Shipping

This was not stopped by a process. It was caught by chance.

Stolen freight worth $1M recovered by deputies, preventing major cargo theft loss.

The war with Iran moved diesel up nearly 50 percent in five weeks and analysts are modeling $6 and higher if the Strait of Hormuz stays disrupted into summer. Carriers are repricing surcharges, shippers are absorbing new fees and everyone is looking for relief. The biggest lever most fleets have on their fuel budget is not an aerodynamics package or a new engine spec. It is the driver.

A plan to charge ships a toll to cross the Strait of Hormuz could further increase fuel prices; container ships trapped in the Persian Gulf have yet to move after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.  

By the time the product was found, it was already positioned to move through resale channels. That’s not a recovery story. It’s a reminder that most losses start long before a load is ever picked up.

A data-driven investigation into the risk retention groups insuring America’s most dangerous carriers, the factoring companies keeping them cash-flowing, and what happens to crash victims when the whole thing collapses.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 12-14, and this year’s event will zero in on two issues that continue to generate tens of thousands of violations across North America: ELD tampering/falsification and cargo securement. This year, inspectors are going old school. During the 72-hour enforcement window, CVSA-certified inspectors at […]

A Denver-papered, Chisinau-operated freight broker dispatched a truck owned by a carrier with 10 fatalities on its federal record, driven by a man with a temporary CDL. Seventeen people and their families paid for it in Beaumont, Texas.

More than 400,000 KitKats were stolen in transit, but the product itself is still traceable. Nestlé’s response shows how even a chocolate bar can carry the signal after the load is gone.

Most small carriers operate their entire business through a load board. The freight comes through a broker, the rate gets negotiated down, the carrier moves the load, gets paid on net-30 or net-45 (or quick pay/factoring), and then goes back to the board looking for the next one. That cycle is familiar. It is also […]

Let’s start with something that sounds simple but changes everything about how you should read the freight market: retail is the engine that drives truckload freight. Not manufacturing alone. Not energy. Retail. When Americans buy things — clothes, furniture, electronics, appliances, home goods, groceries — those products move on trucks. Multiple times. From a factory […]

FMCSA just put the industry on formal notice of the sale of MC authorities and DOT numbers.

While AI stole the spotlight at Manifest, Ryder System’s venture arm is increasing its focus on investments in warehouse automation

For the first time, legislation introduced in the 119th Congress would require every motor carrier, subcontractor, and owner-operator hauling Department of Defense freight to certify they have no ties to Chinese military companies, and back that certification up with their signature.

Through the integration of its recent FirstFleet acquisition, Werner has solidified its position as a top five Dedicated provider.

American agriculture rarely makes front-page freight headlines, yet it quietly underpins a significant portion of trucking demand. Grain, livestock, fertilizer, seed, feed, refrigerated meat, packaged goods, ethanol, farm equipment—entire freight ecosystems depend on a stable farm economy. Recent reporting has highlighted a sharp rise in farm bankruptcies and growing concern from agricultural leaders about systemic […]

You can’t own a fishing boat, fly an airplane, broadcast a radio signal, split an atom, or drill for oil in America without proving you’re an American. But you can operate an 80,000-pound commercial motor vehicle on every highway in every state in the nation without being a citizen of this country, or even setting foot in it. Welcome to the American trucking industry, where the door isn’t just open. It’s been taken off the hinges.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has approved 17 changes to the 2026 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria that will take effect April 1, 2026, and while some updates are technical, several directly affect how drivers and small fleets will be inspected on licensing, ELDs, brakes, cargo securement, wheels and even hazardous materials placarding. On December […]

42 investigative article links covering CDL mills. Chameleon carriers. Fraudulent examiners. Bought legislators. Exposed vehicles. Every failure point in America’s deadliest supply chain crisis, exposed by an 25 year industry veteran.

The agency confirmed investigators visited the carrier linked to a deadly Indiana crash and a massive chameleon network. But the enforcement pathway matters more than the headline.

