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Freight & Logistics News
Trucking and logistics updates for drivers and carriers, with clear summaries and links to original reporting.
Freight market snapshot
Verified spot rates by equipment
Week ending
DAT spot linehaul rates paid to carriers, excluding fuel and fuel surcharges. These are freight-market rates, not driver wages or guaranteed quotes.
| Broad region | DAT origin | Dry van | Reefer | Flatbed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | California | $2.45 | $2.78 | $2.19 |
| East Coast | Upper Atlantic | $2.28 | $2.82 | $2.65 |
| Midwest | Great Lakes | $2.59 | $3.34 | $2.80 |
| Southeast | Southeast | $2.12 | $2.36 | $3.20 |
| South Central | South Central | $1.91 | $2.14 | $2.34 |
| Mountain | Lower Mountain | Not reported* | $2.35 | $1.67 |
*Lower Mountain dry-van pricing was not included in DAT’s published regional origins. Broad labels are provided for easier scanning; the DAT origin column shows the exact market region used. Rates vary by lane, length of haul, timing, equipment, and accessorials.
Checked daily. Last refreshed . DAT publishes these observations weekly, so the snapshot changes only when a newer complete comparable set is available for all three equipment types.
Industry updates
Trucking owner pleads guilty in $1 million USPS freight-auction fraud
The owner of an Orlando trucking and freight brokerage company pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering after prosecutors said he collected more than $1 million for USPS routes his company did not haul. He agreed to forfeit seized brokerage accounts and pay an additional $993,979 in restitution.
What it means for you: Audit proof-of-delivery controls and investigate route reassignments before payment, especially in spot-market or auction workflows.
Read the full story →
Mexico vehicle exports fall as DSV expands McAllen cross-border operations
Mexico exported 277,369 light vehicles worldwide in September, down 11.9% year over year, while production fell 15.1%, according to government data reported by FreightWaves. Separately, DSV opened a McAllen, Texas, office to support U.S.-Mexico transportation, customs and logistics activity.
What it means for you: Cross-border carriers should watch automotive tender volumes while assessing whether the new McAllen capacity improves customs support and regional coverage.
Read the full story → Northwest and Midwest tender rejections point to different capacity pressures
FreightWaves SONAR data showed national tender rejections near 13.8%, but the Northwest reached 20.27% on October 8 and the Midwest 18.61%. The Northwest spike is concentrated in seasonal reefer demand, while the Midwest's longer-running tightness spans dry van and reefer freight.
What it means for you: Reefer carriers may find short-term Northwest leverage, while Midwest rejection patterns deserve closer attention in longer-term bid and capacity plans.
Read the full story →
Retail import peak begins to wind down after an extended season
The National Retail Federation's latest Global Port Tracker expects U.S. container imports to ease after an unusually long summer and early-fall peak. September was forecast at 2.28 million TEUs, October at 2.25 million and November at 2 million, though September and October would remain above year-earlier levels.
What it means for you: Plan for a gradual post-peak shift and confirm terminal-specific bookings before reducing or redeploying port capacity.
Read the full story → Walmart opens automated Stockton fulfillment center
Walmart opened a 900,000-square-foot automated e-commerce fulfillment center in Stockton, California. The facility is designed to expand West Coast order capacity, support Walmart Marketplace sellers and reduce the company's traditional 12-step fulfillment process to five steps.
What it means for you: West Coast carriers and warehouse partners should monitor Stockton routing-guide changes and appointment demand as the facility scales.
Read the full story → Truckload rates rise as capacity leaves faster than freight grows
FreightWaves analysis argues that 2026 truckload-rate gains are primarily a supply-side correction. SONAR tender volume was about 9% higher than in October 2023 while tender rejections were up 268%, and ATRI's latest study put the 2025 average operating cost at a record $2.336 per mile.
What it means for you: Carriers should model rate needs against their own cost and utilization data, while shippers should expect capacity—not volume alone—to influence bids.
Read the full story → Record tanker freight closes much of the U.S. Gulf-to-Asia crude arbitrage
The cost to charter a very large crude carrier for two million barrels from the U.S. Gulf to China reached about $80 million, Reuters reported, making the trade uneconomic for many Asian refiners. Freight on the route has risen more than 300% since mid-August.
What it means for you: Monitor Gulf export volumes and refinery flows because extreme tanker costs can change terminal, storage and fuel-supply patterns.
Read the full story → Port of Los Angeles sets a September container-volume record
The Port of Los Angeles handled 1.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units in September, its highest monthly volume, according to Executive Director Gene Seroka. Loaded containers totaled nearly 547,000 TEUs, also a record, while the port avoided the vessel backups seen during the pandemic surge.
