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Fuel prices ranked as the trucking industry’s top concern in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2026 Top Industry Issues survey, replacing the economy after three consecutive years at No. 1. The findings were released Oct. 18 during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fuel costs surge to the top…

VW Awaits Ford Decision on New Truck Platform Volkswagen is looking to expand its presence in the U.S. with a new generation of rugged pickups and off-road SUVs, but the company has not yet finalized how those vehicles will be developed or built. Chief Executive Officer Oliver Blume identified North America as one of Volkswagen…

Pennsylvania lawmakers have approved two bills intended to clarify how counties can use state transportation funding for local bridge repairs, addressing concerns that unclear or restrictive rules may leave allocated money unspent. Bills Target Motor Licensing Fund Rules The measures, sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman, R-34, would make state funding more readily available for local…

U.S. diesel prices remain near record levels, increasing operating costs for trucking fleets and agricultural producers while federal officials consider temporary relief measures. The Energy Information Administration’s weekly benchmark rose 9.7 cents to $6.276 per gallon, while AAA reported a national average of approximately $6.32. Diesel Prices Remain Near Record Highs The latest increase reversed…

A court challenge seeking broader nationwide recognition of concealed-carry permits has ended, leaving truck drivers and other travelers subject to a patchwork of state firearm laws. The issue could still be addressed through congressional action. Legal Challenge Ends Without Nationwide Reciprocity The case centered on whether a concealed-carry permit issued in one state should be…

Diesel prices stay at record levels; diesel relief rolls on Diesel prices have eased from their peak, but the decline has not removed the pressure facing professional truck drivers. Fuel bills still sting, and diesel remains at record levels even after the recent pullback. For drivers, the distinction between a lower price and an affordable…

Motive launches AI Agents as fleets weigh how to prevent problems Motive launched a new set of AI Agents Monday at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina. The tools are designed to act on safety and maintenance alerts according to rules set by each fleet, rather than simply displaying…

Feds charge driver in alleged $12 million cargo theft scheme built on hijacked carrier identities Federal prosecutors have charged a truck driver in an alleged cargo theft conspiracy that involved at least 24 freight shipments and more than $12 million in estimated retail losses. Investigators say the operation relied on established trucking companies whose identities…

Missouri will raise the speed limit from 70 to 75 mph on eight rural interstate segments across the state this fall, following a review by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Four interstates included The changes will apply to selected portions of Interstates 29, 35, 49 and 55. The affected corridors are located in northwest,…

Tesla profit tops estimates as cash flow stays positive Tesla reported third-quarter profit above expectations while maintaining positive cash flow, a result that may help ease concerns about the company’s increased spending on projects outside its traditional electric-vehicle business. The company is investing in areas including robotics and artificial intelligence. Those efforts require capital and…

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has amended a 90-day hours-of-service waiver to extend limited flexibility to more interstate motor carriers transporting fuel. The relief is intended to help address supply disruptions, increased demand and higher operating costs, but carriers and drivers must meet specific conditions. FMCSA expands fuel-hauler relief FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs expanded…

Mack adds 270 staff at production plant in Pennsylvania Mack Trucks is adding 270 staff members at a production plant in Pennsylvania, expanding its workforce as demand for new trucks rises and the freight market continues to recover. The production-line additions are the latest example of a broader industry trend. Truck manufacturers and suppliers have…

Diesel prices remain near record levels, increasing operating costs for trucking companies and other highway users. Recent reports put the national average near $6.28 to $6.32 per gallon, while federal and state officials have announced measures intended to provide limited relief. Diesel Prices Remain Near Record Highs The Energy Information Administration’s weekly diesel benchmark rose…

A court challenge seeking broader recognition of concealed-carry permits for interstate travelers, including truck drivers, has ended without creating a nationwide reciprocity standard. The issue could still be addressed by Congress, but state and federal firearm restrictions remain separate and can vary significantly along a driver’s route. Federal Safe-Passage Provision Federal law under 18 U.S.C….