A Mexican licencia federal de conductor can be obtained without a behind-the-wheel road test. Third-party brokers advertise mail-order processing for as little as $200. Under existing reciprocity agreements, that license can be converted to an American CDL in states that accept foreign credentials, and at least six of those states have been flagged by FMCSA for failing to verify the legal presence of non-domiciled applicants.

GenLogs provides a visual, objective source of truth. You can put your eyes on what a carrier is actually doing: where they’ve been, when they last hauled freight, whether they ever hauled freight, and for whom. Instead of asking carriers what they claim to do, GenLogs shows you what they actually do.

This week in Borderlands Mexico: Volatile trade, rising carrier costs reshape retail shipping strategies; Cainiao launches U.S.–Mexico cross-border logistics service; and Speedora launches white-glove logistics service in Arizona.

Empire National’s growth from a small family business into a national asset-based carrier reflects a deliberate strategy centered on operational discipline, technology investment, and people-first leadership.

Mexico’s tariffs on Chinese goods and new customs requirements are forcing U.S. retailers to rethink fulfillment models.

FreightWaves has partnered with J.B. Hunt and Reliance Partners to deliver an insightful webinar on modern supply chain challenges titled “Freight Budgeting: Navigating 2025 and Beyond.”

New research discovers the true scope of truck parking.

New survey data from Truckstop.com and Bloomberg Intelligence shows small fleet operators and brokers maintaining cautious optimism about freight market recovery despite challenging first-half conditions. While only 16% of carriers reported revenue growth year-over-year, most expect conditions to improve or stabilize heading into the second half of 2025.

FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson speaks to Todd Waldron, Truckstop.com’s VP of Carrier Experience, about the state of the industry and driver sentiment on technology adoption. As Truckstop.com celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, Waldron reflects on the hurdles of change and his hopes for more collaboration with other industry players in the future.

Unlock smarter freight solutions with SearchCarriers! This powerful platform provides instant access to comprehensive carrier data, streamlining vetting, inspection monitoring, and risk evaluation for brokers, shippers, and carriers. Optimize your logistics with smarter decisions.

In collaboration with sponsors and subject matter experts, Reliance Partners hosted another successful forum detailing the current landscape of cross-border trade and discussing solutions for the challenges of customs, trade agreements, and insurance concerns.

In this edition: Breaking down Denim’s Shipper Pulse report and Carrier Source’s weekly shipper report.

Thanks to Ship OGRE’s proprietary technology, each expansion is seamless and effective due to the adaptability, flexibility and scalability of the solution.

Two of the co-authors of “Zero Point Four” said the U.S. maritime industry is lagging behind China, which is leading to national security challenges.

FreightWaves recently partnered with G3 Logistics and EY to host a webinar on supply chain disruptions and strategies to stay flexible during transitionary markets. With a good plan and robust technology, shippers can be poised to not only mitigate losses, but also to capture new market shares during unexpected shifts.

Freight fraud and cargo theft have reached crisis levels, but recent FMCSA identity verification measures are chipping away at fraudulent registrations. Proactive enforcement and innovative tech solutions are starting to protect our supply chains.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a group of Russian hackers has gone into overdrive. As Western countries began ramping up military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the GRU focused on the logistics and tech companies that support those flows.

President Donald Trump on Friday made new trade threats against the European Union and iPhone maker Apple.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday signed an order to again require strict enforcement of English language proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers.

From oversharing on socials to leaving systems unsecured, your data can smooth the path for freight fraudsters.

Highway’s Michael Caney explores the importance of an identity layer in vetting practices, know-your-customer principles and technological solutions to verify carrier capabilities

Overhaul’s CEO breaks down why today’s cargo theft crisis is less about missing locks and more about missing identities – and what the supply chain must do to fight back.

Fraud Watch analyzes Overhaul’s 2025 Q1 Mexico cargo theft report

SmartKargo has partnered with airlines around the world to create a door-to-door delivery service for small parcel shippers, utilizing domestic airline networks. This collaboration aims to provide e-commerce companies and 3PLs with a fast, reliable and cost-effective solution for shipping.

