Bulk Freight News & Industry Updates - Stay Ahead in Trucking

It’s no secret that the trucking industry faces labor challenges, though there’s debate over what exactly the problem is: high driver turnover or a true driver shortage. While the industry has sought multiple solutions, one option is to look at the upcoming generation. “We're trying to put a Band-Aid on the problem,” Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, said. “For years, it's just been about stealing drivers from one another … instead

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Following its introduction in the U.S. House in April, members of the Senate this month introduced a bill that would block the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from requiring speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Oklahoma) introduced the bill in the House last month and, on May 8, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana) introduced it in the Senate. Dubbed the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act, the

Rates are down, and any change in that trend doesn’t appear likely in the near future. It’s critical for truck drivers, especially those with their own authority, to negotiate rates in a poor market. Tom Crowley and Aron Lynch of OOIDA’s Compliance Department recently spoke with Land Line Now and provided some best practices for negotiating rates. “Without knowing your cost of operation, how do you know where your break-even point is?” Crowley said. “Whe

Bills updating the grain indemnity program and allowing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship clean titles on livestock they take over, advanced Thursday from the Iowa House. Lawmakers appear to have resolved differing opinions on grain indemnity limits and including credit-sales, which has been a roadblock for similar bills in the past, though the Senate will have to give final approval to the amended bill. Rep. Norlin Mommsen, R-DeWitt, who managed the bill,

As trucking companies make decisions about their truck purchases amid economic uncertainty and tariffs, Paccar “is really well positioned,” with its footprint in North America, according to Feight. Paccar has a Peterbilt factory in Denton, Texas, a Kenworth plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, and a Renton, Washington plant. Paccar considers those locations as the principal three Class 8 truck plants that it uses for U.S. production, according to Feight. “We are an American company that

As the food and beverage industries face pressure from the Trump administration to phase out artificial dyes, ADM's ingredients unit is seeing more demand for natural colors, which Luciano hopes could drive future growth for the beleaguered nutrition business. ADM's nutrition unit, which includes its flavor and ingredients businesses, has struggled to regain its footing following a criminal probe into the segment's accounting practices. The investigation, which looked into whether ADM

Several trucking industry stakeholders voiced issues that are most prevalent in the industry, as members of Congress work on a multi-year surface transportation bill. The Truckload Carriers Association, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters were among those who spoke on several key matters pertaining to the efficient movement of goods and safety for truckers during a Subcommittee on Highways and Transit hearing on March 26.

New research by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has linked repealing the 12% federal excise tax (FET) on new trucks and truck equipment to a significant reduction in crashes and, as a result, significant cost savings. In its report released on Wednesday, ATRI, the research arm of the American Trucking Associations, found that the accelerated replacement of old trucks with new ones spurred by repealing the tax would reduce the cost of advanced driver assistance sys

Lately, it feels like every time there’s a truck accident posted online, the comment section turns into the same broken record: “Must’ve been one of those foreign drivers.” “Probably someone with a non-domicile CDL.” “Another reason they’re taking our jobs.” Let me be crystal clear: That line of thinking? It’s full of assumptions, it’s dangerous, and it completely misses the real problem. This issue with non-domi

Today, the American Trucking Associations commends the House of Representatives for passing two key resolutions that will undo damaging emissions regulations set by California and prevent the Golden State from setting de facto national emissions policies in the future.  Earlier this month, ATA sent a letter urging Republican congressional leaders in the House and Senate to put these measures on the floor. H.J.Res. 87, which was introduced by Rep. John James (R-Michigan) and approved by

Private fleets have long dominated the employment of light-duty truck drivers, although the revolution in home delivery has cut private fleets’ share of those drivers from about two-thirds traditionally to barely more than half today, assuming we consider parcel and local delivery businesses to be “for-hir

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You might not think about bees when you're buying cucumbers or berries, but they're behind nearly every bite. Now, a wave of colony collapses in Texas is threatening the bees we rely on and the food supply they help sustain. What's happening? Texas farmers are seeing major declines in their honeybee populations. According to Food & Wine, commercial beekeepers across the state have lost around two-thirds of their colonies in the past year. A survey by Project