What it means for you: Use the record as a Southern California freight signal, then confirm terminal-level volume, dwell and drayage economics before adding capacity.
Read the full story → Sources report a Kalitta Air A350F order, but the carrier says no decision is final
Reuters reported that Kalitta Air is the unidentified customer behind a firm Airbus order for eight A350F freighters, citing three people familiar with the transaction. Kalitta said it is evaluating the aircraft and has no order to announce, so the fleet expansion should be treated as reported—not confirmed by the carrier.
What it means for you: Monitor for official buyer confirmation and delivery dates before incorporating the potential aircraft into capacity planning.
Read the full story →
Hurricane Isaias threatens Gulf energy infrastructure and tight fuel supplies
Gulf producers shut in about 1.3 million barrels per day of oil output ahead of Hurricane Isaias, while roughly 500,000 barrels per day of refining capacity lay in the storm's path. The disruption creates additional fuel-price risk, but the size and duration of any retail diesel effect depend on verified damage and restart timing.
What it means for you: Build short-term fueling flexibility around Gulf Coast operations, but do not assume the entire reported shutdown becomes a lasting diesel shortage.
Read the full story →
EEOC lawsuit alleges a Texas carrier discriminated against older driver applicants
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Trancasa USA, alleging that it rejected older truck-driver applicants and applied stricter driving-record and medical-documentation requirements based on age. The allegations have not been decided by a court.
What it means for you: Audit driver-screening rules for consistent, job-related application and document the legitimate basis for every disqualification.
Read the full story → Isaac introduces configurable AI in-cab safety alerts and fuel tools
Isaac Instruments introduced visual and audible in-cab alerts for risks including close following, excessive speed and, with inward-facing cameras, cellphone use. The vendor says the system gives drivers time to self-correct before creating a review video; its projected reductions and fuel savings are company-reported, not guaranteed fleet results.
What it means for you: Measure false alerts, driver acceptance, preventable-event trends and actual fuel economy before expanding the system fleetwide.
Read the full story → Russian diesel supply announcement offers limited near-term relief
The White House announced an agreement for Russia to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, 500,000 tons in November and a larger later tranche. Reuters reported that analysts do not expect the initial volumes alone to materially reduce U.S. diesel prices, so carriers should treat this as a supply announcement rather than delivered price relief.
What it means for you: Keep current fuel controls and surcharge discipline in place until delivered supply produces measurable regional price changes.
Read the full story → Fake-broker diversion attempt targets a $273,000 seafood load
Police in North Arlington, New Jersey, interrupted an attempted transfer of about 29,000 pounds of frozen seafood after a person impersonating a broker redirected the driver by phone and text. The load, valued above $273,000, was recovered and two suspects were arrested, according to FreightWaves.
What it means for you: Pause and independently verify any mid-load destination or transfer change before moving or releasing freight.
Read the full story → Stord closes $400 million credit facility for fulfillment expansion
Stord said it closed an oversubscribed $400 million credit facility led by Citi. The company plans to use the financing to expand its fulfillment network and invest in robotics and artificial intelligence; pricing, maturity and other facility terms were not disclosed in the report.
What it means for you: Watch for named facilities and launch dates that could create concrete inbound and outbound opportunities.
Read the full story → U.S. West Coast container spot rates edge lower after mid-September climb
Xeneta data reported by FreightWaves showed the Far East–U.S. West Coast spot rate dipping $2 per forty-foot container on October 7 to $8,336, while the East Coast benchmark stood at $11,512. The change is marginal and should not be treated as a confirmed downward trend.
What it means for you: Use the reading as an early pricing signal, but base bookings on current all-in quotes and service conditions.
Read the full story →
FMCSA advances split-sleeper pilot data collection
FMCSA opened a comment period on the information collection for a proposed flexible sleeper-berth pilot involving about 256 commercial drivers. The study would compare current hours-of-service rules with additional split options, including potential 5/5 and 6/4 combinations.
What it means for you: Drivers and carriers can comment on the study design, but must continue following current split-sleeper rules unless formally authorized for the pilot.
Read the full story → FMCSA removes nearly 10,000 training-provider locations from its registry
FMCSA had removed 9,970 truck-driver training locations from its registry as of October 5, according to agency information reported by Transport Topics. The total includes federal enforcement actions and voluntary departures; nearly 800 additional schools were reportedly under review.
What it means for you: Confirm a training provider's active FMCSA registry status before tuition is paid or a new CDL credential is relied upon.
