Both spot and contract rates moved up during the first quarter while carriers focused on internal efficiency and operational improvements.
Driverless trucks are moving from test lanes to commercial launches β but hardware cost, sensor serviceability, and route constraints still gate wider deployment.
Carriers report better pricing power in Q1 2026 contract negotiations as capacity exits and spot rates firm β the first sustained leverage shift since mid-2023.
Oil fell 19 cents May 14 after a week of whipsaw moves β diesel still sits near $4.48, and small fleets are watching every penny.
Decision opens freight brokers to direct liability claims under federal law β legal and insurance costs expected to climb across the industry.
Truck manufacturers at the 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo welcomed the prospect of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings for heavy-duty collision-avoidance sysβ¦
The 2027-compliant MP13 adds horsepower and fuel economy while waiting on EPA warranty-rule clarity that could cut thousands off the sticker.
Industrial lubricants used to make motor oil are in short supply with no relief in sight, pushing maintenance costs higher for fleets already squeezed by tight margins.
Strait of Hormuz crude and fuel flows fell nearly 30% in Q1, the Energy Information Administration reports. Small fleets face diesel price exposure if the drop holds.
National dry van spot rates are up more than 20% year over year as of mid-May, driven by importers front-loading inventory ahead of tariff escalation. The surge won't last.
State program cuts upfront cost on Class 8 EVs, drayage trucks, and delivery vans through authorized dealers. First-year allocation: $250 million.
FedEx board approves separation of nation's largest LTL carrier. Shareholders get one FDXF share per two FDX shares held as of May 16. FedEx retains 19.9% stake for 24 months.