Truck & Trailer Leasing Avenue of Joliet, Illinois, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 16 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The company stated in the petition that it has both assets and liabilities of $10 million-$50 million and said that money would be available to pay unsecured creditors. The largest unsecured creditors are Bank Midwest of Kansas City, Missouri, owed about $818,000, and De Lage Landen Financial Services, owed about $623,00

Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced steps to rescind a dangerous Obama-era policy that dismissed English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This action prioritizes safety on America's roadways in line with President Trump's Executive Order signed today. At the direction of Secretary Duffy, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will take immediate actions to execute the Pr

The month of March is usually a strong one for U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks, and it often sets the tone for the upcoming summer. Because the month closes the year’s first quarter, carriers often adjust purchase investments to impact quarterly results and set up their fleets for the next quarter. True to form in 2025, U.S sales of new Class 8 trucks rose significantly in March — up by 18.8% from February sales figures. According to data received from Wards In

A 46-year-old Canadian trucking company has been put into receivership at the request of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), which said the carrier owes it $6.7 million. Kingsley Trucking ceased operations on Thursday, the same day that the British Columbia Supreme Court placed the carrier into receivership due to the company’s being “unable to secure a transaction, financing, or other arrangement to address the defaults or repay the Indebtedness owing to the Bank,” according to court filings.

With a new administration in Washington bent on changing federal immigration policy and enforcement, many in and around trucking have wondered: Does trucking have an "open borders" problem? At the Mid-America Trucking Show in March, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration got peppered with questions about English language proficiency and "non-domiciled CDLs," CDLs issued by one state to residents of another, or of a foreign country. Those are "li

Layoffs and bankruptcies hit multiple sectors of the supply chain throughout April, as new or soon-to-be-imposed tariffs continue to weigh on freight markets. Truck & Trailer Leasing Avenue of Joliet, Illinois, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 16 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The company stated in the petition that it has both assets and liabilities of $10 million-$50 million and said that money would be available to pay unsecure

Nearly 600 carriers, brokers, shippers and owner-operators gathered at the Branson Convention Center April 16-18 for the 2025 Bulk Freight Conference. The conference, hosted by BulkLoads and presented by Smart Freight Funding, is the only event in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the bulk freight sector. “We hear it time and again: ‘Thanks for creating a space where the little guy can be he

In 2025, the national conversation around English proficiency and trucking safety resurfaced with new intensity. Two executive orders, signed by President Donald Trump, renewed emphasis on English language requirements, both at a cultural level and at the level of commercial motor vehicle operations. On March 1, an executive order formally designated English as the official language of the United States. It revoked Executive Order 13166, which had promoted multilingual government servi

Apollo Global Management forecasts a severe U.S. recession triggered by recent tariffs, which will lead to widespread layoffs in the trucking and retail sectors amid rising economic uncertainty. The report, available on Apollo’s website, paints a grim scenario: The trucking industry, critical to U.S. logistics, faces significant challenges as tariffs disrupt trade, particularly with China. A sharp decline in container ship voyages from China is expected to reduce freight volumes

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An Indiana truck driver says he will retire early after winning the fourth-largest jackpot in Hoosier Lotto history. An unnamed truck driver who lives in Perry County, Indiana, claimed a $42.5 million Hoosier Lotto jackpot, according to an April 25 news release from the Hoosier Lottery. Lottery officials say that the truck driver won a free ticket after matching two out of six numbers on a previous drawing, and then redeemed that free ticket at On t

After decades of substantial U.S. agricultural trade surpluses, staggering agricultural trade deficits over the past two years have caught the nation’s attention. For fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 – September 2024), USDA’s Economic Research Service estimates that there will be a record $32 billion agricultural trade deficit. The fiscal year 2024 deficit follows the current record deficit of $16.7 billion set in fiscal year 2023 and would be only the fourth agricultural trade deficit in

