Traffic Fatalities Decline Amid Rising Travel Volumes as Safety Initiatives Gain Traction Recent data indicates that traffic fatalities across the United States are decreasing even as overall travel volumes increase. This trend points to the potential effectiveness of ongoing roadway safety efforts, particularly those aligned with federal strategies. Communities in Northeast Florida are actively participating…
Packaging Paper Shipments and Pallet Prices Signal Potential Freight Demand Increase Recent data from the American Forest & Paper Association indicates that packaging paper shipments rose 4 percent year-over-year in February 2026. At the same time, the pallet Producer Price Index, a longstanding indicator of freight volume trends, shows early signs of upward movement after…
AI Emerges as Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity Landscape Advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping cybersecurity, offering enhanced detection capabilities for organizations while empowering threat actors with sophisticated attack methods, according to industry reports and expert commentary. Defensive and Offensive Applications of AI AI tools are being deployed for both bolstering defenses and facilitating attacks. Security…
Two Solid ‘Yes’ Votes for Echo Global’s Acquisition: Moody’s and S&P Echo Global Logistics, a privately held third-party logistics provider focused on transportation management, has received positive signals from two major debt ratings agencies following its acquisition of ITS Logistics. Both Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings affirmed their overall assessments of Echo’s debt, while upgrading…
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Earbuds Offer Noise Cancellation and Long Battery Life for Truck Drivers Skullcandy has introduced the Method 360 ANC true wireless earbuds, designed with features that support professional drivers staying connected during long hauls. These earbuds incorporate active noise cancellation powered by Bose audio technology, making them suitable for blocking out road…
$25,000 in Prizes Available at 44th Annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs Truck Show Registration is now open for the 44th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs working truck show, scheduled for June 25-27 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. This event gathers owner-operators and professional drivers to showcase their trucks in competition across more than 20 categories….
DOE/EIA Retail Diesel Price Drops to $3.50 While Benchmark Rises for 12th Week The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (DOE/EIA) reported that the national average weekly retail on-highway diesel price fell by 4.4 cents per gallon to $3.50 per gallon. This marks a decline from the prior week’s level. Separate from the retail…
Postal Regulatory Commission Approves USPS 8% Parcel Surcharge to Offset Transportation Costs The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has authorized the United States Postal Service (USPS) to implement a temporary 8% surcharge on certain parcel services. This decision allows USPS to address escalating transportation expenses faced in its operations. Professional truck drivers who haul for USPS…
Maryland Senate Nears Passage of Two-Person Train Crew Requirement Maryland’s Senate is poised to approve a bill mandating two-person crews on freight trains operating within the state. The legislation, which cleared the state House of Delegates in March, could soon reach the desk of Governor Wes Moore for consideration. Senate Democrats, including Senate President Bill…
French Container Ship CMA CGM First Major Carrier to Exit Strait of Hormuz A 5,500-TEU container ship operated by French shipping group CMA CGM has become the first vessel from a major ocean liner to exit the Strait of Hormuz since Iran asserted control over this critical gateway to the Persian Gulf. Vessel tracking data…
Texas Nears Completion of New Runaway Truck Ramp Near El Paso The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing to open a new runaway truck ramp along Interstate 10 in El Paso, enhancing safety for heavy vehicles on a challenging stretch of highway. Details on the El Paso Project TxDOT announced progress on the ramp,…
Freight Market Sees Covid-Era Extremes Return Rejection rates in the U.S. freight market remain elevated above 13 percent, signaling persistent tightness in capacity availability. This level echoes conditions observed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when supply chains faced unprecedented strain. A monthly survey of supply chain executives reveals that March brought capacity and…
Best Month in Years Marks Broad US Rail Recovery The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports that March represented a significant turning point for U.S. freight rail volumes, delivering the strongest performance in years across multiple commodity categories. This development signals a broad recovery in rail traffic, which professional truck drivers monitor closely as it…
13,000 Non-Domiciled CDLs in California Remain Revoked Despite Judge’s Order for Restoration On March 6, 2026, the California Department of Motor Vehicles cancelled approximately 13,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses. These cancellations stemmed from federal requirements that the state DMV implement stricter eligibility rules for such licenses. Non-domiciled CDLs allow drivers who do not reside in…
Indiana Revokes CDLs of Nearly 1,800 Non-Domiciled Truckers Under New Law Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has revoked commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) held by nearly 1,800 non-domiciled drivers, effective April 1. These drivers, primarily truck and bus operators without specific employment-based visas, lost their privileges following the enactment of House Enrolled Act 1200 (HEA 1200)….