Read the full story → August wholesale sales outpace inventory growth as stock-to-sales ratio tightens
U.S. wholesale inventories rose a revised 0.5% in August while sales increased 1.8%, according to Census Bureau data reported by Reuters. The inventory-to-sales ratio declined to 1.18 months from 1.19 in July, providing a broad restocking and throughput signal rather than a direct forecast for truckload demand.
What it means for you: Use faster wholesale sales as a positive throughput signal, then validate it against current customer and lane data.
Read the full story → Daimler Truck reports 51% North American unit-sales increase in Q3
Daimler Truck reported 45,629 North American unit sales in the third quarter, up 51% from 30,225 a year earlier. Group sales rose 26% to 91,260 vehicles, while group battery-electric sales declined 28% to 1,207 units.
What it means for you: Treat the North American increase as an equipment-market signal and validate it against broader orders and utilization data.
Read the full story → Kodiak and Charger launch autonomous Dallas–Laredo freight service with a safety driver
Kodiak AI and Charger Logistics launched a 435-mile Dallas–Laredo service moving refrigerated and dry freight for consumer-goods and food-and-beverage customers. A safety driver remains behind the wheel; Kodiak says driverless operation would begin only after it completes its safety case.
What it means for you: Monitor the lane as a real customer-freight deployment, while separating today's supervised operation from future driverless plans.
Read the full story → Global container volumes set an August record as pricing reaches a two-year high
Container Trades Statistics reported a record 17.46 million TEUs moved globally in August. FreightWaves says North American imports also returned to year-over-year growth, but the figures describe ocean trade and do not guarantee stronger U.S. truckload demand.
What it means for you: Use port- and lane-level demand signals before translating record global container volume into a U.S. trucking decision.
Read the full story → Electric drayage fleets still face a cost gap despite high diesel
The Wall Street Journal reports that battery-electric drayage operators serving the Los Angeles–Long Beach port complex are struggling to compete with diesel trucks. The ports are developing per-trip incentives, but the program details and fleet economics remain operationally important.
What it means for you: Evaluate total cost per productive shift—not fuel or electricity alone—before committing equipment to port drayage.
Read the full story → Freight volumes weaken despite resilient contract rates
Trucking Dive's October 8 coverage highlights weaker freight activity despite firmer contract pricing. The underlying U.S. Bank and DAT report shows why carriers should track shipment counts and truck utilization alongside rates.
What it means for you: Track shipment consistency and total truck utilization—not just the rate per loaded mile.
Read the full story → Amazon trucking-fraud sentence highlights carrier identity risk
FreightWaves' October 8 report covers a federal sentence for a scheme involving false or misused trucking-company identities. DOJ confirmed the sentence October 7; the underlying fraud occurred from 2019 to 2021.
What it means for you: Verify the authorized contact and completed movement, not merely the carrier name or DOT number.
Read the full story → IMC Logistics orders 50 Tesla Semis for California drayage and inland lanes
IMC Logistics announced an order for 50 Tesla Semis for its California fleet. The carrier plans to use Standard Range trucks in port drayage and Long Range models between Southern California and inland destinations, but it did not disclose the model split or a complete deployment schedule.
What it means for you: Treat the order as a meaningful drayage commitment, while waiting for delivery, charging and utilization data before judging economics.
Read the full story → Maersk flags tight October capacity, vessel delays and importer-identity risk
Maersk's October North America update says trans-Pacific demand remains elevated, vessel delays are affecting schedules and capacity is expected to remain tight through October. The carrier also warns that incomplete importer identity information can cause U.S. Customs and Border Protection to void an importer-of-record number.
What it means for you: Build extra lead time into constrained ocean moves and verify importer identity records before cargo reaches the entry process.
Read the full story → U.S. intermodal volume rises 7.4% in the latest reported week
The Association of American Railroads reported 299,001 U.S. intermodal containers and trailers for the week ending October 3, up 7.4% from the comparable 2025 week. Total U.S. rail traffic increased 5.1%, offering a useful demand signal for drayage, rail ramps and domestic container networks.
What it means for you: Use the stronger intermodal reading as a demand signal, then confirm ramp-level volume, dwell time and drayage economics before committing equipment.
Read the full story → FMCSA grants five-year warning-beacon exemption for qualifying autonomous trucks
FMCSA granted a limited exemption allowing qualifying Level 4 automated trucks to use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of traditional warning devices. It is effective October 7, 2026 through October 7, 2031, with conditions.
What it means for you: Do not change conventional-truck warning procedures based on an exemption for qualifying automated vehicles.
