The Daily Dash: Runaway rates; HOS reset

On-demand driver platform Haul is attracting a who’s who of transportation investors

Surging rates are showing no signs of slowing, according to new data from Cass Information Systems, as shipment volumes continue to climb. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, freight rates are continuing to rise and there doesn’t appear to be any slowdown in the immediate future. Plus, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and safety groups have asked for an hours-of-service lawsuit to be suspended as the agency ponders its next steps, and on-demand driver platform Haul is attracting an impressive set of investors.

No relief in sight

Surging rates are showing no signs of slowing, according to new data from Cass Information Systems (NASDAQ: CASS), as shipment volumes continue to climb.

Todd Maiden has more on the latest data: Rates surge, no ‘significant rate relief’ in 2021, Cass says

HOS rollback?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has asked an appeals court to suspend a lawsuit in what could be the first step toward a wholesale review by the agency of its own hours-of-service rules.

John Gallagher has more on the developments: First step taken on hours-of-service rollback?

Moving to the big stage

The last few years have seen increased enthusiasm for hydrogen-powered fuel-cell trucks. But the trucks are still in the development and testing stages.

Alan Adler looks at their future: Is heavy-duty fuel cell trucking almost ready for prime time?

On the wings of angels

A lack of drivers can quickly hamper a trucking carrier with freight to move. The founders of Haul are hoping a “gig” approach to the problem is the solution, and it is attracting some prominent investors.

Brian Straight has a look at the diverse group of investors: Haul delivering drivers for an industry in need

Stories we think you’ll like:

Ryder’s used vehicle sales climb in value, nearing or surpassing targets

Don’t skate past safety precautions on icy roads

Dana books half of $700M backlog from electrification contracts

Supply chain struggles continue in frozen South

JD.com logistics spinoff could lead to $40B valuation — Bloomberg

Cambridge Capital invests $20M, joins board of ReverseLogix

Nearly 50 people dead after winter storms slam South

Truck Talk: Autonomous range-finding edition

Did you miss this?

J.B. Hunt (NASDAQ: JBHT) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced a strategic alliance that will combine Hunt’s data and Google’s artificial intelligence.

John Paul Hampstead has more on the agreement: J.B. Hunt partners with Google on technology, product development

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

You may also like:

The FreightWaves Top 10: Bankruptcies, capacity concerns, protests and Trevor Milton’s departure

Maximizing trailer utilization: Why is it so hard?

Looking back at the Year of the Truck Driver

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Brian Straight

Brian Straight leads FreightWaves' Modern Shipper brand as Managing Editor. A journalism graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has covered everything from a presidential election, to professional sports and Little League baseball, and for more than 10 years has covered trucking and logistics. Before joining FreightWaves, he was previously responsible for the editorial quality and production of Fleet Owner magazine and fleetowner.com. Brian lives in Connecticut with his wife and two kids and spends his time coaching his son’s baseball team, golfing with his daughter, and pursuing his never-ending quest to become a professional bowler. You can reach him at bstraight@freightwaves.com.