Spring is planting season for Missouri farmer Jared Wilson. It’s his only opportunity during the year to get his corn and soybeans sown and sprayed. Not getting it right would affect his yield. But every year, he says, he struggles to get his John Deere equipment to do the job. Broken down combines, tractors and harvesters have cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix.  “Time absolutely means money in this business,” Wilson said. “When you have machines that are failing at thos

J.B. Hunt’s contracting process takes roughly 18 months to close, according to Brad Hicks, president of dedicated contract services. But the timing of when deals sign and close will drive the company’s ability to return to positive revenue and operating income growth in 2025. In Q1, revenue for the carrier dropped 1% to $2.92 billion, while operating income dropped 8% to $179 billion. The revenue decline was driven by dips across most of the carrier’s segments, including dedicated cont

Volvo Trucks North America plans to lay off up to another 350 workers from a Virginia plant as part of job cuts affecting up to 980 employees across the country since the beginning of the year. Employees at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia, were notified of the workforce reduction on Thursday, and their last day at the facility will be June 27, Volvo spokesperson Janie Coley said. “Heavy-duty truck orders continue to be negatively affected by market uncertainty abo

Class 8 truck purchases grew by 4.5% during 2024, indicating that the demand for new trucks remains strong. Although companies can utilize a variety of cab types, sleeper styles may have the best return on investment (ROI). They present initial opportunities to decrease long-haul operational costs by eliminating the need to cover motel or hotel rooms. Drivers can pull over and sleep in their cabs, which also gives them additional time to rest by removing the check-in and ch

Across rural America, where fields stretch wide and small towns knit our communities together, agricultural cooperatives serve as cornerstones of economic strength and resilience. As CEO of Alliance Ag and Grain, I’ve seen every day how our co-ops help keep southern Kansas farming communities running strong day in and day out. From the outside, cooperatives may resemble any other business. But they’re far more than that. And today, as America’s farmers take on the challenge of feeding

A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would give dry bulk haulers a little more flexibility at the scales.   Rep. Rick Crawford, a Republican from Arkansas, and Rep. Salud Carbajal, a Democrat from California, introduced the VARIANCE Act, which allows for a 10% shift in weight variance along the axles of tank trucks carrying dry goods, without any increase in the overall federal gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit. Under current law, when stopped at a we

“Everything we do at ODOT is driven by safety. We’re committed to reducing deaths on our roadways and vehicle automation technologies can be part of the solution,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn. “Many vehicles on the road today have some degree of automated driving systems including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic braking. All of these features are designed to improve safety and reduce driver stress.” The trucks, from EASE Logistics, use platooning technology

Lawmakers have introduced legislation that they say would increase the efficiency of the transportation of dry goods by tank trucks. The Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency Act (VARIANCE Act) was introduced last week by Congressmen Salud Carbajal and Rick Crawford. The bill seeks to allow for a 10% load shift variance on each axle’s weight as long as the overall weight of the tank truck does not exceed 80,000 po

Grain Craft, the largest independent flour miller in the nation, announced they signed an agreement to acquire the North American dry corn milling assets from global agribusiness and ingredients company, Bunge.  The acquisition includes the addition of approximately 600 team members and six milling facilities. This includes three dry corn milling facilities in Crete, NE; Atchison, KS; and Danville, IL.  It also includes three dry masa facilities in Muleshoe, TX; Red Oak, IA; and Worthi

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Trucking and logistics provider J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. on Tuesday said that its customers are still trying to figure out how to adapt to new tariff-related stresses, and said it had lost some business to rivals offering lower shipping prices. Shares fell 6.2% after hours on Tuesday. The remarks from executives came during J.B. Hunt’s JBHT -1.63% conference call to discuss its first-quarter results, which were better than what Wall Street analysts expected. <

After a strong start to the year which built upon a recovery that began in 2023, booking volumes for U.S. containerized imports dropped 20% from their January peaks, despite still being 30% higher year over year compared to 2024. This abrupt change appears to be directly linked to anticipation of tariff increases, said container data analyst Vizion. Shippers, reacting to rumors and speculation, rapidly frontloaded shipments to beat potential cost hikes. However, as tariff-related uncer

