Industry News

News from the world of Trucking

• Assessing the first wave of Winter Storm Fern    (2026-01-24)
  The first wave of Winter Storm Fern has fallen over the Southeast and lower Midwest. As predicted, the dividing line between ice and snow remains Interstate 40. Major interstates are shut down across the country in various spots.  Interstate 70 is closed in various spots throughout Missouri, fairly close to St. Louis, as a result […] The post Assessing the first wave of Winter Storm Fern appeared first on FreightWaves.
• California Could Lose Authority to Issue Any CDL Under Duffy’s Nuclear Option. It’s On The Table    (2026-01-24)
  Secretary Duffy has moved beyond funding threats. He's now openly discussing pulling California's ability to issue commercial driver's licenses to anyone, a move that would effectively ground 700,000 CDL holders and create supply chain chaos that would make the 2021 port backups look like a minor inconvenience. The post California Could Lose Authority to Issue Any CDL Under Duffy’s Nuclear Option. It’s On The Table appeared first on FreightWaves.
• PlusAI clears SEC hurdle for SPAC merger, eyes February debut    (2026-01-23)
  CEO David Liu outlines path to 2026 trading debut, leadership additions The post PlusAI clears SEC hurdle for SPAC merger, eyes February debut appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US Natural Gas Logs Record Weekly Gain as Arctic Blast Looms    (2026-01-23)
  U.S. natural gas futures for February delivery surged 70% as the market braced for a historic winter storm that’s poised to send temperatures plummeting and boost demand for the heating fuel.
• PacLease Adds 17 US Franchise Sites in 2025    (2026-01-23)
  PacLease reported continued growth in 2025, adding 17 U.S. franchise locations as the company said it outperformed much of the broader lease-and-rental market.
• Knight-Swift Points to Capacity Cuts for Market Lift    (2026-01-23)
  Knight-Swift expressed optimism that capacity reductions will help improve market conditions, though the truckload carrier posted a net loss attributable to itself of $6.8 million in Q4.
• How IoT and AI are shifting freight from reactive to predictive    (2026-01-23)
  Freight operators in 2026 are facing a different set of expectations than even a few years ago. Visibility, reliability, and resilience are no longer viewed as competitive advantages — they are increasingly treated as minimum requirements. As costs remain elevated and disruptions persist, the ability to see, anticipate, and respond across freight networks has become […] The post How IoT and AI are shifting freight from reactive to predictive appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US Airlines Cancel Thousands of Flights Before Winter Storm    (2026-01-23)
  A winter storm expected to be the largest of the season is already causing major disruptions across the U.S., with airlines cutting more than 2,300 flights for Jan. 24.
• Federal Agents Take Aim at ‘Cabotage’ in Arizona    (2026-01-23)
  Commercial truck drivers holding B-1 visas can haul freight between the U.S. and Mexico but are prohibited from domestic U.S. transport of goods, even if those goods are foreign in origin.
• LTL carrier Peninsula adding a 2-state surcharge for regulatory burdens    (2026-01-23)
  A regional LTL carrier is adding a surcharge to compensate for costs created by Pacific Northwest regulations. The post LTL carrier Peninsula adding a 2-state surcharge for regulatory burdens appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Oaktree, Anchorage Buy Into First Brands Bankruptcy Loan    (2026-01-23)
  Distressed-debt giants Oaktree Capital Management and Anchorage Capital have amassed positions in the bankruptcy financing for First Brands Group.
• US Winter Storm Impacting Oil Markets    (2026-01-23)
  Frigid weather sweeping across much of the U.S. is starting to freeze oil and natural gas wells, threatening to disrupt production from North Dakota to Texas.
• DoorDash, Uber Can't Stop NYC Law Requiring 10% Tip Prompt    (2026-01-23)
  DoorDash and Uber Technologies lost a bid to block a New York City law requiring a tipping option be presented to customers at checkout from going into effect Jan. 26.