Fuel prices became the trucking industry’s leading concern in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2026 Top Industry Issues report, rising 17 spots from the previous year’s survey. The report was released Oct. 18 during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fuel prices lead industry concerns Nearly 3,100 trucking stakeholders…

Thieves caught siphoning diesel from trucks’ tanks as railroad HOS relief is extended Suspected fuel thieves were arrested in Southern California after investigators linked them to a series of diesel thefts from parked commercial trucks. At the same time, federal regulators extended and modified an hours-of-service exemption for certain railroad-related motor carriers, while new data…

Freightos founder takes board fight to shareholder vote Freightos founder Zvi Schreiber’s campaign to change the company’s leadership and strategic direction is headed for a contested shareholder vote at the company’s annual meeting in December. The Freightos board has agreed to present Schreiber’s proposals to shareholders, pending confirmation of the meeting date. The dispute centers…

Cass Reports 19% Q3 EPS Growth as Freight Rates, Fuel Surcharges and Interest Income Rise Cass Information Systems reported stronger third-quarter results as higher freight rates, fuel surcharges and interest income lifted the company’s earnings. The freight payment and analytics provider posted $10.6 million in net income, or $0.81 per share, with earnings per share…

Pennsylvania lawmakers have approved two bills intended to give counties more flexibility in using state transportation funds for local bridge repairs, addressing spending rules that can leave allocated money unused. Bills Target Local Bridge Funding Rules The measures, sponsored by state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-34th District, would clarify provisions governing transportation dollars distributed to counties…

The ‘ingenious strategy’ behind most truckers’ least favorite week of the year: International Roadcheck International Roadcheck Week is one of the most disruptive periods on the trucking calendar. For three days, inspectors across the United States, Canada and Mexico increase the number of commercial vehicles they inspect, creating delays at weigh stations and roadside inspection…

High-value technology shipments are increasingly being stolen through fraud and deception rather than physical force, according to a report from cargo security firm Overhaul. The company said individual losses now regularly exceed $30 million, with thefts occurring weekly. AI Servers Among Targeted Cargo Overhaul identified AI servers as a major target for organized cargo thieves….

Bicyclist struck by turning semi truck in Spokane incident captured on surveillance video A man riding a bicycle was struck by a semi truck while the truck was making a right turn in Spokane, Washington, on Thursday. The incident occurred at the intersection of East Sprague Avenue and South Thierma, where surveillance video captured the…

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has amended a 90-day hours-of-service waiver to give more interstate fuel haulers flexibility while responding to supply disruptions, higher demand and rising operating costs. The relief remains subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions. Waiver Expanded for Fuel Transportation FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs expanded the waiver to cover additional…

A former New Orleans personal injury attorney has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme involving staged crashes with tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, prosecutors said. Attorney sentenced in Operation Sideswipe Danny Patrick Keating Jr., 57, of New Orleans, was sentenced Oct. 15 after pleading guilty to conspiracy…

A legal challenge seeking broader recognition of concealed-carry permits across state lines has ended, leaving the issue unresolved for truck drivers and other travelers who routinely cross jurisdictions with different firearm laws. Supporters of nationwide reciprocity may now look to Congress for a legislative solution. Court Challenge Ends Without Nationwide Reciprocity The case had raised…

Remembering ‘Milkman’ Bill Wilker, 1954-2026 Bill Wilker, a longtime milk hauler for Moeller Trucking who accumulated more than 3.3 million miles without a chargeable accident, died Oct. 15, 2026. He was 72. Wilker was remembered at his funeral in St. Henry, Ohio, where a steady line of mourners reflected the respect he had earned during…

New trucking bankruptcies expose mounting debt and shrinking fleets At least 16 trucking companies sought bankruptcy protection between Sept. 18 and Oct. 21, 2026, according to a review of federal bankruptcy records. The filings cover carriers in multiple states and include both Chapter 7 liquidation cases and Chapter 11 reorganizations. The companies operate in several…

First look: Union Pacific earnings Union Pacific reported a strong third quarter, with higher freight volumes, pricing gains and fuel surcharges pushing revenue and profit well above year-ago levels. The railroad also reaffirmed its forecast for high-single-digit earnings-per-share growth in 2026. The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad reported net income of $2.08 billion, or $3.49 per diluted…

Cargo thieves are increasingly targeting high-value technology shipments, with individual losses now regularly exceeding $30 million, according to findings cited by Overhaul. The company said such thefts are occurring weekly as criminals pursue specialized equipment and other valuable freight. AI servers emerge as high-value targets Overhaul’s report referenced the theft of a flagship artificial intelligence…

Daimler, MAN face reimbursement claims in European truck-cartel litigation Daimler and MAN are facing major compensation claims from truck buyers and fleet operators who say they paid too much for vehicles because manufacturers coordinated prices and emissions-related costs across Europe. The claims follow a European Commission investigation into a truck cartel that operated from 1997…

