The ‘driver shortage’ myth might finally die.
When adjusted for inflation, truck driver wages have grown 1.1% in 15 years.
Nuvocargo’s acquisition of Mentum is aimed at benefiting shippers and carriers in the North American trade corridor.
Small-parcel shipping has entered an era defined less by brand loyalty and more by cost transparency, resilience, and speed. Shippers are diversifying away from single-carrier dependency toward a portfolio that blends incumbents with credible alternative carriers. From SmartKargo’s vantage point (where airline networks, data, and unified “dock-to-door” orchestration meet) this shift is structural. And one […]
When you disrespect the skill it takes to drive a truck, you’re not just wrong — you’re dangerously uninformed.
There comes a time when legacy institutions must step aside — not out of disrespect, but because they’ve simply lost touch. And in the case of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), that time is now.
Let’s keep this simple: lumber and steel are two of the biggest drivers of flatbed freight in this country. If people are building houses, warehouses, retail centers, data centers, transmission lines, and factories, you’re hauling the stuff — framing lumber, coils, plate, beams, structural steel, rebar. When that demand is hot, you feel it right […]
When used the right way, AI can handle all of the processes that you wished you had, but you just couldn’t find the bandwidth to build them out.
The latest generation of steer tires, like the Firestone FS592, isn’t just rubber and tread—it’s engineered safety, longer life, and better ROI for small fleet owners who can’t afford guesswork.
If you’re an owner-operator or small fleet owner staring down the barrel of an engine problem, you already know the feeling—an uneasy mix of fear, frustration, and that sinking question in your gut:
What happens when brokers start choosing capacity not by safety, but by who’s $500 cheaper? Welcome to the underbelly of the non-domiciled CDL crisis.
Inspectors pulled 2,296 commercial vehicles off the road during the 2025 Brake Safety Week, a 15.1% out-of-service rate virtually identical to 2024’s 15% failure rate. With next year’s enforcement already scheduled for Aug. 23-29, 2026, the question isn’t whether we’ll see similar results
This week in Borderlands Mexico: New customs regulation could slow cross-border trade; Daye opens $300M manufacturing plant in Nuevo León; and US eases truck tariff burden for Mexico under new trade structure.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s customized $180,000 Range Rover was stolen while enroute to Louisiana.
President Donald Trump halted trade talks with Canada after Ontario aired an ad featuring Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
It should’ve just been another Tuesday. But in the early hours on I-10 in California, three lives were lost — violently, unnecessarily — when a big rig, reportedly driven by an unauthorized immigrant under the influence, plowed into traffic. The impact was immediate. So was the outrage. This wasn’t just a crash. It was another […]
The American trucking industry is facing unprecedented challenges, marked by a deepening economic crisis and deteriorating highway safety standards. While supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to the transportation sector, the narrative surrounding these issues has been largely mischaracterized, particularly regarding the nature and extent of the purported truck driver shortage in […]
The trucking industry is is seeing tightening capacity and regulatory crackdowns that will likely to set the stage for a market recovery in 2026, Covenant CEO David Parker says.
Covenant Logistics Group reported a 30% drop in third-quarter profit amid higher operating costs and weaker truckload utilization.
In today’s market, a check engine light can be more than an inconvenience — it can be a trap. Here’s why code clearing without real diagnosis is one of the most dangerous shortcuts a shop can take on your equipment.
When the Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized its rule on non-domiciled commercial drivers, it likely knew pushback was coming — but maybe not this quick. A coalition of immigrants and advocacy groups has now filed a formal legal challenge against FMCSA, arguing that the federal government’s move to deauthorize nearly 200,000 lawfully present drivers is […]
In a market defined by high fuel prices, flat freight rates, and relentless pressure, simply staying alive as a small carrier is a mark of discipline—not defeat.
Experts say AI and social-media markets are transforming how thieves target freight.
A Texas trucking CEO said English language enforcement varies from state-to-state, confusing drivers and exposing flaws in how the law is applied.
Truckstop.com has launched the freight industry’s first load board exclusively for dry vans, aiming to provide an affordable edge for owner-operators and small fleets.
The dual pressure of shrinking margins and escalating fraud has prompted brokers to take a hard look at their day-to-day workflows. There are unfortunately plenty of weak points that could be costing many brokers money and exposing them to risk. One area that often flies under the radar: the inbox.
Robinson announces its ‘Agentic Supply Chain.’
Auto Hauler Exchange was recently removed from the Central Dispatch platform.
Travis Rhyan, the founder of 10-4, an early pioneer in the freight visibility space has now set out to create an AI-powered platform for small truckers. I had the chance to interview Travis about his journey and plans for Carrier1. Here is the interview: Craig Fuller: Welcome, Travis. Thank you for taking the time to […]
This week in Borderlands Mexico: Foreign trade zones gain traction as importers seek tariff relief; Exports drive Mexico’s surprise growth, but USMCA uncertainty clouds outlook; and Port of Victoria partners with Blue Energy on $1B nuclear power project.