Despite tariffs and global political tension, direct-to-consumer brands and other e-commerce sales continue to drive cross-border trade. SmartKargo’s cross-border solution helps airlines and e-commerce companies ship with real-time visibility.

Here’s a sector-by-sector breakdown of how major players are reacting to the mounting pressure of tariffs and retaliatory trade measures.

Fraud Watch examines potential increases in customs fraud whistleblowers.

FreightWaves sat down with Ventagium’s founder, Arturo Torres Arpi, to explore barriers preventing companies from embracing data-driven strategies and solutions that can drive operational excellence.

Coinciding with $400 million funding rumors, Agility Robotics has announced a series of enhancements to its flagship humanoid robot, Digit.

Federal transportation officials at the Mid-America Trucking Show discussed a deregulatory approach that aligns with the Trump administration’s policy of eliminating 10 regulations for every new one introduced.

For years, the narrative around freight brokerage technology has centered on automation freeing up employees to focus on relationship-building and high-level tasks. But what does that mean in practice?

Hey Bubba sees uses for its AI beyond dispatching. Future integrations may include features like truck parking reservations, predictive maintenance scheduling and automated compliance management.

Emails sent to select carriers introduce Walmart’s new brokerage program and outline the benefits of participation.

This week: We review KAL Freight’s legal troubles

According to a SnapFulfil survey, 56% of respondents expect their warehouse automation levels to increase somewhat over the next two years, while 23% foresee a significant increase.

Equity Transportation’s reported closure underscores the reality that in today’s freight market, even long-established carriers are not immune to the economic downturn.

A performance analysis by Orderful of different equipment types highlights strengths and challenges across the market.

While manufacturers initially sought tariff relief by relocating production to Southeast Asia, trade compliance experts say these “tariff-friendly” locations are increasingly vulnerable to reciprocal tariffs.

This week: Shoppers share safety concerns, and we examine theft on the railroads

Sebastian Baquero’s career in the trucking industry started with importing and selling tires at just 21 years old. Through years of working with fleets, he gained firsthand insight into one of the industry’s most overlooked cost centers.

Pink Cheetah Express LLC, a small Kissimmee, Florida-based motor carrier, alleges that TQL has flouted a 2023 Department of Transportation order mandating compliance with federal broker transparency rules.

Many major retailers are sounding the alarm about the potential impact of tariffs on their businesses and consumers, but some hope for benefits from the trade disruption.

With the integration of SONAR’s market intelligence into project44’s Freight Procurement Analytics, shippers can access data that enables more informed and agile procurement decisions.

Flexport founder Ryan Petersen and FreightWaves discuss the reasoning behind Flexport’s massive product release, the role of AI in global logistics and the evolving landscape of international trade regulations.

In an era when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, freight brokerage stands at the forefront of transformation.

Fraud remains one of the biggest threats to the freight industry, with bad actors constantly adapting their tactics. Lisa Haubenstock, VP of product at Truckstop, dives into the issue and the strategies companies can leverage to stay ahead.

With scams becoming more sophisticated and brokers facing increased legal risks, this exclusive gathering will provide crucial insights, expert discussions and high-level networking opportunities.

FreightTech could contribute to a digital transformation in vehicle logistics, and Detroit-based Auto Hauler Exchange and its investors are betting on it.

GenLogs’ technology uses roadside sensors and cameras to collect data on trucks and equipment, applying methodology inspired by counterterrorism operations.

WWEX Group argues that certain details in Freight Essentials’ lawsuit against the company and its affiliates contain sensitive business information that, if disclosed, could harm its competitive position, but Freight Essentials says not so fast.

ALAN has been quietly mobilizing supply chain and logistics expertise to support communities in the wake of catastrophic events for the past 20 years, most recently in Los Angeles.

This week Descartes shares the work it’s doing to combat location spoofing.

