Newsletter Archive

FMCSA enforcement drops, raising concerns

Plus: Diesel prices continue to climb | Spot market crunch

Prices at the pump are still going up, up, up. We're sharing the latest on how fleets are impacted, and how costs and rates are shifting.

Also in today's issue, some shocking—and concerning—numbers about FMCSA enforcement, and an industry call to crack down on unsafe carriers.

Before we get rolling, you won't believe this story of how 30+ cows got stranded in a truck trailer. You could say they weren't moo-ving for a while. 🐮

⬆️$5.401

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 03/30, UP 0.026¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

Mixed picture. While the spot market improved in Q1, truckers are concerned about economic conditions. A Bloomberg transportation analyst digs into the numbers 📈

In the heartland. Meet Contract Transport, a 60-year-old family-owned trucking company based in Iowa.

AI progress. This report details all the ways AI is already having a big impact on logistics and the supply chain.

Leading the way. Is your trucking company creating career paths for the next generation of talent? Apply here for a chance to win the Next Generation in Trucking Association's Career Catalyst Award.

INDUSTRY VOICES

The threat and risk of chameleon carriers in trucking

The term "chameleon carriers" has arisen to describe trucking companies that shut down due to compliance or safety issues, then regain operating authority under a different name.

Ron Bourque, senior vice president of safety and risk management at Aim Transportation Solutions, says these carriers pose a threat to safer fleets. Unsafe carriers can temporarily underbid their peers, because they're not investing in training, maintenance, technology or other safety programs like responsible fleets are.

The bottom line, Bourque says: "changing a name doesn’t repair a flawed safety culture."

Why this matters: Chameleon carriers put the entire supply chain—from shippers and brokers to other trucking carriers—at risk. A collective industry effort, along with strict enforcement, is critical to weed out these motor carriers. (Transport Topics)

FAST LANE

UP AND UP: Energy prices, Iran war to push inflation above 4%

CRASH REPORT: Driver in fatal I-35 crash was issued wrong CDL, safety investigation finds

THEFT THREAT: Cargo theft turns cyber-focused, losses reach $6.6B

NO GO: UPS rolls back voluntary driver buyout program after pushback

MARKET SHARE: Railroads see opportunity as trucking prices rise, supply shrinks

PRISON TIME: Trucking owner in California gets jail time for loan fraud

SEEN & HEARD

“The industry slowdown we're experiencing now is the longest I've seen, and that's because of the imports.”- Bob Wahlin, president and CEO of Stoughton Trailers

A trade dispute is impacting a key piece of the trucking industry: trailers. Trailer manufacturers in the U.S. claim that low-priced imports from overseas are hurting domestic production. This podcast breaks down the issue and how the eventual resolution could reshape the trailer market. (The Fleet Lead)

ROAD REPORT

Spot market carriers exposed, financially strained by diesel hikes

Spiking diesel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East are having an outsized impact on motor carriers that primarily haul on the spot market, which tend to be smaller trucking firms. Carriers hauling contracts have insulation through fuel surcharge agreements, and shippers end up absorbing the higher costs. But with all-in spot rates, carriers take on the higher diesel prices, hurting profits and margins.

Why this matters: Eventually, the market will rebalance, with spot rates increasing further to offset costs, and financial strain leading to more capacity exits. But for now, rising fuel costs present yet another headwind for small carriers. (CCJ Digital)

AGENDA

FMCSA enforcement action drop 84%, analysis finds

Federal enforcement actions against motor carriers took a nosedive last year, according to an analysis by the television station WFAA. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration closed 617 enforcement cases in 2025, down from 3,843 cases in 2024—an 84% drop. That's even though the Trump administration has pledged to crack down on unsafe trucking companies.

Why this matters: While the trucking industry largely wants to avoid burdensome or unnecessary regulations, safety is one area that can't be cut back. The numbers paint a concerning picture of potentially lax safety enforcement, where unsafe fleets may get a pass, posing a threat to everyone on the road around them. (WFAA)