• States waive trucker logs and weight limits for storm relief    (2026-01-23)
  Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina have issued 14-day emergency waivers for federal hours-of-service rules to expedite essential winter storm relief through January. The post States waive trucker logs and weight limits for storm relief appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Alaska Air completes Hawaiian cargo integration ahead of other units    (2026-01-23)
  The first operational group at Alaska Airlines to completely sync up with Hawaiian Airlines is cargo, paving the way for growth opportunities in international markets. The post Alaska Air completes Hawaiian cargo integration ahead of other units appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trucker locked in FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol 'Clearinghouse jail' fights to break out    (2026-01-23)
  Evelyn Hickey's struggle shows shortcomings of the FMCSA's drug and alcohol database and the testing/med review industry it relies...
• Eastern ports, railroads bracing for storm    (2026-01-23)
  Container ports and railroads along the upper Atlantic seaboard are taking safety measures ahead of the storm that could bring heavy snow to key logistics corridors. The post Eastern ports, railroads bracing for storm appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Survey finds female truck drivers in US satisfied with work-life balance and pay, but concerned about safety    (2026-01-23)
  Female truck drivers report strong job satisfaction and work-life balance, but ongoing safety concerns continue to shape where and how they work, according to a new survey of 437 truck […]
• AI readiness lagging in procurement    (2026-01-23)
  Artificial intelligence has already made its way into procurement. It shows up in sourcing tools, analytics dashboards, and supplier platforms, often quietly embedded in day-to-day workflows. And yet, most procurement leaders still hesitate to say they are ready for it. That contradiction sits at the center of ProcureAbility’s 2026 CPO Report, which found that while […] The post AI readiness lagging in procurement appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US Hits 9 Tankers With Sanctions Over Iranian Oil    (2026-01-23)
  The U.S. sanctions aim to prevent the targeted Iranians from doing business with Americans or accessing U.S. accounts. The targeted vessels are from Palau, Panama and other jurisdictions.
• Misumi taps Fictiv’s Dave Evans to lead its Americas business amid global sourcing shift    (2026-01-23)
  As global trade tensions persist, Misumi has turned to digital manufacturing leader Dave Evans to guide its Americas growth strategy. The post Misumi taps Fictiv’s Dave Evans to lead its Americas business amid global sourcing shift appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trucking Alliance’s safety agenda 2: policies that directly impact carriers    (2026-01-23)
  Part 2 of the Trucking Alliance’s safety agenda for 2026 and beyond. The post Trucking Alliance’s safety agenda 2: policies that directly impact carriers appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Thyssenkrupp Explores Selling 30% Stake in Bearings Unit    (2026-01-23)
  Thyssenkrupp is in the midst of a broader streamlining program aimed at shedding legacy units and giving it more space to focus on higher-margin engineering and technology businesses. 
• Fleets Eye Bonuses, Work-Life Perks Amid Driver Shortages    (2026-01-23)
  Some fleet operators are mitigating the struggles of driver retention by fine-tuning their driver compensation programs and structuring operations to offer lifestyle improvements.
• How Fleets Are Adjusting Driver Pay in a Soft Freight Market    (2026-01-23)
  After implementing substantial driver pay increases in recent years, carriers are now looking to protect their margins in a freight market downturn without cutting wages and risking capacity.
• Assessing the full impact of Winter Storm Fern     (2026-01-23)
  24 hours out from a major winter weather event becomes the perfect window for assessing the full impact of what’s to come. That’s when meteorologists get a clearer picture of what’s actually going to happen. For the most part, the areas affected haven’t changed, just the accumulation numbers get more confident and where cities are […] The post Assessing the full impact of Winter Storm Fern  appeared first on FreightWaves.
• New CEO represents Long Beach port at Davos     (2026-01-23)
  Underscoring maritime’s global importance, top U.S. port's CEO was invited to the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss trade and supply chains. The post New CEO represents Long Beach port at Davos  appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Efforts to Expand Ethanol Market Suffer Legislative Setback    (2026-01-23)
  Lawmakers had been working to pass a measure allowing year-round sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline. But the amendment was scrapped Jan. 22, in a blow to ethanol producers and large refineries.
• FDIC Approves GM, Ford Industrial Banks for Vehicle Accounts    (2026-01-23)
  Industrial banks allow the companies to accept deposits insured by FDIC into savings accounts, which then can generate earnings and greater savings opportunities for consumers.
• Mobileye Reports Revenue Growth for Full-Year 2025    (2026-01-23)
  Self-driving car systems company Mobileye reported that for 2025,  annual revenue grew by 14.5% to nearly $1.9 billion, above the latest guidance published by the company. 
