what’s next for C.H. Robinson? appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Tesla Makes Smallest Annual Profit Since the Pandemic    (2026-01-29)
  The company reported Jan. 28 that net income last year dropped 46% to $3.8 billion despite the introduction of cheaper models and CEO Elon Musk's promise to remain laser-focused on the company.
• Bomb Cyclone Bearing Down on Mid-Atlantic and New England: What Drivers and Fleets Need to Know    (2026-01-29)
  The National Weather Service is forecasting a "significant East Coast winter storm threat" for this weekend, with a coastal low forming Friday and rapidly intensifying into a bomb cyclone as it tracks up the Eastern Seaboard. If you're running freight anywhere from the Carolinas to Boston over the next five days, you need to pay attention right now. The post Bomb Cyclone Bearing Down on Mid-Atlantic and New England: What Drivers and Fleets Need to Know appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Florida Takes Shot Across The Bow As State-Level War on Immigrant Truck Drivers Kicks Off    (2026-01-29)
  The Florida Senate Transportation Committee voted 6-3 on Tuesday to advance legislation requiring law enforcement to detain commercial truck drivers in the country illegally, impound their vehicles, fine owners $50,000, and ban the carrier from operating in the state. This is the tip of the spear now aimed at CDL programs nationwide. The post Florida Takes Shot Across The Bow As State-Level War on Immigrant Truck Drivers Kicks Off appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Norfolk Southern Profit Slips 12% Amid Merger Costs    (2026-01-29)
  Norfolk Southern's quarterly profit slipped 12% amid the uncertain economy as well as unusual costs related to its efforts to merge with Union Pacific in an $85 billion deal.
• First look: Norfolk Southern Q4 earnings    (2026-01-29)
  Norfolk Southern revenue, earnings fell in the fourth quarter on weaker freight volumes. The post First look: Norfolk Southern Q4 earnings appeared first on FreightWaves.
• DHL offers unusual truck-air transport between China and Europe    (2026-01-29)
  DHL Global Forwarding is taking a creative approach with a truck-air service that aims to give shippers a reliable, cost-effective alternative to ocean and air transport. The post DHL offers unusual truck-air transport between China and Europe appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Union Pacific to file revised rail merger application in March    (2026-01-29)
  Union Pacific plans to file a revised merger application for its consolidation with Norfolk Southern. The post Union Pacific to file revised rail merger application in March appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Schneider announces leadership transition    (2026-01-28)
  Filter to succeed Rourke. The post Schneider announces leadership transition appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Tesla highlights Semi truck progress in Q4 earnings results    (2026-01-28)
  For the first time in Tesla’s history revenues fell year over year, as officials point to the Semi truck as a key future growth lever. The post Tesla highlights Semi truck progress in Q4 earnings results appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Accident claims weigh on Landstar’s Q4    (2026-01-28)
  Broker Landstar System’s fourth quarter was negatively impacted by one prior and two recent tragic accidents. The post Accident claims weigh on Landstar’s Q4 appeared first on FreightWaves.
• First look: C.H. Robinson talks of the tough market, but stock soars yet again    (2026-01-28)
  The first look at C.H. Robinson’s earnings that investors applauded. The post First look: C.H. Robinson talks of the tough market, but stock soars yet again appeared first on FreightWaves.
• EPA issues ‘disapproval’ of Calif. out-of-state emissions inspections    (2026-01-28)
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a “final disapproval” ruling against a California regulation that calls for emission checks on all vehicles over 14,000 pounds, regardless of where […]
• Werner Boosts Dedicated Unit With FirstFleet Acquisition    (2026-01-28)
  Werner Enterprises is set to acquire privately owned dedicated truckload specialist FirstFleet and associated real estate for a combined $282.8 million.
• CMA CGM in joint venture for US, global container terminals    (2026-01-28)
  CMA CGM forms a joint venture to manage 10 global marine terminals, including two in the United States.  The post CMA CGM in joint venture for US, global container terminals appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Home Depot Cuts Jobs and Orders Staff Back to Office    (2026-01-28)
  The company is eliminating roles associated with its store support center and mandating a five-day in-office schedule for corporate workers, a spokesman confirmed to Bloomberg News.
• First look: CPKC Q4 earnings    (2026-01-28)
  Canadian Pacific Kansas City said fourth quarter earnings fell on narrow revenue gains but highlighted record operational metrics. The post First look: CPKC Q4 earnings appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Clean sweep for weekly rail freight improvement    (2026-01-28)
  Rail freight volumes in the United States posted increases across the board in the latest weekly data.  The post Clean sweep for weekly rail freight improvement appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Rising Mexican Fuel Production Threatens US Fuel Exports    (2026-01-28)
  The rise in fuel production is being driven largely by the ramp-up of the Dos Bocas plant. The refinery operated at 77.5% of its installed capacity in December, its best performance to date.
• Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged While Upgrading View of US Growth    (2026-01-28)
  The Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2 Jan. 28 to hold the benchmark federal funds rate in a range of 3.5%-3.75%. The two dissenting were in favor of a quarter-point reduction.
