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.
Echo Global Logistics opens an office in Monterrey to meet rising U.S.-Mexico trade demand.
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.
Authorities seized over $114 million in drugs from trucks in September; while a Canadian man was extradited from Mexico in a $450 million smuggling case.
Accur8 is transforming the logistics landscape with a comprehensive suite that goes beyond traditional TMS philosophy.
This week in Borderlands: Uber Freight bets on cross-border growth as trade surges 21%; GE Aerospace to Invest $29M in Mexico Expansion; and Binary Container Logistics expands with major Texas lease.
Volvo Trucks North America has launched Load Finder, a free load board that aggregates freight from over 40 sources to help carriers minimize deadhead miles. Integrated with Volvo Connect, it’s the first such offering from an original equipment manufacturer.
Carrier Transicold is once again shaking up the cold chain industry with its newly unveiled Reefer Enhancement and Next-Life (REN) Program, targeting a key segment of refrigeration units that are entering middle age. Designed for PrimeLINE reefers between six and ten years old, the REN initiative enables those aging units to be upgraded, allowing them […]
The removal of ROBINHOOD ELD from FMCSA’s registered devices list underscores the importance of selecting reputable ELD vendors, as fleets now face a 60-day scramble to replace systems while managing driver frustration and operational disruption.
Two pilot programs will test flexible hours-of-service configurations as questions persist about ELD fraud, system vulnerabilities, and whether current regulations effectively reduce fatigue-related crashes despite improved compliance rates.
Uber Freight’s Deliver 2025 conference mixed optimism about AI and autonomous logistics with warnings from economists over rising tariffs and inflation.
The freight industry has long struggled with a fundamental problem: messy, fragmented data. Manual check calls, siloed platforms, and limited visibility still define how billions of dollars’ worth of freight moves across the U.S. every year. Catena, a New York–based startup, believes it has found the solution, a neutral data infrastructure layer designed to connect, […]
Outpost and GreenPoint announced additional capital Wednesday that doubles their truck terminal platform to $1 billion, expanding a national network of carrier-agnostic terminals.
The Broken Broker–Carrier Dynamic Ask most small carriers what they think about brokers and you’ll get some version of the same response: “They’re just middlemen, taking their cut and squeezing us dry.” And to be fair, that feeling hasn’t come out of thin air. Too many brokerages treat carriers like interchangeable parts. They chase the […]
This article is contributed content. It does not reflect the views or opinions of FreightWaves or any of its subsidiaries. This article has been updated following commentary and feedback from Amazon. Fraud takes root and multiplies in a system that rewards speed and low cost above all else. Contract freight is built on predictability, and […]
LunaPath launches an AI platform built to help freight brokers and 3PLs slash routine work and save on operational costs.
Several types of publicly available data recorded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have seemingly vanished from the Department of Transportation’s website.
Uber Freight launches Dedicated EV Fleet Accelerator Program with Tesla, aimed at driving wider electric truck adoption.
There’s no gut punch quite like the phone call that starts with: “Hey, I’ve been in an accident.” Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major wreck, your role as a small fleet owner instantly shifts from dispatcher to damage control. And the first few hours after that call will determine how expensive, disruptive, […]
When many drivers hear “local route,” they picture early starts, dinner at home, and steady pay. But when it comes to local food service trucking, that image misses a lot of what it really takes. This isn’t dry van drop-and-hook. This is backbreaking work, punishing schedules, constant hustle, and hours behind the wheel — all […]
You can’t avoid paying for fuel. But the truth is, many small carriers are bleeding thousands each month because they’re not controlling the two things they can control: Everything else—load rates, lane volatility, repair costs—is a roll of the dice in this market. Fuel? That’s your game to win or lose. So today we’re breaking […]
Bot Auto announces autonomous trucking milestone with its first driverless hub-to-hub run in Houston, operating without any human presence or remote aid.
“What did the shipper pay on that load?” It’s a question that’s lingered in truck stop diners, dispatch offices, and group chats for years — and if you’ve ever booked a load through a freight broker, you’ve probably wondered the same thing. You get a rate confirmation. You move the load. You get paid. But […]
Orange EV and OptiGrid on Monday unveiled the Orange Juicer, a battery-integrated DC fast charger designed to eliminate the primary obstacles preventing rapid fleet electrification: lengthy utility upgrade delays and prohibitive infrastructure costs. The announcement came during the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2025 in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 15. The Orange Juicer, an eight-foot-tall certified […]
This week in Borderlands: Cross-border trade rises 5% in July as new export rules take effect; EnergyX picks Texarkana for US lithium demonstration plant; and Junction Commercial breaks ground on logistics center in Houston.