Mack Trucks said Thursday it will lay off up to 450 workers from factories in Pennsylvania and Maryland due to the impact of tariffs and other economic factors. The company will cut between 250 to 350 jobs at the Lehigh Valley Operations in Lower Macungie Township, Pennsylvania, over the next 90 days. Mack Trucks will lay off between 50 to 100 workers from its factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, by May 2. This is in addition to 43 people already laid off earlier this year from the Hagerstown

Peterbilt last year achieved record market share in heavy duty (15.3%), thanks in part to the strength of its newest truck, the Model 589. With its 2023 debut, the 589 took the mantle of Peterbilt’s over the road tractor from the venerable Model 389, and joined a regal trucking lineage: the 351, 379, 389 and the 359. Replacing a legacy model with such a rich heritage is risky, but Peterbilt General Manager Jake Montero said reception has been positive, adding the company built m

More than 15,000 commercial motor vehicle drivers will need to get new medical exams before May 10 after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took action against two Houston-area chiropractors it found weren’t complying with federal commercial motor vehicle driver medical exam regulations. The FMCSA issued Notices of Proposed Removal from the National Registry of Medical Examiners of Jenny Le and Dustin Mai for failure to adequately perform USDOT physical qualification exami

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says that thousands of truck drivers will need to obtain new medical certification after the agency deemed two Houston-area doctors non-compliant with physical qualification examination regulations. On Friday, April 11, FMCSA announced that over 15,000 unexpired Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) issued by Dr.  Jenny Le and Dr. Dustin Mai between March 2023 and March 2025 have been voided.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a transportation bill allocating a two-year, $11 billion budget, including funds championed by the state trucking association, for new truck parking spaces. “Transportation is vital to our state’s economy. It connects Ohioans to jobs, education, health care and entertainment. This budget reaffirms our commitment to providing our great state with a transportation system that is safe, reliable and prepared for the future,” DeWine noted recently while signing 

Federal regulators have extended until 2030 a sleeper berth exemption for a large private fleet owner despite opposition from safety groups. Collegedale, Tennessee-based McKee Foods Transportation (MFT), which has operated under an exemption since 2015, will continue to have added sleeper berth flexibility with the extension approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The exemption allows those who operate in driving teams among the company’s 732 drivers (accord

A truck driver was transported to the hospital after one of his truck tires exploded in his face as he inspected it on the side of Interstate 40.  The incident happened late last week at about 2:!5 a.m. Thursday, April 3rd in Lenoir City, Tennessee.  According to 10 News, a truck driver hauling liquid laundry soap was heading east on I-40 near mile marker 364 when he pulled over onto the shoulder to inspect the trailer for an unspecified reason.

House Republicans have introduced resolutions to eliminate Advanced Clean Trucks and other California vehicle emission rules despite the Government Accountability Office stating precisely that Congress cannot do that. On Thursday, April 3, Rep. John James, R-Mich., introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to reverse the Environmental Protection Agency waiver for Advanced Clean Trucks. On the same day, Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., introduced a resolution to terminate the

Cyprus is known for its warm seasons, empowering farmers all over the island. Many of these hard workers woke up recently to a cold snap, though, that ravaged fields of crops in one fell swoop. They lost everything, from hardy potatoes to blossoming fruit trees — all covered in a layer of frost. What's happening? One night of cold weather was enough to destroy months of work for Cyprus farmers. Social media is ablaze with photos of frozen produce as far as the eye can see. "Months

For an industry critical to 8 in 10 communities nationwide, saying the surface transportation reauthorization bill in the 119th Congress is under the radar would seem a stretch. Yet, North Carolina Republican Rep. David Rouzer thinks it just may well be. And it certainly should not, he contends. The highway bill, as it will be colloquially known, is crucial to the trucking industry to grow and retain its workforce; ensure seamless compliance with federal, state and local rules a

Despite solid fundamentals, sentiment in the U.S. manufacturing sector has mostly been informed by buzzy anxieties over economic growth. Take durable goods, for example: After a surprising beat on new orders in January, analysts expected a correction in February. Instead, new orders for durable goods grew 0.9% month over month (m/m) against consensus expectations of a 1% m/m drop, while January’s growth was revised up to 3.3% m/m.