Read the full story → September LMI shows rising logistics costs and tighter transportation capacity
The September Logistics Managers' Index rose to 70.2 as transportation prices climbed to 92.7 and transportation capacity fell to 34.4. Readings above 50 indicate expansion and readings below 50 contraction, so the survey points to rapidly rising prices and sharply tighter available capacity.
What it means for you: Use the LMI as evidence of broad capacity and cost pressure, then confirm conditions with current lane, tender and warehouse data.
Read the full story → FDA rule removes a device-clearance barrier for federal drug testing
An FDA rule effective October 6 exempts specified federally regulated drug-testing systems from certain premarket-notification requirements, removing an obstacle to oral-fluid and potential hair-testing programs. It does not, by itself, authorize carriers to begin DOT hair testing or make every oral-fluid collection immediately operational.
What it means for you: Keep current DOT testing procedures until written DOT and provider guidance confirms an authorized operational change.
Read the full story → Transfix adds driver identity checks before freight pickup
Transfix has brought E3 Group's authentication tools into its shipment-management workflow. Brokers can review the assigned driver before releasing pickup details.
What it means for you: Verify the individual collecting a shipment as well as the carrier receiving the tender.
Read the full story → Baltimore logistics hub selected for planned submarine-components plant
Anduril plans a $3.7 billion manufacturing investment at Tradepoint Atlantic. Initial operations are expected in 2030, creating a prospective source of specialized industrial cargo.
What it means for you: Treat a planned factory as a future opportunity and confirm construction and supplier timelines before adding capacity.
Read the full story → Einride and EASE put cabless electric trucks into daily Ohio service
Two remotely monitored electric vehicles are moving shipments between EASE facilities in Marysville. The deployment includes local public roads, with further expansion dependent on operating results.
What it means for you: Evaluate the actual route, oversight and reliability of an autonomous service before assuming it can replace broader truck capacity.
Read the full story → Xeneta expects elevated Asia–U.S. shipping costs after rate peak
Xeneta's analyst believes trans-Pacific spot pricing has reached its recent high but may remain expensive through year-end. This is a market outlook rather than a guaranteed future shipping quote.
What it means for you: Obtain lane-specific quotes and compare routing and delivery deadlines before committing ocean freight.
Read the full story → ZF raises North American outlook while redirecting hybrid development
ZF increased its U.S. sales expectations and paused a hybrid project with an American customer. Its TraXon Hybrid focus is moving toward Europe and Japan.
What it means for you: Confirm model availability and service support when planning replacement equipment.
Read the full story → Volvo and Waabi begin moving Warp freight in Texas
Volvo trucks equipped with Waabi's system are serving Warp on the Dallas–Houston corridor. An observer remains seated in the cab during these customer operations.
What it means for you: Distinguish today's supervised service from proposed future driverless operations.
Read the full story → Shintech supports proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern combination
The chemical manufacturer told regulators it favors a merger that could offer single-railroad access to eastern destinations. Other chemical-industry organizations have expressed concerns about consolidation.
What it means for you: Track the approval process and future service commitments before changing rail sourcing plans.
Read the full story → Dyed-diesel order starts federal relief process, but state rules still matter
An October 5 executive order directs Treasury and the IRS to provide temporary federal tax and penalty relief involving on-highway use of dyed diesel through December 31. Treasury guidance and state action still control important details, so carriers should not assume the announcement creates identical rules everywhere.
What it means for you: Confirm federal guidance, state and IFTA treatment, and your carrier's written policy before putting dyed diesel into an on-highway truck.
Read the full story → Speeding leads 2026 Operation Safe Driver enforcement results
Law-enforcement agencies interacted with 8,083 drivers during the July 12–18 Operation Safe Driver Week, issuing 2,604 citations and 3,968 warnings across commercial and passenger vehicles. Speeding was the most frequently cited behavior, including 342 citations and 772 warnings issued to commercial drivers.
What it means for you: Use the campaign results to target speed, traffic-control and following-distance coaching with fleet-specific data.
Read the full story → September Class 8 orders reach 21,300 as 2027 books open
FTR's preliminary figures show heavy-truck orders increased 18% from August and 3% from a year earlier. Replacement needs and the opening of next year's order books helped shape demand.
What it means for you: Use order data alongside delivery dates, financing terms and actual freight commitments.
Read the full story → DP World signs option for Corpus Christi container development
The terminal operator and Texas port have agreed to a lease option for a proposed container facility. Its eventual capacity could approach one million TEUs annually.
What it means for you: An option agreement precedes operating capacity; verify development milestones before routing cargo through a proposed terminal.