Two Georgia Men Sentenced in $821,000 Fake Trucking Invoice Scheme at Port of Savannah Philip Charles Smith and Antonio Evans, both from Georgia, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a fraud scheme that targeted a national logistics and transportation company serving the Port of Savannah. Smith, 41, of Richmond Hill, Georgia,…
Nearly 700 Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections Conducted During Weeklong Operation in New Mexico The New Mexico State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau conducted a focused enforcement operation from September 15 to 19 in Las Cruces, Deming, and surrounding areas. This weeklong effort targeted commercial vehicle safety through comprehensive inspections at roadside locations. During the operation,…
Mercedes-Benz Announces $4 Billion Investment in Alabama Plant Served by Norfolk Southern Mercedes-Benz plans to invest $4 billion in its manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, by 2030. This plant, located in the heart of the U.S. Southeast, serves as the German automaker’s first production site in the United States and remains a key hub…
How Fuel Volatility Rewrites Freight Cost Models Diesel prices have begun to climb amid elevated market volatility, prompting changes across the freight sector. Ocean vessels are rerouting operations, and U.S. trucking rates are adjusting in response to these pressures. The underlying trigger traces back to ongoing conflict in Iran, which is sending ripples through global…
Tariff rewrite puts cross-border metal trade in crosshairs The Trump administration plans to overhaul its steel and aluminum tariff regime, a change that could raise import costs for certain products and reshape freight flows across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. These tariffs, enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, target imports deemed a…
Two Solid ‘Yes’ Votes for Echo Global’s Acquisition: Moody’s and S&P Echo Global Logistics, a privately held third-party logistics provider with publicly traded debt, has received positive signals from two major credit ratings agencies following its acquisition of ITS Logistics. Both Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings have upgraded Echo’s outlook from stable to positive. Neither…
The ‘Ingenious Strategy’ Behind Most Truckers’ Least Favorite Week of the Year: International Roadcheck Truck drivers often refer to it as DOT Blitz Week, a nickname that captures the intensity of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual International Roadcheck. This 72-hour enforcement initiative takes place simultaneously across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Law…
### Trucker Shuttle Runs Dodge Wage Law Thanks to Interstate Exemption The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Laci Transport Inc. is exempt from federal overtime pay rules under the Motor Carrier Act for drivers shuttling goods between off-site lots and Amazon facilities in Illinois. The court affirmed dismissal of wage claims by drivers…
### 7th Circuit Shields Shuttle Truckers from OT Pay The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that shuttle truck drivers ferrying auto parts between off-site storage lots and a Ford assembly plant qualify for the Motor Carrier Act (MCA) overtime exemption, even for intrastate hauls. This reverses lower court decisions and tosses out wage claims…
# Trucker Cleared: Iowa Supreme Court Tosses Cargo Manufacturer from Crash Suit Iowa’s highest court ruled 5-2 that Wabash National Corporation can’t be dragged into a lawsuit over a deadly truck crash, limiting liability to the trucking company and driver alone. The nightmare unfolded when Clifford Charles Takes, driving for West Side Transport, slammed into…
FAA Imposes $430,000 in Penalties on Three Companies for Hazardous Materials Violations in Air Shipments The Federal Aviation Administration has assessed civil penalties totaling $430,000 against three companies for violations of hazardous materials regulations during air cargo shipments. These cases involved lithium-ion batteries and radioactive materials tendered to carriers including UPS, highlighting ongoing enforcement in…
Titanium Transportation Group Completes Management-Led Buyout Titanium Transportation Group Inc., a Bolton, Ontario-based provider of transportation and logistics services, has completed a management-led buyout. The transaction closed on March 31, transferring ownership to TTNM Management Acquisition Ltd., a buyer backed by the company’s management team. The deal values Titanium at $2.22 per share. TTNM Management…
111 Walmart Fulfillment Center Workers Face Transfer or Separation as Matteson Facility Closes Walmart has notified 111 employees at its Matteson, Illinois, fulfillment center that they must transfer to other locations or end their employment following the facility’s closure on May 29. The company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice on…
What Are You Doing with Your ELD Data? FreightWaves recently interviewed Daren Hansen, CTP, CTRE, Senior Compliance Expert at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. The discussion centered on how carriers approach Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data. ELDs became mandatory for drivers under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service rules in December 2017….