The U.S. economy finds itself at a crossroads following President Donald Trump’s dramatic announcement of sweeping new tariffs on imports. While some economists fear the tariffs could stoke inflation, key economic indicators – including bond yields and truckload volumes – are flashing warning signs that a recession from suppressed consumer demand and business activity may be the more pressing concern for policymakers and investors alike. On Wednesday, Trump unveiled what he called “the

The transportation sector is the largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are the fastest-growing source of transport emissions, driven by the expansion of e-commerce and consumer demand for fast delivery. Trucks’ disproportionate impact on emissions and community health underscores the urgency of adopting cleaner, more efficient technologies and practices.   In 2024, As You Sow engaged several freight and logistics companies with

Multiple law enforcement agencies partnered for a commercial vehicle inspection and enforcement operation in the Lewisville, Texas, area last month. On April 1, the Lewisville Police Department (LPD) released the results from the March 18 commercial vehicle enforcement operation. See highlights of the results below. Citations issued: 21 Warnings issued: 244 Level 1 inspect

A new study by the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) found that congressional proposals to allow heavier tractor trailers on highways would lead to major damages to the nation’s local bridges if enacted into law. It’s an update on an earlier 2023 report by CABT, which describes itself as a nonprofit grassroots organization with coalitions of approximately 3,000 local supporters in all 50 states. CABT says its supporters include law enforcement officers, local government officials,

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The Trump administration wants to roll back federal environmental regulations governing the transportation industry while working with Congress to limit how states can impose powertrain mandates. After making little deregulatory impacts during his first term, Trump 2.0 came into office with a multifaceted strategy to tear down what the administration considers burdensome environmental rules and goals.

We’ve been in a down cycle since 2022. That’s no secret. But what’s different now is how many signals left an impression that we were climbing out only to get blindsided by a downturn again. Back in January, we saw a little life. Spot rates pushed upward, volumes ticked up, and there was hope that just maybe we were on the upswing. Fast forward to April and reality’s hit like a ton of bricks. Tariffs are putting pressure on imports; the NASDAQ just had its worst single-day perfo

An Illinois-based trucking and logistics company has notified its 250 drivers that the carrier is ceasing operations immediately. Truck drivers for LTI Trucking Services said they received a fleetwide message Wednesday stating the company was closing. “After exhausting all possible options and careful consideration of our circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to close LTI Trucking Services,” read the message sent to drivers. LTI Trucking Services did not retu

A new bill just dropped in Washington – the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act – and it’s being pitched as a solution to fix the “driver shortage,” unclog the supply chain and lower costs for American families. Congressman Zach Nunn of Iowa introduced this legislation, which he claims will help recruit more drivers to an already strained supply. Sounds beneficial on the surface, right? But here’s the problem: It’s based on a complete

Over a decade ago, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation were studying whether farmers should be required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) when operating larger trucks. Fortunately, due to input from a number of state legislators and farm organizations, no new rules were implemented. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t benefits to having a CDL or to getting it sooner rather than later. As a general rule, most stat

Breckenridge Trucking's below-average out-of-service rate is just one of the benefits from the family-owned fleet's intense focus on using technology to build a strong safety culture while expanding its operations nationwide.  

Multiple law enforcement agencies partnered for a commercial vehicle inspection and enforcement operation in the Lewisville, Texas, area last month. On April 1, the Lewisville Police Department (LPD) released the results from the March 18 commercial vehicle enforcement operation. See highlights of the results below. Citations issued: 21 Warnings issued: 244 Level 1 inspections: 39

based Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. have signed a non-binding agreement to form a “strategic” alliance.   The partnership, inked through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), will "explore potential areas of future collaboration across the agriculture value chain", according to a statement. The MoU is set against a backdrop of what ADM calls the growing “importance of secure and resilient food and agriculture supply chains”.

