The Playbook

The FMCSA is eliminating MC numbers by October 1, 2025, requiring all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to operate under a single USDOT number. This change aims to streamline registration, reduce fraud, and improve compliance tracking. While the transition simplifies carrier identification, it raises new challenges for brokers, shippers, and industry professionals accustomed to MC-based vetting. With potential impacts on contracts, insurance, and fraud prevention, fleets must prepare now to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s what the trucking industry needs to know before the deadline arrives.

The Biden administration’s expansion of the H-2B visa program nearly doubled the number of available permits for foreign truck drivers in 2025, aiming to ease labor shortages in the industry. However, with Donald Trump returning to the White House, the future of this visa expansion is unclear. Trump’s past immigration policies prioritized American workers and restricted foreign labor programs, signaling potential rollbacks. Trucking companies that rely on these visas must prepare for possible changes, including tighter restrictions or a complete reversal of the expansion. Here’s what fleets need to know as immigration policy shifts under the new administration.

CVSA enforcement blitzes like International Roadcheck, Operation Safe Driver Week, and Brake Safety Week can make or break a fleet’s compliance record. Failing an inspection means out-of-service violations, increased ISS scores, and higher insurance costs. The key to staying ahead? Proactive fleet technology. AI-powered dashcams, electronic DVIRs, predictive maintenance systems, and compliance automation help fleets avoid costly violations. With FMCSA safety ratings on the line, adopting these tools ensures that fleets remain inspection-ready year-round because trucking compliance isn’t seasonal.

The diesel price used for most fuel surcharges declined for the third week in a row.

Steel, lumber, auto parts – key commodities from Canada are caught in the crossfire. As tariffs hit, expect higher costs, fewer loads and unpredictable freight rates.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency will reconsider the Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles regulation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles.

The benchmark diesel price used for most fuel surcharges is near its lowest level for 2025.

Is Your Truck Blending In or Standing Out? Plus, A Hard Look at the Market and Roadcheck Countdown I was working with a client recently, helping them close a deal with a shipper. The shipper hit them with a simple question: “Do you offer driver assist?” Without hesitation, my client — who runs six reefers […]

MATS is less than a month away, visit The Playbook at booth 38248.

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 […]

Market Update: Spot Rates Still Dropping — Where Can You Find the Money? If you’ve been feeling like rates just aren’t moving in the right direction, you’re not alone. This map breaks down spot rate changes over the past four days, and the message is clear: Most outbound lanes across the country are still seeing […]

Updates to the CVSA Out-of-Service criteria have been released, set to take effect April 1.

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement has become another regulatory headache for trucking fleets, adding complexity to an already compliance-heavy industry. While designed to combat financial crimes, the Corporate Transparency Act’s BOI mandate has been met with legal challenges, leaving businesses uncertain about their obligations. Despite ongoing court battles, FinCEN continues to push forward with enforcement, meaning most trucking companies structured as LLCs, S-Corps, or partnerships must file ownership details or face significant penalties. With deadlines approaching and regulatory uncertainty persisting, trucking fleets must stay informed, prepare their filings, and avoid compliance missteps.

Nikola’s bankruptcy is a reality check for the push toward zero-emission freight. Once hailed as the Tesla of trucking, Nikola’s failure highlights the immense challenges of replacing diesel with electric and hydrogen-powered alternatives. While policymakers and environmental advocates push for green energy solutions, the trucking industry remains bound by the need for reliability, infrastructure, and economic viability. With limited charging and hydrogen refueling networks, high costs, and performance struggles, Nikola’s downfall reinforces a hard truth, diesel isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The freight market is tightening as we come to the end of February. What does tha mean fo owner0ops?

A CDL is just a license. What separates top fleets from struggling ones is how they qualify, select, and retain drivers who fit their operations. A one-size-fits-all hiring approach leads to turnover, compliance risks, and operational inefficiencies. Successful fleets go beyond FMCSA minimums, assessing experience, cultural fit, and skill set alignment to ensure long-term success.

Leveraging technology for applicant tracking, telematics-based risk assessment, and continuous compliance monitoring, fleets can reduce costly hiring mistakes and build a stable, safety-first workforce. Hiring the right drivers is about protecting your business and driving long-term profitability.

Truck dispatching is about maximizing efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance. The best dispatchers are logistics strategists, connecting drivers with freight, optimizing routes, and handling regulatory and admin tasks so carriers can focus on the road.

With freight markets fluctuating and compliance requirements tightening, owner-operators and small fleets are increasingly turning to dispatching services to stay competitive. The right dispatcher can boost earnings, minimize deadhead miles, and streamline back-office operations. But with so many services available, how do you know which one adds value and which one just takes a cut?

This guide breaks down the role of dispatching services, the benefits of outsourcing logistics, and how to find a dispatcher who actually improves your bottom line.

Interlining freight and freight brokering are two often misunderstood functions in transportation. While both involve coordinating freight movement, the distinctions in responsibility, regulatory requirements, and legal compliance are significant.

This article talks about how interlining carriers work together to complete shipments across multiple legs, sharing liability and direct transport duties. It also breaks down how freight brokers facilitate shipments without ever taking possession of cargo and why they must hold FMCSA broker authority and a $75,000 surety bond.

With FMCSA cracking down on unauthorized brokering, understanding the legal and operational differences is crucial for carriers, brokers, and shippers.

An EPA action initiating the process of revoking three California emissions waivers faces legal hurdles.

Oil markets have been quiet, but the impact of potential tariffs on Canada and Mexico is on the horizon.