You don’t wait until the house is on fire to learn how to use an extinguisher. The same goes for load claims. If you’re running a trucking business — whether it’s one truck or ten — load claims aren’t a matter of “if.” It’s a matter of “when.” When that day comes, your driver will […]
It’s one thing to debate rules in Washington — it’s another when 6,000 drivers are removed from the roads.. That’s what’s happening across the country as federal regulators begin enforcing a rule that’s been on the books for decades but rarely taken seriously — the requirement that every commercial driver operating an 80,000‑pound truck in […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has removed five electronic logging devices from its approved list as the agency steps up compliance oversight.
For many small carriers and owner-operators, factoring can feel like a lifeline. You deliver a load today, and instead of waiting 30 to 45 days to get paid, your factoring company cuts you a check within 24 hours. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But what many don’t realize is that the contract you sign with […]
There was a time when folks laughed at the idea of ELDs becoming mandatory. A time when faxing rate cons felt like standard procedure. And when you could run a whole dispatch board with nothing but a yellow pad and a flip phone. That time ain’t now. We’re living in the age of automation. And […]
There’s a quiet, ugly truth behind many of the owner-operator breakdowns you see these days: DPF systems and emissions enforcement have bled carriers dry for years. The semiconductor chips, the sensors, the regeneration cycles—they’re not just technical burdens. They’re capital killers. Now, a new bill—the “Diesel Truck Liberation Act”—is pushing back against the EPA’s reach, […]
Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would withhold approximately $40.7 million in federal grant funding from the state of California, citing that it failed to enforce the federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for commercial drivers. That move is deeper than headline politics. For the trucking industry — especially small carriers and […]
The Trump administration’s pause on work visas for foreign truck drivers — combined with tighter ICE enforcement — is creating upheaval in the cross-border freight market.
Over the past several years, the transportation industry has struggled to keep pace with soaring e-commerce demand. Against this backdrop, Amazon developed the Amazon Freight Partner program to create opportunities within its middle-mile logistics network for both leaders looking to start a transportation business and professional CDL-A drivers looking to expand their driving career.
When I first stepped into CDL school more than two decades ago, there was one thing that stuck with me—not just for the test, not just for the road exam—but something that still rides with me every single mile: the Smith System. They didn’t just teach it. They drilled it. Burned it into our brains […]
Contributed Content If you’ve ever thought about hauling FEMA loads, now’s the time to get your paperwork in order. FEMA’s Transportation Service Provider (TSP) program opens registration once a year — and if you miss it, you’ll be sitting on the sidelines when emergency freight starts moving. Getting approved isn’t complicated, but it does take […]
A white paper and webinar analyze the trucking market’s sudden shift.
Arkestro co-founder Edmund Zagorin advises companies to treat tariff disruptions as an opportunity to modernize procurement with AI.
Trucking’s path to sustainability isn’t straightforward, but artificial intelligence is bridging the gap between aspiration and action. In a recent episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson welcomed EROAD Chief Data Science Officer Dean Marris and Chief Sustainability Officer Craig Marris to explore the “messy middle” between sustainability and artificial intelligence in the trucking […]
For small fleets and owner-operators running on thin margins, idling is one of those hidden costs that can sneak up and eat thousands off your bottom line. But here’s the truth: not all idling is bad. Sometimes it protects your engine, your driver, and even your revenue. The key is knowing when idling makes sense […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a waiver on October 9, 2025, extending the deadline for full implementation of the National Registry II electronic medical certification system to January 10, 2026.
Robinson’s Asset Management System provides detailed, live data on trailers to brokers and their customers.
This week in Borderlands: A. Duie Pyle expands into cross-border LTL market; Mexico’s heavy-duty truck industry braces for slowdown and Maersk opens new Dallas-Fort Worth freight hub.
President Donald Trump’s move to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports could spark a new wave of supply chain disruption.
Mexico’s tariffs on Chinese goods and new customs requirements are forcing U.S. retailers to rethink fulfillment models.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 2025 International Roadcheck brought more than 56,000 inspections to highways across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, revealing that the same familiar culprits, brake systems, tires, and logbook falsifications, continue to drive out-of-service violations.
Uber Freight confirmed a small round of layoffs this week tied to a commercial reorganization.
For most Americans, crossing a state line barely registers. For truck drivers, it can change everything. A carrier hauling freight within a single state might follow one set of safety, insurance, and weight regulations. But the moment that same load crosses a border, an entirely different rulebook applies, one governed by federal agencies and layered […]
Every time that check engine light comes on, you’re left guessing — but with one small device in your cab, you could skip the tow, avoid the shop, and handle regens on your own terms.