Citing the “driver shortage” as its motivation, a bill has been introduced that would give tax credits to truck drivers who qualify. Last week, Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, reintroduced the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act. The bill would create a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for current truckers who drive at least 1,900 hours a year. It also would establish an enhanced tax credit of up to $10,000 for new truck drivers and individuals in trucking appr

As Congress plans for the next major transportation funding bill, the trucking industry is making its voice heard. The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure hosted trucking associations for a hearing on the industry’s policy priorities on March 26. Representatives from the Truckload Carriers Association, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Shippers Coalition, Teamsters, and American Farm

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The Idaho State Police (ISP) Commercial Vehicle Safety (CVS) division is reminding commercial drivers of upcoming changes to the Out-of-Service (OOS) criteria regarding medical certificates. Beginning April 1, changes can effect when a driver can be placed out of service for not possessing a valid medical certificate.

Edison Motors has built a diesel-electric hybrid semi truck prototype, with more hybrid truck builds on the way. The truck, dubbed “Topsy,” features a diesel generator and electric batteries that work together to fuel the rig. Check out a tour of the unique semi truck in the video below and let us know how you think it’ll compare to the Tesla semi truck that we’ve been promised for so long now.

A St. Louis-based company with an Iowa grain dealer license has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Iowa farmers with unpaid grain sold to Benson Hill Holdings, Inc. prior to March 20, can file a claim for indemnity, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

“The Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World” was the nickname for Truck Plant 1 at the Fort Wayne International Harvester Plant. “If you didn't have someone in your family that worked here, didn't know much about it, you might think 'Oh, that's where they built the trucks,' said Ryan DuVall, founder of Harvester Homecoming. "But when you get right down to it, they didn't just build trucks. You they developed them, they innovated them, they changed the world here in a lot of ways."

Stakeholders in the trucking industry are jockeying for position on Capitol Hill as lawmakers begin prioritizing provisions to include in the next version of highway funding legislation. A slate of issues were raised at a hearing Wednesday of a House Transportation subcommittee, including truck parking, freight fraud, driver pay and “fly-by-night” CDL schools, but increasing truck size and weights and evaluating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s oversight of electronic

Indiana is one of the most agriculturally productive states in the U.S., consistently ranking high in the production of corn, soybeans, pork, and poultry. Agriculture plays a foundational role in the state’s economy, but its success heavily depends on the efficiency and reliability of transportation systems. Moving agricultural products from farms to processing centers, distributors, and markets is a time-sensitive process. Any disruption or inefficiency in transportation not only dela

Flatbed trucking rates have surged over the past month as steel and lumber shippers hurry to stockpile inventory amid tariff whiplash threatening to roil their supply chains, experts say. A six-week increase in rates has led to the highest flatbed pricing to start a year since 2017, according to DAT, as freight repositioning combines with a typical seasonal pickup in construction and other industries. “Demand usually picks up in March and April as planting, building, constructio

A select group of carriers last week got an email from Walmart Carrier relations offering an opportunity: Hauling loads for the mega-retailer. The email said Walmart was "reaching out with an exciting opportunity from Walmart Transportation" that involved "connecting with a select group of carriers" to "embark on an initiative that will transform the way we deliver to our customers." "By joining us, you'll have

Trucking groups this week applauded the Trump administration’s plan to reconsider truck emissions rules, which the industry had argued were unachievable on existing timelines. The American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association were among the groups praising the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to reopen its greenhouse gas Phase 3 standard and review the Nitrous Oxide (NOx) rule.

Market conditions for trucking companies in January tumbled, with FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index falling into negative territory for the first time since September. FTR’s TCI reading for January fell to -2.56, which was almost the exact opposite of December’s +2.67 reading. Higher diesel prices and weak freight rates, volume and utilization resulted in unfavorable overall market conditions for carriers in January, the firm said. The only positive contributor to the index in Jan

Rollins, speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, said that prices might "inch back up." "We're going into the Easter season. This is always the highest price for eggs," said Rollins, who outlined a $1 billion "five-pronged" strategy to address the egg crisis.  Rollins announced last month the administration's plan to curb the growing number of bird flu outbreaks that began in 2022 and have decimated flocks nationwide, leading to a signi