A Bay City resident used a Halloween-themed demonstration to protest planned toll increases by Bay City Bridge Partners, appearing before the Bay City Commission in a red costume labeled “BCBP” and “Satan.” The company’s announced toll changes are scheduled to take effect in January 2027. Resident stages Halloween-themed protest Jeff Reed, who has previously used…

Guatemalan man sentenced to 30 years for role in San Antonio smuggling deaths A Guatemalan man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his role in a human-smuggling operation that ended with 53 migrants dead inside a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 49, pleaded guilty to charges involving a…

New Jersey Lawmakers Target Truck Route Rules, Low Bridges and Overweight Vehicles New Jersey lawmakers are pushing legislation aimed at clarifying truck-route rules, preventing bridge strikes and increasing enforcement against overweight commercial vehicles. Proposed Changes Focus on Truck Routes The bills would address confusion surrounding designated truck routes and restrictions that can affect commercial drivers…

States are increasing penalties for motorists who fail to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving, with commercial truck drivers facing fines of up to $1,500 in cases where flying debris causes a crash or injury. Higher penalties for crashes and injuries Under the provisions described, a driver whose vehicle sheds snow or…

Pennsylvania lawmakers are moving to clarify how counties can use transportation funding for local bridge repairs, addressing rules they say may leave projects stalled while allocated money goes unused. Bills Seek to Clarify Bridge Funding Rules Two bills sponsored by state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-34, were approved this week. The measures are intended to make…

How often does Satan show up to oppose toll increases? A proposed toll increase has drawn opposition from lawmakers and at least one resident who went to unusual lengths to make a point at a public hearing. The available information does not identify the resident’s specific action, but it describes the appearance as an unexpected…

Heartland Express sees earnings turnaround in Q3 Truckload carrier Heartland Express returned to profitability in the third quarter, posting its first net profit since 2023 without relying on large gains from selling equipment and terminals. The North Liberty, Iowa-based carrier reported $179.5 million in revenue, down 9% from the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue…

The Heartbeat of the American Supply Chain For trucking companies, recruiting a driver is only the beginning of the employment relationship. Retention depends on whether the carrier delivers on its promises involving pay, home time, equipment, support and career growth. That was the central message Werner Enterprises Senior Director of Driver Recruiting Ben Pile shared…

Trump Faces Suit Over 50% Canada Tariffs A U.S. food importer is challenging the Trump administration’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian products, arguing that the president exceeded his authority by using a rarely invoked provision of federal law. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the U.S. Court of International…

Tanker from Russia Loaded With Diesel Set to Sail Oct. 22 Under Trump-Putin Deal Russia is scheduled to send its first diesel tanker to the United States on Oct. 22 under an understanding reached by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The shipment follows…

Off-duty randoms, CO detection: Where two recent driver-led rule petitions might be headed Two petitions from truck drivers are now listed among the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s active rulemaking petitions: one seeks to prevent carriers from ordering random drug tests when drivers are off duty, while the other asks for carbon monoxide detectors to…

What Daimler’s Finance and Global Chiefs Revealed About Diesel, Driverless Trucks and the Future of the Industry Daimler Truck executives used the opening of Daimler Truck Financial Services’ new North American headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, to discuss several issues that are shaping equipment decisions for carriers and professional drivers: the EPA 2027 engine, freight-market…

Bot Auto Says Software Is Cutting Autonomous Trucking Costs to $50,000 Per Truck Bot Auto says it has reduced the cost of its next-generation autonomous driving system to approximately $50,000 per truck, a figure the company says is about one-third of the roughly $150,000 industry norm. Brett Suma, Bot Auto’s president and chief operating officer,…

The IRS has temporarily suspended federal penalties for selling or using red-dyed diesel fuel on public highways nationwide. The relief applies retroactively from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, but it does not eliminate the underlying federal excise tax or affect state fuel-tax requirements. Penalty relief applies nationwide The IRS announced Oct. 14 that it…

TeamOne executive Page Siplon tapped as ATRI’s next president The American Transportation Research Institute has selected Page Siplon as its next president and chief operating officer, beginning a leadership transition that will culminate with the retirement of longtime President Rebecca Brewster in February 2027. Siplon is expected to join ATRI in November and work alongside…