Rates are holding steady for now, fuel prices are climbing, and reefer carriers are still outperforming the rest — but without a real uptick in volumes or inbound freight, small carriers are walking a fine line between survival and pressure this October.
While headlines focus on arrests, the real story is playing out on the road. Drivers are quietly avoiding entire regions, brokers are scrambling to cover freight, and rates are climbing as fear starts rewriting the trucking map.
Walk into any diesel shop today and you’ll see it plain as day — bays full of trucks, fewer techs on the floor, and longer wait times that stretch into weeks instead of days. For a small carrier, that’s not just an inconvenience, that’s revenue bleeding out while your truck sits idle.
San Diego trucking company Epic Lightning Fast Service LLC will permanently close operations and lay off 116 employees at the end of the month. The carrier filed a WARN notice in California on Sept. 1, 2025, notifying employees that the company would shut down on Oct. 31, 2025. Epic Lightning Fast Service said in its […]
Craig Fuller, a lifelong insider in the freight and logistics world, is making his debut as an author with Moving the World: How the Supply Chain’s Evolution Affects Us All. Drawing on decades of firsthand experience and a family deeply embedded in the industry, Fuller offers readers a unique perspective on the networks that quietly […]
Amazon Relay has evolved significantly beyond its traditional power-only foundation, creating new opportunities for carriers with diverse equipment configurations. As Amazon’s consumer sales continue growing and the company expands support for third-party shippers, Relay recognizes the critical need to accommodate carriers operating various trailer types and specialized equipment. Breaking beyond power-only limitations When carriers think […]
National Tree Co. CEO warns that tariffs and inflation are adding millions in costs and could tighten supplies of artificial trees and holiday décor.
A new bill proposed in Congress would tighten CDL rules for foreign truck drivers and penalize noncompliant states.
President Donald Trump will impose a 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks starting Nov. 1.
This year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival will bring back rapid-fire demos, high-tech exhibits, engaging discussions with thought-provoking speakers, market insights, fun networking experiences, live music and more, but this time totally reimagined to fully immerse you in a festival atmosphere with more venues, experiences and Chattanooga vibes. Join the greatest minds in the industry Oct. 21-22, 2025, for the largest festival in freight.
This week in Borderlands Mexico: LPA enters Mexican logistics market with Puebla deal; Edgewell opens $110M plant in Aguascalientes, creating 1,300 jobs; and Yamaguchi MFG opens $14M auto parts plant in San Luis Potosí.
California and Oregon have suspended issuing non-domiciled CDLs following an emergency DOT order, as federal officials cite safety risks.
Over 8 out of 10 attendees walked into Amazon RelayCon 2025 looking to grow — not survive — and the event made one thing clear: for the right type of small carrier, Relay is a business model worth studying.
Every small carrier says they’re “reliable.” Every one says they’re “family-owned.” And all of them promise they “treat customers like partners.” Those slogans look good on a website, but the truth is they don’t move the needle when you’re one of nearly 580,000 active U.S. carriers — and more than 91% of them run 10 […]
Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, said regulatory pressures and tariff uncertainty are straining the trucking industry.
PMI just posted a 49.1 — and while that might not mean much to most, for small carriers, it’s a crystal ball into freight demand, margin pressure, and the moves you need to make now to stay profitable.
Truck driving is a demanding occupation that often has a negative effect on mental health due to long hours, overnight shifts, sleep disruptions, and constant stress. Here’s what the industry can do to improve support for drivers.
Every small carrier has been there — staring at a weak load board, wondering if hauling a $1.35-a-mile load is better than running empty. On paper it looks like “something is better than nothing.” But the real cost of cheap freight goes far beyond the numbers you see in the rate confirmation.
Trucking isn’t a flat line — it’s a rollercoaster of peaks, valleys, and regional swings driven by what people eat, buy, and build. If you don’t plan for freight seasons, they’ll plan for you — and usually the result is a thin wallet.
Every owner-operator faces that moment of truth: take the cheap freight in front of you, or burn diesel running empty to the next market. The wrong choice can eat your margin. The right one can save your week. Here’s how to know the difference.
Many small fleets don’t think about their next driver until the seat is already empty. By then it’s too late — you’re scrambling, trucks are parked, and revenue is bleeding. Building bench strength isn’t a luxury, it’s survival.
The WEX OTR Summit is highlighting digital-first fueling strategies and AI-driven innovations transforming the trucking industry.
Consistently heavy freight doesn’t just risk a DOT ticket — it slowly eats away at your truck’s suspension, brakes, and cooling system until potentially one day you’re sidelined with a repair bill.
Your trailer doesn’t have to blow a tire or drop a landing gear to ruin your week — sometimes it’s as simple as a drip from the roof or a weak wall panel that lets in water. Those small oversights are what turn profitable freight into expensive claims and can cost you the shipper’s trust for good.