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A smattering of media reports has advanced a dubious claim that millions of foreign truck drivers have flooded into the U.S. in recent years, displacing American workers and jeopardizing highway safety. The basis for the claim is an analysis of federal data that purports to show 1.68 million commercial driver's license (CDL) holders added to the U.S. driver pool between 2016 and 2024. While the originators of the claim do not explicitly source their data, all indications are it comes f

The Trump administration is launching a sweeping overhaul of U.S. environmental mandates in a campaign it billed as the “biggest deregulatory action” of its kind in U.S. history. The Environmental Protection Agency said March 12 that it will “reconsider” a host of Obama- and Biden-era regulations ranging from chemical safety to pollution curbs as it makes good on President Donald Trump’s pledge to speed U.S. energy development. It also described the effort as “historic actions” that “w

A Rochester trucking company owner who was convicted by a federal jury of lying to the Department of Transportation is going to prison. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Thursday that Tony Kirik, a/k/a Anatoliy Kirik, of Rochester, who was convicted by a federal jury of making false statements to the Federal Motor Commission Safety Administration (FMCSA), U.S. Department of Transportation, and conspiring to do the same, was sentenced to serve 45 months in prison by U.S. Distric

Kenworth today announced it will end production of its legacy 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks, which includes Kenworth’s W900 (W900L and W900B models), T800W (wide-hood), and the C500 in 2026. The decision is due to evolving emissions regulations and component constraints as the industry moves forward with new, more efficient, and better integrated technologies and products. A final call for truck orders will be announced later in 2025. “We know these legacy Kenworth models are an int

Two bills that could make it harder to bring large lawsuits against trucking companies have been introduced by lawmakers in Texas this month. According to KVUE, Senate Bill 30 by State Sen. Charles Schwertner would modify the rules regarding reasonableness and necessity of medical expenses in personal injury cases brought against trucking companies. The bill would also set limits on how much could be claimed, and how medical costs are determined. Under the bill, judges will be able to lower jur

Following today’s announcement that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will reopen the Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas emissions standards and review the federal NOx standard, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear issued this statement: “We commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental laws and demonstrating bold leadership on this critical issue that affects not only the 8.5 million men and women who

Financial distress in the trucking and logistics sector over the last three years has forced thousands of shipping companies to cease operations in the Great Freight Recession. About 88,000 trucking companies and 8,000 freight brokerage firms went out of business in 2023, data from Freight Caviar revealed. The trucking sector reported a net loss of about 10,000 carriers in the first half of 2024, according to TruckInfo.net.

Geodis Logistics is closing a distribution center and laying off 426 workers in Monroe Township, New Jersey. “The GEODIS facility in Monroe Township, New Jersey, will close in July 2025 due to a key customer moving operations to a GEODIS facility in Eastern Pennsylvania,”  Lauren McKirgan, a company spokeswoman, told FreightWaves in an email. Geodis did not disclose the name of that customer. The Monroe Township distribution center’s address is listed as 1 Costco Drive.

There’s no question that the landscape of trucking will change as Version 2.0 of the Trump administration takes shape in Washington. Many analysts believe hope is on the horizon following what could well be one of the longest-running economic downturns in the industry’s history. As the Truckload Carriers Association and other industry organizations continue to push for change in federal laws and regulations, trucking stakeholders hope for improvements in

China's retaliatory tariffs went into effect Monday, spelling trouble for American farmers by making U.S.-grown crops more expensive for their top purchaser. Beijing imposed the levies in response to President Trump's extra 10% blanket tariff on Chinese goods. Under China's retaliatory action, U.S. farmers now face levies of 15% on chicken, wheat and corn, and 10% on soybeans, pork, beef and fruit. China is the largest market for such products, and if prices of foreign-grown goo

If you’re still using spreadsheets, text messages, or even pen and paper to manage your trucks, you’re losing valuable time and money. Juggling dispatch, tracking, invoicing, and paperwork shouldn’t slow you down—it should be seamless. With BulkLoads TMS, you can: Assign and dispatch loads in seconds Track your trucks in real-time Automate invoicing and payments Digitally store and organize important documents Outdated