• Legislation provides lifeline for heavy-duty truck towing    (2026-01-28)
  Proposed federal legislation would allow tow operators to transport disabled tractor-trailers to repair facilities without taking them apart on hazardous highway shoulders. The post Legislation provides lifeline for heavy-duty truck towing appeared first on FreightWaves.
• FMCSA Issues HOS Waiver for 40 States After Storm    (2026-01-28)
  The HOS regulatory suspension, which took effect Jan. 23, is scheduled to end Feb. 6. FMCSA indicated it would continue to evaluate and assess winter weather conditions nationwide
• VTNA, Mack to Pause Production for a Week at Points in Q1    (2026-01-28)
  Yet the truck manufacturer is increasingly optimistic about the prospects for demand growth as 2026 progresses, lifting its full-year industrywide sales expectations by 15,000 trucks or 6%.
• China Re-Enters Canadian Canola Market    (2026-01-28)
  China’s imports of canola and canola products from Canada — a trade valued at C$4.9 billion ($3.6 billion) in 2024 — had plunged last year after Beijing imposed steeps levies on the goods.
• Seroka Maps Port of Los Angeles' Bigger, Smarter Future    (2026-01-28)
  Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka outlined his vision for a future port, built to be bigger and smarter, during his annual state of the port address.
• California 'smog check' rule 'discriminates' against out-of-state truckers: EPA    (2026-01-28)
  The EPA's partial disapproval of California's Clean Truck Check regulation means the agency won't enforce it for trucks registered...
• Winter Storm Fern tightens U.S. trucking capacity, prolonging holiday season rate surge    (2026-01-28)
  Nationwide tender rejections are at 11.5%. The post Winter Storm Fern tightens U.S. trucking capacity, prolonging holiday season rate surge appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Diesel Set to Rise as Data Centers Can Run Backup Generators    (2026-01-28)
  The Department of Energy authorized two power companies to direct data centers and other large facilities to run backup generators as a last resort to prevent rolling blackouts.
• What Is Supreme Court Thinking on Trump's Tariffs?    (2026-01-28)
  Nearly three months have elapsed since arguments in the closely watched tariffs case, and the Supreme Court isn't scheduled to meet in public for more than three weeks.
• New lawsuit alleges R&R, RFX failed to pay $264K in freight invoices    (2026-01-28)
  A Texas lawsuit filed by Jimenez Logistics alleges R&R Express and RFX failed to pay $264K in freight invoices. The post New lawsuit alleges R&R, RFX failed to pay $264K in freight invoices appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight    (2026-01-28)
  U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation among those supporting C.H. Robinson in the brief. The post Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Knight-Swift CEO Sees Enforcement Rebalancing Freight Market    (2026-01-28)
  Adam Miller, CEO of Knight-Swift Transportation, applauded ongoing enforcement work by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• US Gained 11,300 Ultrafast Chargers in 2025    (2026-01-28)
  The time it takes to fuel an electric vehicle, long a stumbling block to EV adoption, is shrinking in the U.S., as more capable cars and trucks plug into a rash of new, high-speed charging machines. 
• South Carolina Deploys Virtual Weigh Stations Using Sensors    (2026-01-28)
  Two state agencies in South Carolina have partnered to launch virtual weigh stations to improve efficiencies in freight transportation.
• Actor Edward Norton Promotes Ship Emission-Cutting Tech    (2026-01-28)
  Actor and Stax Engineering founding partner Edward Norton promoted his company’s technology that captures ship emissions, saying the company has worked with CARB and the shipping industry.
• Mercedes CEO Rebuffed Pitch to Move Headquarters to US    (2026-01-28)
  In an interview with a German media outlet, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made the overture roughly a year ago, dangling tax relief and other incentives.
• Trans-Pacific container rates becalmed in eye of trade storm    (2026-01-28)
  Container rates on a key U.S. route are dropping earlier than expected, suggesting retailer caution caused by trade war uncertainty. The post Trans-Pacific container rates becalmed in eye of trade storm appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Werner acquires dedicated carrier FirstFleet for $245M    (2026-01-28)
  Werner Enterprises announced it has acquired FirstFleet, making it the fifth-largest dedicated truckload provider in the U.S. The post Werner acquires dedicated carrier FirstFleet for $245M appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Self-Driving Tech Startup Waabi Raises $1B for Expansion    (2026-01-28)
  Waabi also received an additional $250 million from Uber to launch at least 25,000 robotaxis equipped with its software exclusively on the ride-hailing platform.
• Datatruck raises $12M to build the AI-native operating system for long-haul    (2026-01-28)
  As long-haul carriers outgrow legacy TMS platforms, unified operating systems built around AI and financial intelligence are starting to take over The Chicago-based Datatruck recently raised a $12 million Series A round led by Avenue Growth Partners. This highlights a broader shift across North American trucking. Carriers are increasingly replacing legacy TMS platforms with AI-native […] The post Datatruck raises $12M to build the AI-native operating system for long-haul appeared first on FreightWaves.
