Topic
trucking
Logistics Truckload Market Upswing Prompts Driver Pay Hikes as Regulatory Enforcement Tightens Capacity
Truckload carriers GP Transco and Hirschbach announced driver pay increases, reflecting tightening capacity driven by heightened regulatory enforcement. The moves come as publicly traded carriers report that contract rates set earlier this year are no longer valid, with potential double-digit rate increases expected.
Logistics Box Truck Drivers: The Real Safety Risk in US Freight
An analysis of FMCSA roadside inspection data reveals that box truck drivers are nearly twice as likely to be placed out of service as tractor-trailer drivers, with driver fitness and substance abuse violations far higher. The root cause is a regulatory loophole: trucks under 26,001 lbs require no CDL and no drug testing, leading to a less-qualified driver pool even as equipment itself is as safe as big rigs.
Logistics LTL's All-In Rate Hits Multi-Year High, but Fuel Surcharge Masks Base Rate Cuts
LTL all-in revenue per hundredweight has reached its highest level in five years, but the gain is entirely driven by fuel surcharges. Base rates remain flat to negative, with carriers cutting rates across freight classes to compete for volume. The Yellow liquidation in mid-2023 created a floor for LTL pricing, while the recent recovery in truckload contract rates signals a broader freight cycle turn.
Technology Bennett CIO Praveen Boppana Reflects on 24 Years of Trucking Tech Transformation
Praveen Boppana, CIO of Bennett Family of Companies, recounts the company's journey from manual paper-based driver logs to electronic logging devices and dash cams. The transformation required careful change management with owner-operators but yielded safety, compliance, and insurance cost benefits.
The DVIR: The Hidden Compliance Risk in Your Trucking Operations
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Logistics Truckload carriers eye multiyear rate upcycle as capacity tightens
The truckload market is entering a multiyear rate upcycle as capacity constraints tighten due to regulatory enforcement and cost inflation. Carriers like J.B. Hunt, Schneider National, and Werner Enterprises report accelerating contract renewals and double-digit rate hikes, while routing guides crumble and spot rates surge. Shippers face urgent need to secure sustainable carrier partnerships to mitigate rising costs.
Technology Volvo Sets Q1 2027 for Fully Driverless Truck Operations
Volvo Autonomous Solutions will remove safety drivers from autonomous trucks on U.S. highways in Q1 2027, targeting over 300 trucks by end of 2027 and $3 billion in revenue within five years. The company is expanding commercial operations in Texas and Oklahoma, with new routes eliminating drayage and directly serving customer facilities.
Amazon's LTL Gap: Buying Forward Air Could Solve Expedited Tier
Amazon launched a national economy LTL network, but lacks a premium expedited tier. FreightWaves argues that acquiring Forward Air — which operates a scheduled, airport-centric road feeder network — would instantly fill that gap and create a formidable competitor to incumbents like Old Dominion and FedEx Freight.
Logistics He Walked Away From Barber Chair for Box Truck: Lessons for Logistics Operators
Victor Newton left a 28-year barber career to become a box truck owner-operator after a YouTube headline claimed $20,000 in a month. Five years in, he discusses the 90% failure rate, the difference between truck ownership and business ownership, and niche strategies like partial loads that can change the math for small carriers.
Logistics Medical Certification Gaps Threaten CDL Validity
A gap in medical certification processes is putting Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) at risk of downgrades. The shift in responsibility for uploading medical exam results to the FMCSA is not fully adopted by all medical examiners, leading to compliance issues.
Logistics Nuclear Verdicts Threaten U.S. Trucking Profitability
Nuclear verdicts are increasingly impacting the profitability of U.S. trucking carriers, with significant rises in litigation costs and insurance premiums. The trucking industry faces systemic risks as nuclear verdicts become more frequent and severe.
Logistics Diesel Prices Drop as Spot Demand Rises Amid Contract Failures
The average diesel price has dropped to $5.21 per gallon, marking a significant decrease. Meanwhile, RXO reports a rise in spot demand as contract routing guides fail, highlighting stress in traditional freight networks.
Technology SONAR's Hackathon to Tackle Driver App Shortage
FreightWaves SONAR is launching a virtual hackathon to develop apps for truck drivers. The event aims to address the lack of driver-focused software in the trucking industry.