Read the full story → Jack Holmes becomes STG Logistics chief executive
STG announced new executive and board appointments following its financial restructuring. Former UPS Freight leader Jack Holmes takes the chief executive role.
What it means for you: Confirm current service coverage and account contacts during a logistics provider's leadership transition.
Read the full story → Evri agrees to buy U.S. cross-border parcel specialist
The British parcel group is acquiring Florida-based Cross Border Connect to strengthen delivery and returns between the United Kingdom and United States.
What it means for you: Compare customs handling, returns processes and final-mile coverage when selecting a cross-border parcel provider.
Read the full story → ISEE and Holman combine autonomous yard technology with fleet services
The partnership will offer leasing, vehicle retrofits and maintenance alongside ISEE's autonomy system. Customers can use several equipment-ownership arrangements.
What it means for you: Compare total service cost, maintenance responsibility and site suitability before adopting automated yard tractors.
Read the full story → FMCSA announces restoration of longer regional-emergency relief
FreightWaves reports a final rule returning qualifying regional-emergency hours-of-service relief to a 30-day automatic period. Relief concerns direct emergency assistance rather than ordinary freight operations.
What it means for you: Check the official rule's effective date, qualifying declaration and load eligibility before relying on an exemption.
Read the full story → Revised Israeli review adds uncertainty to Hapag-Lloyd's Zim deal
The planned acquisition needs a revised transaction proposal and fresh Israeli review. Maritime-security conditions and a shareholder challenge complicate its closing timetable.
What it means for you: Continue confirming bookings and account arrangements with existing providers while a proposed deal awaits approval.
Read the full story → C.H. Robinson agrees to acquire RXO in $5.8 billion transaction
C.H. Robinson and RXO announced a definitive acquisition agreement October 5. The proposed combination would expand brokerage, managed transportation, expedited freight, and last-mile capabilities; closing remains subject to approvals.
What it means for you: Keep existing procedures until verified instructions change; watch for official closing and integration updates.
Read the full story → High diesel costs squeeze small carriers as spot load postings rise
The Wall Street Journal reports that independent truckers are cutting expenses, changing fueling habits, or parking equipment as diesel costs pressure already-thin margins. The same October 5 report says DAT One recorded 3.3 million spot-market loads in the week ended October 3, up 9% from the prior week as quarter-end shipping increased activity.
What it means for you: Reprice loads using current fuel cost per total mile and verify how quickly any surcharge adjusts before accepting thin-margin freight.
Read the full story → Cross-border freight operators warned about customs-payment impersonation
A new FreightWaves report describes warnings from Mexican trade officials about criminals impersonating importers and customs brokers to divert shipment-related payments. The risk centers on convincing messages that appear to concern a real shipment.
What it means for you: Independently verify unexpected payment or routing changes through established contacts before acting.
Read the full story → Rising spot rates and softer demand send conflicting truckload signals
FreightWaves’ October 3 market analysis reports higher dry van spot rates alongside falling accepted contract tenders. The analyst identifies rising diesel costs as a possible contributor, rather than treating higher rates as proof of stronger freight demand.
What it means for you: Check fuel treatment, freight consistency, and total trip costs before treating a higher spot rate as better earnings.
Read the full story → Contract dry van rates pull ahead of spot freight
FreightWaves reports that U.S. Bank’s latest rates index puts August contract dry van linehaul at $2.39 per mile, compared with $2.17 for spot freight. The 22-cent gap reverses June’s pattern, while higher fuel surcharges add pressure to transportation costs.
What it means for you: Compare linehaul and fuel separately when evaluating freight revenue. These are freight rates, not driver wage rates.
Read the full story → September trucking employment edges above a year earlier
FreightWaves reports that September truck transportation employment reached 1,473,100 jobs, up 2,600 from August and 800 from a year earlier. It is the first positive annual comparison since April 2023. Economists quoted in the report caution that the figures may be revised.
What it means for you: Treat national employment figures as a market signal; local openings and carrier hiring needs still vary.
Read the full story → Geotab connects fuel-card authorization with live vehicle data
Geotab announced a fleet card developed with AtoB on October 1. The product connects vehicle location and fuel-level information with payment authorization, aiming to help eligible U.S. fleets control purchases and find lower-cost fuel.
What it means for you: Evaluate authorization controls alongside driver support, net fueling costs, and the provider’s actual terms.
Read the full story → XPO adds service centers near Phoenix and Kansas City
XPO has added terminals in Mesa, Arizona, and Cameron, Missouri, bringing its North American network to 300 locations, according to FreightWaves. The facilities expand capacity serving the Phoenix and Kansas City markets and key regional freight corridors.
