US Trucking Market Faces Winter Challenges As Freight Index Fluctuates

US Trucking Market Faces Winter Challenges As Freight Index Fluctuates

The Cass Freight Index indicates sluggish shipment volume growth and decelerating expenditure growth in November, suggesting challenges for the freight market. Year-over-year shipment volume declined, with a sharp decrease in West Coast imports, potentially influenced by shifts in global trade patterns. Expenditure growth was primarily driven by changes in the transportation mode mix, indicating persistent cost pressures. Investors can use the index to assess freight companies, but a comprehensive analysis incorporating other data is crucial. The index points towards a softening freight market, requiring careful monitoring of evolving economic conditions.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Weighs Safety Vs Efficiency in HOS Rule Debate

Trucking Industry Weighs Safety Vs Efficiency in HOS Rule Debate

The US trucking industry faces challenges with the revision of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, balancing safety, efficiency, and driver rights. Transportation companies aim to maintain the status quo, while safety advocates push for shorter driving times. New regulations could lead to increased transportation costs and reduced service levels. The industry calls for more flexible and intelligent HOS regulations to ensure road safety and promote economic development. Finding the right balance is crucial for the future of trucking and the overall economy.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US DOT Removes Thousands of Trucking Schools from Approved List

US DOT Removes Thousands of Trucking Schools from Approved List

The US Department of Transportation is cracking down on the CDL training market, having removed nearly 3,000 non-compliant training providers from the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR) and issued warnings to another 4,500. This initiative aims to combat 'CDL mills,' improve training quality, ensure road safety, and enhance the overall professionalism of the trucking industry. The goal is to ensure that CDL holders are properly trained and qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely and responsibly.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Warns Vaccine Mandate May Deepen Supply Chain Woes

Trucking Industry Warns Vaccine Mandate May Deepen Supply Chain Woes

The US trucking industry is expressing concerns over the Biden administration's vaccine mandate, fearing it could lead to a mass exodus of drivers, exacerbating existing supply chain bottlenecks and threatening economic recovery. The industry is urging the government to reconsider the policy, taking into account the unique nature of truck drivers' work and allowing for certain exemptions to ensure the stable operation of the logistics sector. They argue that a significant driver shortage would further cripple the already strained supply chain, impacting the delivery of essential goods and services nationwide.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USA Truck Rejects Knight Transportations Bid Amid Trucking Industry Consolidation

USA Truck Rejects Knight Transportations Bid Amid Trucking Industry Consolidation

Knight Transportation's $242 million offer to acquire USA Truck was rejected, highlighting the complexities of consolidation in the US trucking industry. Despite Knight's expressed disappointment and claims of shareholder support, USA Truck maintains its commitment to independent operation. This failed acquisition underscores the increasing competition within the industry, strategic choices facing companies, and potential implications for the Chinese trucking sector. The rejection demonstrates that consolidation, even with shareholder backing, isn't always guaranteed and companies may prioritize independent growth strategies.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Rates to Rise As ELD Mandate Nears Shippers Warned

Trucking Rates to Rise As ELD Mandate Nears Shippers Warned

The upcoming ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate is poised to impact trucking freight rates. This analysis examines the effects of the ELD mandate on the trucking capacity market and how shippers can navigate potential freight rate increases and capacity shortages. It emphasizes the importance of shippers strengthening relationships with carriers and brokers, optimizing supply chains, planning ahead, and considering technology to improve transportation efficiency. By proactively addressing these challenges, shippers can mitigate the negative consequences of the ELD mandate and maintain a competitive edge.

01/01/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Slump Deepens As DAT Freight Index Hits Record Low

Trucking Slump Deepens As DAT Freight Index Hits Record Low

The DAT Truckload Volume Index indicates a decrease in freight volume and falling freight rates in February, signaling excess capacity. Experts suggest the market is normalizing, with overcapacity being a key challenge. Businesses need to improve efficiency, control costs, expand channels, enhance services, invest in technology, flexibly adjust capacity, strengthen risk management, and seek collaborations to address the challenges and seize opportunities. The current market conditions require strategic adaptation and proactive measures to maintain competitiveness and profitability within the evolving logistics landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Industry Faces HOS Rule Changes Amid Safety Debate

US Trucking Industry Faces HOS Rule Changes Amid Safety Debate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is set to publish the final version of the Hours of Service (HOS) rules for truck drivers. Aiming to enhance safety while providing greater flexibility, the key revisions include modifications to the 30-minute break rule, the sleeper berth exception, the adverse driving conditions exception, and the short-haul exception. Whether the new rules strike a balance between safety, efficiency, and economic factors remains to be seen.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has launched an advocacy campaign urging Congress to increase infrastructure investment to address traffic congestion and economic losses caused by aging roads and bridges. The ATA proposes raising the fuel tax to provide a sustainable funding source for the Highway Trust Fund. They are calling on the public to pressure their congressional representatives to support infrastructure development. The initiative highlights the urgency of modernizing America's transportation network to improve efficiency and boost the economy by reducing delays and ensuring the safe movement of goods.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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JB Hunt Kodiak Bridgestone Hit 50000 Miles in Autonomous Trucking

JB Hunt Kodiak Bridgestone Hit 50000 Miles in Autonomous Trucking

J.B. Hunt, Bridgestone, and Kodiak have partnered to surpass a 50,000-mile milestone in autonomous driving. Utilizing a 'hub-to-hub' model, they achieved zero accidents and 100% on-time delivery. J.B. Hunt 360box was leveraged to optimize backhaul freight. This initiative aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and address the driver shortage. The collaboration signifies a significant step towards the future of the logistics industry, paving the way for wider adoption of autonomous trucking solutions and potentially transforming freight transportation.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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