The freight market has been all over the place for small carriers, and right now, there’s a feeling that something’s about to give. The big question is whether this shift is going to work in your favor or just keep the squeeze on spot market rates a little longer. Truckload demand (the need for your services as a small carrier) is still 16% lower than it was last September, but we’re also seeing some carriers tap out. That means fewer trucks on the road but not enough freight demand to

Sometimes people need to think before they speak, and by “think” we mean they need to do some basic math. In today’s story, one customer is complaining that a company’s rates are too expensive. They seem to think another company is giving them a better deal. Are they right? Let’s see how the story unfolds.

A small trucking company says they will be forced to fire one of their drivers if the rig he operates for them is not found after a theft late last month.  The theft occurred on February 24th at the trucking company owner’s family farm in Caledonia, Michigan.  The stolen Peterbilt semi truck has an American flag wrap with a buffalo on each side. The trailer was not stolen. “That’s what that driver makes his living with and supports his family,” said

The words we use to describe something influence our perceptions, understanding, even our actions. Consider the words long haul. What image pops in your mind when you hear those words? I am guessing for most of you it is a Class 8 truck with a sleeper cab driving across the country. You probably also picture a driver who is away from home for weeks at a time sleeping in their truck and taking a shower and eating at a truck stop. While that is one version of long haul, it is not

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy promised at his Senate nomination hearing a Department of Transportation that would be “data-driven and safety-driven,” but truck safety advocates are concerned that President Donald Trump’s pick to lead one of Duffy’s modal agencies may not be on the same page. Jonathan Morrison, who has been nominated to be administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was chief counsel at NHTSA during the first Trump administration when the

Equity Transportation Co. Inc., a Walker, Michigan-based trucking company, has ceased operations, marking another casualty of the freight market. Multiple sources close to the company confirmed with FreightWaves that the company has shut down, letting go of all of its drivers and halting operations of its vehicles.  According to reports on Facebook, drivers are still waiting to hear about their final wages, while some have dealt with recent bounced checks. Equity Transportation

Beyond hacking, fleet safety is always top of mind. We’ll find out how trucking companies are keeping drivers and the motoring public safe with Tenstreet’s Taylor McIlroy and Ploger Transportation’s Bob Ware. TruSygnal connects shippers and carriers on contract freight opportunities. We’ll find out from co-founder Ed Burns how it works and why he is building the company.

Regenerative farming has emerged as a transformative approach to land management. Unlike “organic” farming, which is strictly regulated by the USDA, regenerative farming is a broader philosophy centered on restoring the land’s natural resources, ensuring economic viability, and fostering stronger communities. While there is some overlap between organic and regenerative practices, they are not interchangeable.  

Choose what you factor, when you factor. Some factoring companies make it easy to sign but hard to leave, locking you into contracts with monthly minimums and hidden fees. Once you’re in, they control your cash flow—and your choices. Smart Freight Funding does things differently. No contracts, no minimums, full transparecy. Take control of your operation and choose a factoring service that works for you and with you, no against you.  

Members of Congress last week reintroduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers (GOT Truckers) Act, which would remove the trucking industry's exemption from overtime pay requirements from the Fair Labor Standards Act, established in 1938. The bicameral, bipartisan legislation has been introduced in both chambers of Congress in the two previous Congressional sessions but saw no movement in either attempt.

EV Realty Inc., an EV infrastructure development platform powering commercial fleets, is announcing is acquisition of a strategic portfolio of assets from Gage Zero. Gage Zero is Austin-based company focused on fleet electrification and infrastructure development for local, regional and drayage trucking fleets.

Kenan Advantage Group (CCJ Top 250, No. 17) has acquired Evergreen Transport, a Mobile, Ala.-based dry bulk materials specialist operating throughout the southeast. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. KAG entered the dry bulk transportation business last year with its acquisition of Northern Dry Bulk, a Clare, Michigan-based company that specializes primarily in the transportation and storage of plastic resins for automotive, packaging, electronic and other end markets, in the U.S. and Canada