What it means for you: Terminal expansions can change local freight coverage. Confirm current services and hiring availability directly with the carrier.
Read the full story → Nearshoring panel highlights tighter U.S.–Mexico trucking capacity
Participants at Trimble's industry conference described continuing investment alongside driver enforcement, customs scrutiny and cargo-security challenges. Cross-border growth is increasing operational complexity.
What it means for you: Build border documentation, dwell time and verified carrier coverage into every cross-border shipment plan.
Read the full story → Federal jury convicts two in carrier-based cargo theft scheme
Prosecutors linked the nationwide operation to at least $2 million in stolen merchandise. The scheme used purchased or misused legitimate trucking businesses to obtain shipping work.
What it means for you: Recheck ownership changes and pickup identities even when a carrier has an established operating history.
Read the full story → FedEx orders 2,000 electric delivery trucks from Harbinger
Harbinger announced a binding order valued above $300 million for pickup-and-delivery vehicles. The planned deliveries extend through the end of 2027 across U.S. and Canadian operations.
What it means for you: Match electrification plans to delivery schedules, depot charging and the duty cycle of each route.
Read the full story → Trans-Pacific pricing rises as trade-truce extension eases uncertainty
FreightWaves reports higher ocean spot rates alongside an extension of the U.S.–China trade truce. The reporting describes temporary policy relief rather than permanent certainty for importers.
What it means for you: Recheck tariff and vessel-fee requirements at booking and shipment execution.
Read the full story → DoorDash expands into retail returns and custom delivery drones
The company announced a reverse-logistics service and its own drone-delivery system. These additions extend its network beyond conventional restaurant delivery.
What it means for you: Assess returns eligibility, delivery-area coverage and handling requirements before changing fulfillment arrangements.
Read the full story → Daimler emphasizes integrated truck and autonomy development
Daimler's leadership described a strategy pairing its redundant vehicle platform with Torc's autonomous-driving software. The company sees control of both systems as a competitive advantage.
What it means for you: Compare vehicle support, software responsibility and operating limitations as a complete service package.
Read the full story → Weekly U.S. rail traffic increases across carloads and intermodal
AAR's week-ending September 26 figures show 235,787 carloads and 301,610 intermodal units. Both categories increased compared with the corresponding week a year earlier.
What it means for you: Compare regional ramp activity and actual transit performance alongside national rail totals.
Read the full story → Port Houston reports modest container growth and stronger steel imports
August container throughput reached 373,756 TEUs, about 1% above a year earlier. Steel imports increased substantially, creating a different cargo mix from container growth alone.
What it means for you: Match equipment and handling plans to the cargo type moving through the port.
Read the full story → Cargo-theft expert warns stolen goods can reenter legitimate commerce
Scott Cornell described criminals moving stolen cargo through additional facilities and paperwork before resale or export. The warning extends security concerns beyond the original fraudulent pickup.
What it means for you: Maintain traceable custody records and investigate unexpected cross-docks or altered shipment descriptions.
Read the full story → Flanagan-White and Zipp Express combine Midwest delivery operations
The St. Louis-area expedited carriers merged their operations and assets to expand regional coverage. Financial terms were not disclosed.
What it means for you: Verify updated service maps, dispatch contacts and shipment tracking during the integration.
Read the full story → Police recover stolen PlusAI trailers after warehouse theft
Two trailers taken from a Fremont facility were recovered nearby later that day. Their visible technology branding did not reflect the sand carried inside.
What it means for you: Use equipment tracking and secure trailer parking regardless of a load's apparent value.
Read the full story → Proposed trucking bill targets English testing and unlawful cabotage
Barron's Law would add standardized CDL language tests and strengthen penalties and carrier enforcement. The report concerns introduced legislation, not enacted requirements.
What it means for you: Follow the bill's progress and continue using the rules currently in force.
Read the full story → National enforcement operation recovers cargo and coordinates theft intelligence
A Cook County-led effort brought together police, federal agencies, railroads and private security organizations. Reported recoveries included a valuable transformer shipment.
What it means for you: Keep an accessible theft-response contact list and share shipment identifiers quickly after a loss.
Read the full story → ONE plans regional-management consolidation in Singapore and Dubai
Ocean Network Express will combine Asian headquarters functions and centralize oversight of several African markets. The new arrangement is scheduled for April 2027.
What it means for you: Confirm regional contacts and escalation channels as the carrier reorganizes.