In logistics, collaboration has always been the difference between a shipment that moves smoothly and one that doesn’t move at all. But for all the talk of “visibility” and “real-time tracking,” the truth is that most breakdowns still happen at the same place they always have: the yard. A truck arrives a few minutes late, […]
This year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival will bring back rapid-fire demos, high-tech exhibits, engaging discussions with thought-provoking speakers, market insights, fun networking experiences, live music and more, but this time totally reimagined to fully immerse you in a festival atmosphere with more venues, experiences and Chattanooga vibes. Join the greatest minds in the industry Oct. 21-22, 2025, for the largest festival in freight.
With over 90 locations and counting, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot is expanding its fast, reliable service network to help fleets keep on trucking.
Cargo inspections will continue at ports and international bridges after Congress failed to reach a funding deal at midnight on Tuesday.
The Trump administration announced new tariffs on lumber, timber and furniture imports on Monday.
FreightWaves sat down with Jessie Merritt of Reliance Partners to talk about the necessity of cyber coverage in any cargo policy.
Texas has suspended the issuance of commercial driver licenses to non-citizens following a new federal directive aimed at tightening licensing rules.
FreightWaves’ Mary O’Connell speaks to Jesse Buckingham, founder of Vooma, about how AI workflow tools can take on many of the tedious tasks of daily operation.
The recently introduced FAIR Trucking Act (H.R. 5268) is Congress’ latest attempt to address the crisis in trucking litigation, but is it enough to actually address the systemic issues in the industry? The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), would give federal courts jurisdiction over highway accident cases involving commercial motor vehicles where damages […]
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced this week that the first phase of the NCCDB modernization is now live, marking what the agency calls “an overdue tech upgrade” that could fundamentally change how safety violations, fraud, and service issues get reported and addressed in trucking. The modernized database represents a significant shift in how federal […]
This week in Borderlands: Cargo theft surges in Q3 as criminals adopt new tactics; LG Innotek to invest $189M in new Querétaro plant; and Watco Logistics acquires Texas-based Colossal Transport.
FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson speaks to Justin Brevik, senior manager of fleet maintenance and service at Love’s Travel Stops, about the impressive capabilities of Love’s Fleet V.I.E.W.
Interim final rule immediately limits eligibility following multiple fatal crashes in 2025 and scrutiny from the trucking community.
Imported heavy-duty trucks will face a 25% tariff under Trump’s latest trade action.
OTR Solutions, a full-service freight factoring and transportation technology company, has announced the launch of its new fuel credit offering, the OTR Fuel Card. This offer provides both new and established carriers with reliable access to credit backed by their factoring relationship, not their credit score. The factoring integration ensures carriers can fuel today and […]
PCS Software is making a bold push to help carriers regain financial footing. This week, PCS unveiled three advanced modules, Dispatch Manager, Load Opportunity Manager, and Backhaul Booster, powered by its Cortex AI engine, promising to turn what used to be painful manual processes into a seamless workflow infused with profitability. For trucking firms grappling […]
The U.S. trucking industry is facing a crisis of overcapacity, safety lapses and national security risks, exacerbated by decades of deregulation and lax enforcement. Since March 2018, the number of active for-hire carriers has nearly doubled from 138,000 to 212,000 today, a 54% increase. According to SONAR’s OTVI index, freight volumes are only 1.2% higher […]
Excerpt: The produce industry’s demographic shift toward Millennial consumers is creating new transportation opportunities for reefer carriers as the freight recession shows signs of improvement. With Millennials driving 68% of produce growth and demanding convenience-focused solutions, cold chain logistics faces challenges and opportunities in 2025.
Federal watchdogs are once again questioning whether we have one CDL standard or 50. With nearly 5,000 truck and bus fatalities last year and English proficiency enforcement under fire, the new OIG audit could reshape how states test, license, and oversee drivers nationwide.
From twin sticks to push-button drive, trucking’s gearshift evolution changed transmissions, it changed drivers, and it changed the industry. The old twin-stick rigs demanded patience, timing, and respect for the machine. They created a natural filter, separating those willing to master the craft from those who weren’t. Today, with 90% of new trucks equipped with automated manuals, anyone can simply drop it into drive and go. Easier? Absolutely. But in removing the barrier, the industry may have also lost a layer of mechanical awareness, attentiveness, and skill that once defined professional driving.
The transportation industry finds itself at a pivotal moment where generative artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense promise for operational transformation, yet many logistics companies remain uncertain about how to effectively harness these emerging technologies. Rather than viewing AI as a wholesale replacement for existing infrastructure, the most successful organizations are discovering its true value lies […]
With the DOT floating new flexible Hours of Service (HOS) pilot programs, owner-operators could stand to earn more per mile — or lose ground fast if the changes don’t match their operations. Here’s what to look at.
