Newsletter Archive

Freight fraud

Plus: Conducting crisis simulations | Market revival

The term "freight fraud" has become a staple of the trucking lexicon. But what does it really mean, and how does the industry fight it? We're sharing a podcast that dives in.

Plus, a look at the disconnect between consumer inflation and trucking rates, and what's needed to revive the market in 2026.

But up first, a funny reel from a trucker who's been in the business since the beginning of time.

⬆️ $3.624

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 1/26, UP 0.094¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

Join the committee. Want to advise the Dept. of Transportation on motor carrier safety? The agency is seeking nominations for its committee. Info on how to nominate or apply here.

A tough visual 📊 It's no surprise that trucking rates aren't keeping pace with inflation, but this chart really hammers it home. The math isn't mathing.

Market share. Who holds the biggest (and smallest) portions of the Class 8 truck market? This handy graphic breaks it down.

Meet the captains. The American Trucking Associations has named 20 truck drivers as captains of the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Turning cybersecurity risks into a competitive advantage

"Cyber risk is business risk."

That's the reality in today's digital world, writes Mike Maddison, CEO of global cyber security and resilience company NCC Group. But there are ways to turn the risk into a competitive advantage. Maddison says conducting crisis simulations and benchmarking cyber resilience against industry peers can help a company guard against cyberattacks and emerge stronger.

Why this matters: As the trucking industry has adopted more technology, vulnerabilities have opened up. Fleets that develop strategies to combat attacks will not only strengthen their own networks but could also appeal to shippers looking to partner with safe and secure carriers. (Forbes)

FAST LANE

SPEAKING OUT: Interim rule on non-domiciled CDL restrictions gets pushback

ROCK BOTTOM: What's needed to revive the trucking market in 2026

BUDGET BILL: House appropriations package earmarks $200M for truck parking

FINANCIAL TUMBLE: Knight-Swift's truckload operating income falls 72%

BACK HOME: Former owners buy back USA Truck from DSV

FOUND GUILTY: Man steals ex-biz partner's identity to get money for trucking company

SEEN & HEARD

"It's hard to keep things bright and uplifting and positive when this is a hell of a problem we've got, to try to do business in the way we've always done."
- David Owen, president, National Association of Small Trucking Companies

The "hell of a problem" Owen refers to is freight fraud, an issue that's unfortunately permeating the trucking industry. Adding to that challenge, there are dozens of different types of freight fraud, from stealing cargo to cyber crimes. Owen delves into fraud, noting that understanding the root of the fraud is key to combating it. (Overdrive Radio)

ROAD REPORT

Volatility redefines global supply chains and logistics

Supply chains are undergoing a structural shift, according to a report from the World Economic Forum. They're no longer dealing with just temporary disruptions or isolated shocks like changing tariffs or port strikes. Rather, this is a fundamental rewiring of the way supply chains run, resulting in leaders rethinking how they deal with risk and plan for resilience.

Why this matters: While U.S. trucking leaders may feel distant from disruptions like a war in Europe or a drought in the Panama Canal, these consequences ripple throughout the supply chain, eventually impacting motor carriers. Fleet executives who pay attention to the broader picture may better understand how shippers react to supply chain changes—and what that, in turn, means for how they manage their transportation. (World Economic Forum)

AGENDA

FHWA seeks carrier input on truck parking

The Federal Highway Administration has opened up a truck parking survey, which will help assess states' capacity to provide adequate parking facilities. The survey is mandated under Jason's Law, named for a trucker who was robbed and killed while parked in an unsafe area.

Why this matters: Truck parking shortages cause a range of problems for fleets and their drivers—from inefficient operations to threats to drivers' safety. This is a chance for carriers and truckers to weigh in and hopefully push for change that alleviates some parking shortages. (Truck News)