Read the full story → Multi-state inspections spotlight driver and vehicle compliance
FMCSA reports 552 inspections during a September 26 enforcement operation in four Southeastern states. Inspectors placed 78 drivers and 25 vehicles out of service. Checks covered driver credentials, fatigue, electronic logs, distracted driving, and cargo securement.
What it means for you: Keep credentials, logs, and vehicle readiness current before dispatch.
Read the full story → Used Class 8 retail sales fall as inventory tightens and prices rise
ACT Research reported that same-dealer used Class 8 retail sales fell 24% from July in August, while the average retail price rose 2.2% to $64,367. Compared with August 2025, sales were 12% higher and prices were 11% higher.
What it means for you: Treat tighter supply and rising averages as a negotiation signal, then inspect total ownership cost unit by unit.
Read the full story → Improving Gulf crude flows accompany lower benchmark diesel pricing
FreightWaves reports that increased Persian Gulf oil flows helped soften oil prices. The fuel-surcharge benchmark declined after three consecutive increases.
What it means for you: Align surcharge calculations with the agreed benchmark and effective week rather than headline oil prices.
Read the full story → Descartes adds conversational research to global trade data
A new Datamyne agent allows users to explore shipment information with natural-language requests. Descartes says the tool can shorten research time, with results dependent on the query and user.
What it means for you: Validate trade-data coverage and the returned records before using AI output to choose suppliers or markets.
Read the full story → Flexport enables authorized AI agents to track and book freight
Its new connection allows supported assistants to retrieve shipment information, examine rates and place bookings. The capabilities rely on authorized access to the shipper's account.
What it means for you: Set booking permissions and review shipment details before allowing automated commercial actions.
Read the full story → Freight recovery continues to depend on tighter capacity
Transport Topics reports that ATA’s August truck tonnage index fell 0.5% from July and 1.6% from a year earlier. The report points to tighter trucking capacity, rather than stronger freight demand, as a key factor in the market’s recovery.
What it means for you: Ask about available miles and freight consistency when comparing opportunities.
Read the full story → CBP electronic truck-export manifest test begins October 23
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a voluntary two-year ACE test for as many as nine truck carriers exporting freight to Canada or Mexico. Participants will transmit limited manifest data 24 hours before departure and complete the filing no later than two hours before reaching the final U.S. port of export.
What it means for you: Cross-border operators should review data ownership and ACE readiness now, while recognizing that the October 23 program applies only to selected test participants.
Read the full story → PrePass and Kodiak connect truck inspections with roadside screening
The companies are transmitting autonomous-vehicle inspection information through PrePass to state enforcement systems. Initial implementation covers Texas and Louisiana, while bypass decisions remain with the state.
What it means for you: Confirm inspection documentation and state-specific clearance procedures for each autonomous route.
Read the full story → FAA exemption gives Boeing additional 777 freighter production runway
The agency approved production of 35 additional legacy freighters beyond the upcoming international emissions deadline. The decision helps bridge aircraft availability before the next-generation model arrives.
What it means for you: Plan air freight around confirmed airline capacity rather than future aircraft production alone.
Read the full story → Florida investigators recover stolen tire and battery shipments
Troopers located two stolen tractor-trailers at a St. Johns County truck stop after an interstate theft alert. One person was arrested and another driver fled, according to the report.
What it means for you: Make trailer descriptions and tracking information available to law enforcement immediately after suspected theft.
Read the full story → Samsara study identifies concentrated risk within driver population
In the company's analysis, the highest-risk tenth of drivers accounted for nearly half of crashes. The finding reflects its model and dataset, not a universal prediction for every fleet.
What it means for you: Combine risk indicators with fair coaching and a review of actual driving events.
Read the full story → Kuehne+Nagel expands Amazon logistics relationship for data centers
A long-term agreement extends supply-chain support for Amazon's infrastructure development, with cloud-computing facilities a principal focus. The work spans construction and operational needs.
What it means for you: Specialized project freight requires delivery sequencing, handling plans and site-access coordination.
Read the full story → CBP scrutiny of importer records threatens shipment clearance
The report describes invalidation of importer identifiers with incomplete or inaccurate information. A voided identifier can prevent the affected importer from using it for U.S. entry.
What it means for you: Have the importer and customs broker confirm record validity before tendering border-bound cargo.
Read the full story → Old Dominion announces 4.9% general tariff increase
The carrier moved its annual general rate increase forward to October 5. The published percentage represents an expected average across tariff adjustments rather than a uniform change on every shipment.
What it means for you: Reprice representative lanes and weight classes using the customer's actual tariff and discount terms.