Logistics PepsiCo and Gatik Unveil Driverless Trucking Partnership
PepsiCo and Gatik have launched a major driverless trucking initiative, marking the largest commercial autonomous freight deployment. The partnership covers operations in Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas, enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Logistics Housing Market Woes Impact Freight Sectors
The ongoing housing affordability crisis is significantly impacting freight demand, particularly in the rail and road sectors. With a decline in single-family housing starts, freight volumes for building materials are down, affecting logistics operations.
Logistics Trucking Jobs Decline in May, Reversing April Gains
Trucking jobs in the U.S. declined by 4,400 in May, reversing the gains seen in April. This fluctuation highlights ongoing volatility in the logistics labor market, affecting freight forwarders and logistics managers.
Logistics Autonomous Trucks Transform Private Yards
Autonomous trucking is gaining traction in private yards, offering a promising frontier for logistics. With simplified regulations and safer environments, companies like ISEE AI are leading the charge.
Logistics Kevin Knight Retires from Knight-Swift, Leadership Transition
Kevin Knight, founder and executive chairman of Knight-Swift, has retired, marking a significant leadership transition. David Vander Ploeg steps in as the new chairman, continuing the company's legacy.
Logistics Trucking Boosts Rail Freight Growth Amid Capacity Squeeze
The U.S. rail freight sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by shifts in the trucking market. Intermodal volumes have surged as shippers seek alternatives amid trucking capacity constraints.
Logistics Roadside Cameras Revolutionize Trucking Enforcement
The trucking industry faces a paradigm shift as roadside cameras and license plate readers enable precise tracking of vehicle movements, challenging traditional paper logs. This technological advancement is reshaping compliance and enforcement practices across the sector.
Logistics Border Patrol Arrests 36 Truck Drivers in Immigration Crackdown
U.S. Border Patrol arrested 36 truck drivers in Arizona during an immigration enforcement operation. This crackdown highlights increased scrutiny on commercial drivers' immigration status.
Logistics Old Dominion's May Update Shows LTL Market Recovery
Old Dominion Freight Line reports a 12.3% year-over-year increase in revenue per day for May, reflecting an improving less-than-truckload (LTL) market. Despite a slight decline in tonnage, the company benefits from rising diesel prices and heavier shipment weights.
Logistics Tax Strategies: Own or Lease Your Truck?
Understanding the tax implications of owning versus leasing a truck can significantly impact logistics operations. Key tax provisions like Section 179 allow for substantial deductions, influencing the decision-making process for freight operators.
Logistics Texas Court Clears Shipper Liability in Home Depot Case
A Texas court has ruled that Home Depot is not liable for a crash involving Werner Enterprises, impacting shipper liability discussions. This decision follows a contrasting ruling in the Montgomery vs. Caribe Transport II case.
Logistics Hotshot Trucking's Ghost Fleets Disrupt Road Freight
The emergence of ghost fleets in hotshot trucking is reshaping road freight logistics, driven by regulatory changes and market shifts. This phenomenon involves the use of multiple vehicles under minimal official registration, impacting inspection rates and insurance costs.
Logistics FedEx Expands Dutch Hub to Boost Air Cargo Strategy
FedEx is investing $54 million to expand its trucking hub in Duiven, Netherlands, enhancing its air cargo strategy. This expansion will increase freight handling capacity by over 50% and integrate air and road networks for efficient delivery.
Logistics U.S. Logistics Firms Expand Amid Freight Growth
Logistics companies are expanding across the U.S. to meet growing freight demand. Key projects include Averitt's new terminals in Kentucky and North Carolina, and Echo Global Logistics' expansion in California.
Logistics Trucking Bankruptcies Surge Amid Freight Market Turmoil
The U.S. freight market's volatility has led to a surge in trucking company bankruptcies, with over 20 firms filing for protection in May. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges faced by small and regional carriers amid fluctuating demand and rising costs.
Logistics House Committee Approves Bill Impacting Trucking Sector
The House Transportation & Infrastructure committee has approved a transportation bill with significant implications for the trucking industry, focusing on restroom access and parking provisions. The bill, known as the BUILD America 250 Act, aims to improve conditions for truck drivers.