This week we explore how retailers are balancing security measures with customer experience.

As the first president of Armada Sunset Holdings, Chris O’Brien sees strong potential for technologies such as AI and machine learning to drive innovation in supply chain management.

In 2024, retailers dealt with a costly challenge: U.S. consumers returning $685 billion worth of merchandise — 13.21% of total retail sales, according to Appriss Retail’s latest report.  Alarmingly, 15.14% of these returns were fraudulent, costing retailers a staggering $103 billion. The report, created with Deloitte, highlights the most common fraud schemes. Wardrobing, in which […]

This week the industry gets advice on cybersecurity strategies for 2025.

CloneOps.ai has received funding from industry investors including Sope Creek’s Kevin Nolan, who sees a positive future for augmenting human talent in brokerage.

DAT Freight & Analytics spoke with FreightWaves about DAT’s acquisition of Trucker Tools and how it plans to address connectivity issues, fraud and customer needs in the new year.

This week: Blue Yonder deals with a massive cyberattack and FreightWaves’ shares tips for dealing with porch pirates.

Recent headlines reveal how freight fraud is no respecter of national borders. Authorities have arrested Shenghua Wen, a Chinese national residing illegally in the U.S., on suspicion of exporting firearms, ammunition and restricted military technology to North Korea. Operating out of Long Beach, California, Wen reportedly hid the contraband in shipping containers routed through Hong […]

“Using HappyRobot’s agentic AI, 100% of calls were answered 24/7 with no hold time,” said Circle Logistics’ Andrew Smith.

“Today project44 is pleased to announce a very favorable resolution of our defamation lawsuit against FourKites,” project44 told FreightWaves.

MyMechanic’s newly appointed president, James Lovecamp, recently spoke with FreightWaves on persistent issues in maintenance and repair.

Areas of California, Illinois and Texas have been key targets for cargo thieves in recent years.

Josh Allen, chief commercial officer at ITS Logistics, spoke Thursday about investments the logistics industry should make in 2025 to develop their companies and workforce.

Ryan Joyce, a former CIA operations officer, drew on his experience tracking terrorist networks to execute the company strategy to fight freight fraud.

Smitha Raphael, chief product and delivery officer at SnapFulfil, highlights why flexibility and seamless integrations in warehouse management tech are now top priorities for 3PLs and B2C companies.

A California logistics company has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing the loss of its largest “anchor” customers as one of the main reasons it is seeking to reorganize.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Fraud Watch, FreightWaves’ dedicated newsletter tackling the burgeoning crisis of freight fraud.

After Uber recently announced bookings growth, the company has launched a broker offering that could help support future shipment growth and brokerage penetration.

Uber Freight’s payout to Greenbriar signifies a shift, highlighting both Uber Freight’s evolving valuation and the foresight of Greenbriar’s strategic financial protections.

Hurricane Rafael, which struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm, is not expected to hit the United States.

Bipartisan bills including the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act and the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 propose significant federal support to address the increase in freight fraud and organized retail crime.

Hurricane Rafael is expected to take aim at the United States after making landfall in Cuba, but the storm’s possible intensity and damage to the U.S. coast remain unclear.

The rapid expansion of global trade has complicated cross-border payments, adding costs and delays and heightening fraud risk. Financial institutions and fintech firms are implementing digital solutions to enhance transparency and security.

According to a new report by Becker Logistics, cargo theft varies seasonally and by mode and location.

Taylor Swift, who is currently on her Eras Tour, paid over $15 million to ship stage equipment from the United Kingdom to the United States.

FedEx transported six giant pandas between the United States and China this week on what the company calls the “FedEx Panda Express.”

The first-ever Freight Fraud Awareness Day, taking place on Tuesday, aims to unite the supply chain community in tackling schemes like double brokering and cargo theft, which have seen a 400% rise since 2022.

Hurricane Milton caused at least $160 billion in damage and economic loss, according to a preliminary estimate from AccuWeather.