Nikola Corporation has agreed to a liquidation plan that includes an $83 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Let’s Be Honest… Most drivers aren’t taught how to negotiate. They’re handed a truck, told to book freight, and shoved out into a market where brokers are often trained—literally trained—to protect the margin. You? You’re just trying to get paid enough to run another week without dipping into your savings. But negotiation is a skill. […]
The Department of Transportation announced this week it wants to add fentanyl testing to its mandatory drug screening program for commercial drivers, marking the first major expansion of federal drug testing requirements since amphetamines were added in 2017.
You’re rolling through Arkansas, just crossed the state line, and boom—your check engine light hits, your coolant temp spikes, and the power falls out of the pedal. You limp it to the shoulder, hazard lights flashing. You’re not just down—you’re at the mercy of a roadside repair vendor you’ve never met, in a city you […]
Some trucks are just cursed. That’s just the fact. Used trucks are especially a dice roll. You know the one — every time it goes in for a PM, something new gets discovered. Transmission slipping. Electrical gremlins. DPF acting up. And as soon as you think you’re back on the road making money, bam—check engine […]
Scaling down doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re making a hard, strategic decision to live to fight another day — and more people need to hear that truth without shame. Whether you’ve got 3 trucks or 30, the moment you realize one (or more) of them is bleeding you dry, it’s time to stop […]
This Is One of the Hardest Decisions in the Business—And One of the Most Misunderstood If you’re sitting behind the wheel on your 10 hour break, weighing whether to keep running under your own MC or lease onto someone else’s authority, you’re not alone. 2025 has put a lot of pressure on small carriers and […]
C.H. Robinson launches U.S.-Mexico freight consolidation service to cut costs, enhance visibility.
If you’ve been sitting at a fuel island wondering when this market’s going to flip, you’re not alone. And you’re not crazy for thinking it still feels off—because it is. At a recent industry event, the annual FTR Transportation Intelligence Conference, two heavy-hitters in trucking leadership said what many folks in our Playbook community have […]
The Lesson Most Carriers Learn Too Late When most fleet owners think about maintenance, they think repairs. They think of downtime, tow bills, and chasing mechanics. But if you’re planning to grow—and not just survive—the only way to keep your trucks moving is to build a proactive maintenance program, not a reactive one. In this […]
ATRI seeks motor carriers for study on FMCSA entry-level driver training’s effects on trucker safety and retention, building on 2008 research.
Kodiak Robotics has delivered its first factory-built autonomous truck, upfitted by Roush Industries, to Atlas Energy Solutions. The partnership aims to scale production to hundreds by 2026.
Impersonation fraud is not slowing down; it is getting smarter. Scammers hack emails, forge documents, and pose as carriers, brokers, or even shippers to steal freight and money. Small fleets and new brokers are prime targets. Protect yourself by locking down email, owning your domain, and vetting every deal before you move.
The Supreme Court will hear a fast-tracked case in November on whether President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs on U.S. trading partners are legal.
If you’re sitting at a fuel island weighing whether to keep running under your own MC or lease onto someone else’s authority, you’re not alone. 2025 has put a lot of pressure on small carriers and owner-operators to reevaluate everything. Margins are tighter. Brokers are pickier. Insurance rates are through the roof. And let’s not […]
International and PlusAI launch autonomous truck trials on Texas’ I-35 corridor, aiming for full driverless operations by 2027 with Traton’s support.
E-commerce retailers using programs like Amazon FBA or Walmart Fulfillment Services face mounting logistics challenges that can make or break their success. From rigid delivery windows to seasonal inventory fluctuations, these sellers must navigate a complex shipping environment while maintaining tight margins. In this high-stakes arena, innovative freight solutions like Shared Truckload (STL) are emerging […]
Border officers in the U.S. and Canada seized more than $90 million worth of narcotics concealed in commercial loads of roses, broccoli and aluminum burr.
Freight factoring transforms trucking cash flow, offering carriers swift capital without debt.
Wirebee automates 40-90% of a broker’s inbound calls.
This week in Borderlands Mexico: Authorities launch $22B port overhaul to boost nearshoring; IFCO opens Dallas location to strengthen food logistics chains; and AH MANF opens $10M plant in Saltillo.
Texas is tightening enforcement of federal English-language rules for truckers under Gov. Greg Abbott’s new directive.