• EU to Suspend Planned Countertariffs on $109B of US Goods    (2026-01-23)
  The EU will suspend the retaliatory tariffs for another six months after President Donald Trump backed down from his threat to impose levies on some countries that opposed his push to annex Greenland.  
• Ford’s Top Lobbyist to Depart Company Amid US Policy Turmoil    (2026-01-23)
  Christopher Smith, who has led Ford’s global efforts on legislation, regulation and government policies worldwide since 2022, is expected to depart the automaker, Bloomberg reports.
• Much of Nation Braces for Massive Winter Storm    (2026-01-23)
  The storm is expected to bring a crippling ice storm from Texas through parts of the South, potentially a foot of snow from Oklahoma through Washington, New York and Boston, and a punch of bitter cold.
• CSX Profit Slips 2% as Shipping Demand Remains Weak    (2026-01-23)
  The competitive landscape in the railroad business could change drastically in the next few years if Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern is approved. 
• Amazon Prepares to Cut Thousands More Corporate Employees    (2026-01-23)
  Amazon is gearing up to ax thousands more corporate employees, ratcheting up efforts to streamline bureaucracy. The company plans to start rolling out the terminations as early as next week.
• FarEye and Amazon Key partner to tackle last mile delivery challenges    (2026-01-23)
  Last-mile delivery technology platform FarEye has partnered with Amazon Key to address costly delivery failures stemming from access issues at gated communities and apartment buildings. The post FarEye and Amazon Key partner to tackle last mile delivery challenges appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Emergencies declared across Southeast ahead of winter storm, bringing HOS waivers    (2026-01-23)
  A massive winter storm forecast to impact much of the U.S. over the weekend prompted emergency declarations in at least a half-dozen...
• House approves funding bill with $200M for truck parking, codification of ELP as OOS order    (2026-01-23)
  The appropriations package would fund DOT, among other areas of the government, through Sept. 30. Also: I-205 bridge closure Monday...
• CSX sees small drop in revenue, slight gain in volume    (2026-01-22)
  Fourth-quarter profits at CSX were negatively affected by continued freight weakness, which the railroad anticipates will persist. The post CSX sees small drop in revenue, slight gain in volume appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Republican-Led House Passes 2026 Funding, Reverses Trump Cuts    (2026-01-22)
  The Republican-controlled House overwhelmingly passed annual funding measures Jan. 22, reversing some of Donald Trump’s most controversial federal spending cuts.
• Waymo Launches Miami Robotaxi Service, Testing at Airport    (2026-01-22)
  Waymo started offering its robotaxi service in Miami to the public Jan. 22, the first of around a dozen cities where the Alphabet company plans to launch this year.
• Lutnick Slams Canada’s China Tilt, Eyes 2026 USMCA Talks    (2026-01-22)
  U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed as “political noise” the moves in recent days by Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen trade relations with China.
• Record-breaking $200M for truck parking nears finish line    (2026-01-22)
  The House approved a $108.3 billion DOT funding package that secures a landmark $200 million for truck parking – but final enactment is at the mercy of a tight deadline and a severe snowstorm. The post Record-breaking $200M for truck parking nears finish line appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Former employees detail turmoil before R&R Family of Companies collapsed    (2026-01-22)
  Former employees shed light on Pittsburgh-based R&R Family of Companies shutdown earlier this month. The post Former employees detail turmoil before R&R Family of Companies collapsed appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Port of Los Angeles tops 10M containers for third time    (2026-01-22)
  The Port of Los Angeles saw its third-best year for container volume despite months of challenging trade headwinds and economic uncertainty. The post Port of Los Angeles tops 10M containers for third time appeared first on FreightWaves.
• First look: CSX Q4 earnings    (2026-01-22)
  CSX said severance expenses, lower merchandise freight and coal offset higher freight rates as earnings fell short of estimates for the fourth quarter. The post First look: CSX Q4 earnings appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US Nixing Almost $30 Billion in Biden-Era Energy Loans    (2026-01-22)
  The Trump administration is canceling almost $30 billion of financing from the Energy Department’s green bank after reviewing transactions approved under former President Joe Biden.
• Tesla Loses Most Market Share in California EV Market in 2025    (2026-01-22)
  Tesla shed by far most new-car buyers in California last year, showing how the electric-vehicle maker is losing ground in one of the world’s largest EV markets.