• The Military Doesn’t Just Train Drivers. It Builds Citizens. Maybe That’s What We’re Missing.    (2026-01-28)
  The favorite argument from those supporting the ATA's teen trucker push is "if they can go to war at 18, they can drive a truck at 18." Military service transforms young people into disciplined, responsible adults who understand that their decisions affect others. That's why military-trained drivers have 42% fewer accidents. The solution isn't younger drivers; it's requiring the standards that make military drivers safer. We've lost something fundamental in how we raise our young people, and the highway data proves it. The post The Military Doesn’t Just Train Drivers. It Builds Citizens. Maybe That’s What We’re Missing. appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Amazon Cuts 16,000 Corporate Jobs in Latest Round of Layoffs    (2026-01-28)
  Amazon has said it plans to use generative artificial intelligence to replace corporate workers. It has also been reducing a workforce that swelled during the pandemic.
• Autonomous Trucking Firm Gatik Inks Contracts Worth $600M    (2026-01-28)
  Autonomous startup Gatik signed a deal with a major consumer goods company that will double its contracted revenue to $600 million, helping to build out its business in the U.S. and Canada.
• Marten’s fourth quarter was better than the third    (2026-01-28)
  Marten Transport saw improvement sequentially even as year-to-year comparisons remained weak. The post Marten’s fourth quarter was better than the third appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Waabi hauls in $750M Series C to become Canada’s newest autonomous vehicle unicorn    (2026-01-28)
  Oversubscribed round led by Khosla and G2 catapults Toronto startup into robotaxi race with massive Uber deal The post Waabi hauls in $750M Series C to become Canada’s newest autonomous vehicle unicorn appeared first on FreightWaves.
• BNSF announces $3.6 billion capital plan for 2026    (2026-01-28)
  Most of BNSF Railway's $3.6 billion capital spending in 2026 is allocated for infrastructure maintenance. The post BNSF announces $3.6 billion capital plan for 2026 appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Congress moves closer to federal cargo theft enforcement mandate    (2026-01-28)
  The Department of Homeland Security could soon have a law enforcement task force combating 'massive' overseas-based cargo theft...
• Eaton to spin off transmission, other vehicle business units    (2026-01-28)
  Eaton's Vehicle, eMobility will be an independent, publicly traded business. Also: Tesla charging stations coming to certain Pilot...
• Warning: Truckers distraction zone next 100,000 miles    (2026-01-28)
  We're not talking driving distractions here. Whether it's the infinite scroll of funny cat videos or the latest social media storm...
• UPS sees higher profits in 2026 from network, Amazon downsizing    (2026-01-27)
  UPS is continuing to cut down Amazon volumes and consolidate package sorting centers in a bid to improve efficiency and shipment yields. The post UPS sees higher profits in 2026 from network, Amazon downsizing appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Diesel surging on cold weather, more increases in DOE/EIA benchmark loom    (2026-01-27)
  After a fourth quarter of mostly declines, the benchmark diesel price is climbing fast. The post Diesel surging on cold weather, more increases in DOE/EIA benchmark loom appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Teen Truckers Won’t Fix a Problem That Doesn’t Exist    (2026-01-27)
  The ATA wants FMCSA to extend a failed pilot program that produced 42 graduates out of a planned 3,000. Meanwhile, we're handing CDLs to drivers who can't pass basic safety screenings, and carriers who kill people on our highways are walking away with slaps on the wrist. Lowering the age requirement doesn't solve a labor problem; it creates a safety catastrophe. The post Teen Truckers Won’t Fix a Problem That Doesn’t Exist appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Thune Says Shutdown Possible as Immigration Talks Continue    (2026-01-27)
  Funding for several other agencies, including Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Treasury and Education, could become a casualty of the dispute as a Jan. 30 funding deadline nears.
• UPS to cut up to 30,000 jobs in 2026    (2026-01-27)
  UPS Inc. said it will cut up to 30,000 operational jobs this year as the package delivery giant continues with its turnaround efforts and reduces Amazon shipments. Chief Financial Officer […]
• Gatik launches fully driverless commercial trucking operations    (2026-01-27)
  Autonomous truck tech company achieves commercial milestone with revenue-generating operations in multiple states The post Gatik launches fully driverless commercial trucking operations appeared first on FreightWaves.
• FMCSA triggers 30-day countdown on teen driver exemption    (2026-01-27)
  Federal regulators have officially opened a 30-day comment period on ATA’s request for a five-year exemption to continue onboarding 18-to-20-year-old interstate truck drivers. The post FMCSA triggers 30-day countdown on teen driver exemption appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trucking Alliance’s safety agenda 3: broad regulatory changes on English, ELDs and insurance    (2026-01-27)
  The three-part series of the Trucking Alliance’s safety agenda wraps up with discussion of English, ELDs and insurance. The post Trucking Alliance’s safety agenda 3: broad regulatory changes on English, ELDs and insurance appeared first on FreightWaves.