Indiana Enacts New English Proficiency Requirement for CDL Holders Indiana has implemented a new law requiring commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to demonstrate English language proficiency. Signed into law by Governor Mike Braun, House Enrolled Act 1200 took effect following its passage through both chambers of the state legislature. The legislation mandates that all CDL…
California On-Highway Diesel Averages $7.219 per Gallon Amid State Contracts Mandating Fleet Compliance The average price for on-highway diesel in California reached $7.219 per gallon on March 30. This marks a 44.7% increase from $4.99 per gallon on March 2. Professional drivers operating in the state face direct impacts from this rise, as fuel costs…
More Ways to Take the Horror Out of High Fuel Independent truck drivers face persistent pressure from fluctuating fuel prices, which directly impact operating costs and profitability. Recent guidance from industry expert Gary Buchs offers practical strategies for independents to better manage their financial position amid high diesel costs. Buchs emphasizes the importance of slowing…
Canada Post Approved to End Home Delivery as Part of Cost-Saving Modernization Canada Post has received approval to eliminate home delivery service, marking a key step in its modernization plan to address ongoing financial losses and adapt to changing market conditions. The Crown corporation, which has reported losses exceeding $3 billion over the past seven…
U.S. Accuses China of Targeting Panama-Flagged Ships After Panama Canal Port Dispute U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused China of “bullying” Panama-flagged vessels by detaining or delaying dozens of them in Chinese ports. The actions followed Panama’s Supreme Court ruling in January that invalidated contracts held by a Hong Kong-based company’s subsidiary operating…
New Love’s Travel Stops Open in New Mexico and Montana, Adding 216 Parking Spots Love’s Travel Stops has expanded its network with two new locations in New Mexico and Montana, providing professional drivers with additional parking options and fresh food choices. These openings add a total of 216 parking spaces, addressing a key need for…
ABF Driver Earns TCA Highway Angel Wings for Actions at Accident Scene A driver for ABF Freight was recently honored with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Highway Angel wings for his response to a severe highway crash involving a fellow trucker. The incident unfolded when a small passenger vehicle abruptly changed lanes directly in front…
CVSA Implements 2025 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria Effective April 1 As of April 1, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has put its 2025 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria into effect. These criteria serve as the benchmark for certified commercial motor vehicle enforcement personnel to assess whether drivers, vehicles, or cargo pose an imminent…
Oregon Truck Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Jackknife Crash on Highway 20 Rajinder Kumar, a 32-year-old truck driver from India, has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges stemming from a November 24 crash on U.S. Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon. The incident, which occurred about eight miles east of Brothers, resulted in the…
FMCSA Advances Plan to Survey 1,000 Truck Drivers on Truck Parking Challenges The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is moving forward with a research study to gather data directly from truck drivers on their experiences finding parking spaces. The agency plans to submit its proposed information collection, titled Quantifying the Benefits of Creating New…
Tesla Reports Weak First-Quarter Deliveries Amid Ongoing Sales Slump Tesla Inc. delivered 358,023 vehicles worldwide in the first quarter of 2026, marking one of the company’s weakest sales quarters in years. The figures, reported on April 2, 2026, fell short of Wall Street expectations for the second consecutive quarter. This performance continues a slump for…
Benchmark Diesel Price Rises for 11th Consecutive Week, by Smallest Margin in Recent Period The benchmark diesel price, which serves as the reference for most fuel surcharges in trucking contracts, has increased for the 11th straight week. This latest uptick marks the smallest weekly gain seen in several weeks. Professional drivers rely on this benchmark…
Tariff Turmoil: Refunds, Lawsuits and New Duties Ahead A U.S. Supreme Court ruling has invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), prompting a surge in refund lawsuits at the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT). The decision affects duties paid on imports from China, Canada, Mexico, and dozens of other countries,…
Former Cross-Border Truck Driver Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms Smuggling into Canada A former truck driver from Sarasota, Florida, has received a federal prison sentence for his role in smuggling firearms across the U.S.-Canada border. Erhan John Er, 35, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison by U.S. District Judge Mary…
Truckers Against Trafficking Partners with Missouri Agencies for Awareness Session Ahead of 2026 World Cup Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) recently collaborated with Missouri state agencies to host an information session focused on human trafficking awareness. The event serves as preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring increased activity to highways and rest areas…
Maersk Denied Fast-Track for Emergency Fuel Surcharge by Federal Maritime Commission The Federal Maritime Commission has denied A.P. Moller-Maersk’s second request to waive the mandatory 30-day notice period for implementing an emergency fuel surcharge. Maersk sought the waiver to address rising operating costs from soaring fuel prices. This decision requires Maersk to adhere to standard…