• Tesla Robotaxi Rides Without Safety Drivers Start in Austin    (2026-01-22)
  Tesla is beginning to offer actual robotaxi rides in Austin, a milestone for the carmaker that launched a service seven months ago with vehicles that have relied on human supervisors.
• Frustration, confusion over tariffs on display during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue    (2026-01-22)
  It was the topic no one at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue wanted to talk about, but one that couldn’t be avoided. And it wasn’t long into the day before it […]
• EU Set to Unfreeze Trade Deal With US, Vote on Ratification    (2026-01-22)
  European Union lawmakers are expected to vote on ratifying the bloc’s trade deal with the U.S., restarting the process after President Donald Trump walked back his latest threat.
• California Adopts Law Enforcing ELP Mandate    (2026-01-22)
  California adopted updated regulations for the California Highway Patrol to follow, including a language-proficiency mandate that aligns with a USDOT standard that was revived last year.
• Startup airline Riyadh Air phases in cargo operations    (2026-01-22)
  Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, says it is now able to provide cargo service for the first time. The post Startup airline Riyadh Air phases in cargo operations appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Consumer Prices Rise 2.8% in November    (2026-01-22)
  Consumer prices rose 2.8% in November from a year earlier, the Commerce Department said Jan. 22, up from a 2.7% annual pace in October. Excluding food and energy, core prices also increased 2.8%.
• ATA Outlines Threat of Fraudulent CDL Mills    (2026-01-22)
   ATA President Chris Spear again called on congressional policymakers to tackle growing concerns linked to fraudulent CDL mills during Capitol Hill testimony Jan. 21.
• December Freight Tonnage Inched Up Against Sluggish Market    (2026-01-22)
  Freight tonnage remained constrained with a slight sequential improvement in December, failing to overcome its generally lower levels, American Trucking Associations reported Jan. 20.
• RouteMate: How Fleet Inefficiencies Quietly Destroy Gross Revenue    (2026-01-22)
  Many fleets are losing money in ways they can’t easily measure, whether it’s through driver behavior, equipment failures, or incomplete complete dispatch data. RoutMate approaches fleet management from a fundamentally different angle: maximum control equals maximum revenue growth The post RouteMate: How Fleet Inefficiencies Quietly Destroy Gross Revenue appeared first on FreightWaves.
• US Class 8 Truck Sales End Year With Sequential Boost    (2026-01-22)
  U.S. Class 8 retail truck sales capped off what has been a generally down year with a sequential boost in December, according to data from Omdia Automotive.
• Natural Gas Soars 75% in 3 Days as Arctic Cold Grips US    (2026-01-22)
  U.S. natural gas futures rocketed to the highest price since 2022, as frigid weather sweeps across major markets for the heating fuel and forces traders to cover bearish positions.
• Retail US diesel, gasoline prices projected to decline in 2026    (2026-01-22)
  Retail U.S. diesel prices are expected to decline throughout 2026, with the national average falling to $3.41 per gallon by the fourth quarter, according to the Department of Energy. The […]
• GM to Move Buick SUV Production From China to Kansas    (2026-01-22)
  The Detroit-based manufacturer also said it will likely end output of its all-electric Chevrolet Bolt that’s built in the Kansas plant in about a year and a half.
• The Supreme Court’s looming decision on broker liability and the future of freight brokerage    (2026-01-22)
  The U.S. Government filed an amicus brief supporting freight brokers. The post The Supreme Court’s looming decision on broker liability and the future of freight brokerage appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Texas court rules Landstar to pay 100% of $23M accident verdict    (2026-01-22)
  Freight broker Landstar System will record several accident-related charges in the fourth quarter. The post Texas court rules Landstar to pay 100% of $23M accident verdict appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Trump administration backing C.H. Robinson on broker liability before SCOTUS    (2026-01-22)
  The Trump administration is putting its weight behind C.H. Robinson over the issue of broker liability. The post Trump administration backing C.H. Robinson on broker liability before SCOTUS appeared first on FreightWaves.
• Congress Contemplates $200 Million for Truck Parking    (2026-01-22)
  As a government funding deadline looms, congressional leaders are expected to schedule consideration of a fiscal 2026 transportation bill that includes $200 million for truck parking.