Read the full story → Saskatchewan charges carrier over alleged foreign-worker violations
Escalade Transportation and a representative face charges alleging misleading treatment and unfair advantage of foreign workers. These are allegations and do not establish guilt.
What it means for you: Drivers should retain written recruitment, compensation and employment records.
Read the full story → Industry discussion links broker liability debate to human expertise
A logistics mergers-and-acquisitions conference examined how the Montgomery litigation could affect brokerage work. Participants considered the continuing value of human judgment in carrier selection.
What it means for you: Combine documented verification with staff escalation when a carrier or shipment presents unusual risk.
Read the full story → Tesla plans additional distribution space near Austin
State project records describe a distribution facility exceeding 538,000 square feet. The planned building adds to Tesla's manufacturing and logistics footprint in the region.
What it means for you: Monitor opening dates and supplier opportunities before treating planned warehouse space as active freight demand.
Read the full story → Wholesale and retail fuel divergence puts pressure on fleet margins
FreightWaves' analysis shows that rapid wholesale diesel increases can reduce the cushion available to fleets whose surcharges track retail prices. Different purchasing agreements create different cost exposure.
What it means for you: Review the lag between purchased fuel cost and collected surcharges.
Read the full story → Delaware recovers electronics load after alleged impersonation pickup
Authorities recovered more than $680,000 in electronics and charged a suspect after a warehouse pickup using allegedly false credentials. The criminal charges remain allegations.
What it means for you: Validate collection instructions through independently confirmed contacts before releasing high-value cargo.
Read the full story → YardFlow customer expands automation to more than 200 facilities
A beverage company is widening a rollout after using the software at 26 sites. Reported productivity improvements are vendor findings from that deployment.
What it means for you: Measure driver waiting, check-in time and document accuracy before and after introducing yard automation.
Read the full story → Memphis police allege diversion of refrigerated chicken shipment
An affidavit describes a driver offering a $110,000 load to settle a debt. Officers interrupted unloading and made arrests; the case remains subject to court proceedings.
What it means for you: Investigate route deviations and unauthorized stops while preserving temperature and custody records.
Read the full story → Riverside firefighters respond to container fire during train burglary
A BNSF train on a Los Angeles–Chicago movement was involved in a burglary and container fire. Railroad police are investigating, and reported cargo losses had not been established.
What it means for you: Maintain visibility into rail exceptions and confirm affected containers before notifying customers of a loss.
Read the full story → Authorities investigate diversion of aerospace components to Hong Kong
A shipment intended for repair in the United States was reportedly rerouted from Australia. Investigators had not established why it changed course or who held the components.
What it means for you: Apply destination verification and documented custody to controlled or sensitive cargo.
Read the full story → FleetCor and chief executive agree to $100 million fuel-card settlement
The proposed resolution follows FTC litigation over fuel-card billing and marketing practices. The payment is intended to support redress for affected business customers.
What it means for you: Audit fees and billing terms when comparing fuel-card savings.
Read the full story → Costco widens same-day delivery through DoorDash and Uber
New and expanded platform partnerships add options for transporting online orders from stores to consumers. Uber's arrangement now covers nearly 600 locations across 47 states.
What it means for you: Evaluate delivery coverage, order handling and customer-service responsibility alongside delivery speed.
Read the full story → FreightTech100 recognizes 2027 freight-technology innovators
FreightWaves selected 100 firms for its annual innovation list. Further industry judging will determine the FreightTech25 during the October awards program.
What it means for you: Use recognition as a starting point for vendor research and verify product fit and references independently.
Read the full story → Enhanced state review requirements take effect in DataQs
FMCSA’s DataQs website announces enhanced state requirements effective September 18. DataQs lets drivers and carriers request a review of federal or state safety information they believe is incorrect or incomplete.
What it means for you: Review your safety information and use the official process to raise a documented concern.
Read the full story → ATRI launches research on the costs and benefits of trucking regulations
The American Transportation Research Institute announced research on regulatory benefit-cost models, initially focusing on hours-of-service rules and the electronic logging device mandate. Drivers, carriers, and law enforcement were invited to contribute through a survey.
What it means for you: This is a research initiative; it does not change current driving or logging requirements.
Read the full story → FMCSA prepares hours-of-service pilots for a wider 2027 launch
FMCSA says pretests are complete for its Flexible Sleeper Berth and Split Duty Period pilot programs. The agency is preparing a broader launch in 2027 to evaluate potential scheduling flexibility.
What it means for you: These are pilot programs, not a general change to hours-of-service rules. Follow the requirements that apply to your operation.
Read the full story →