Online heists, offline damage

Plus: CDL crackdown | Expanding service offerings

Digital thieves are pulling off million-dollar heists while fleets are left to fend for themselves—protecting loads, finding drivers and looking for new ways to stay in the black.

Some are done playing defense and are taking control: adding warehousing, tech and logistics to their playbook. The question isn’t what’s changing. It’s whether you’re ready for it.

But first, follow along on this couple's 900-mile truck run.

ROADSIDE READS

The impacts of CDL crackdown. A post on X, and its robust comment section, examines how changes to non-domiciled CDLs might impact the trucking market.

What we're reading. A college's journey to bring more women into the trucking industry, highlighted in this feature story.

On the bracket. Meet the four trucking companies advancing to Overdrive's 2025 Small Fleet Championship.

Test drive. Check out this video taking Volvo's new-look VNL for a spin. The OEM went through a six-year developmental process to get to the final design.

IN NUMBERS

$15 billion

The value of trucks Mexico exports to the U.S., on which U.S. importers would pay tariffs. (Transport Topics)

INDUSTRY VOICES

Cyber cargo theft surges, gaining national attention

Incidents of virtual cargo theft are on the rise, with cybercriminals using digital means to hijack freight or impersonate trucking companies. The issue has escalated to the point of gaining national attention, with 60 Minutes featuring a segment on thieves using digital schemes to steal $1M worth of tequila.

Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations, writes that this issue should be more than exciting TV. It should be a wake-up call to Congress to pass legislation that fights organized crime.

"Our drivers, carriers, and warehouse workers deserve to operate in a system where rules are enforced and criminals are held accountable," Spear writes.

Why this matters: Logistics providers are losing an average of $2 million in cargo each year to theft. While awareness of digital cargo theft is the first step, action in the public and private sectors is necessary to help stamp out the issue. (American Trucking Associations)

FAST LANE

BRACE FOR IMPACT: Trump says tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty truck imports start Nov. 1.

GRIM OUTLOOK: Expect slugging demand, higher truck prices, FTR warns

LEADING TEAM: FedEx Freight appoints SVP, CFO ahead of spinoff

SHUTTING DOWN. California carrier to close, lay off 100+ workers

PARKING SPREE: Pennsylvania to add 1,200 truck parking spots by the end of next year

TRUCKING MVP: AV-EV startup Einride hits $1B valuation

ROAD REPORT

Trucking fleets branch out into natural extension of services

Motor carriers are expanding their services beyond simply hauling freight. Many are offering freight forwarding, inventory management and warehousing to diversify their business and better compete in the marketplace, especially as a freight recession has lingered. Often, the expansion has been driven by shippers who request help with multiple aspects of transportation management.

Why this matters: This trend shows that it may not be enough for trucking companies to only move freight. Shippers sometimes want partners who can manage multiple parts of the supply chain, and fleets that offer services beyond truck hauls may have a competitive advantage. (Inbound Logistics)

CONNECTED FLEET

Roadrunner debuts track-and-trace software

LTL carrier Roadrunner has rolled out a new software focused on visibility. The technology includes shipment tracking throughout the delivery cycle, along with self-service appointments. The results so far: just 0.5% missed pickups, down from 30% in the early 2020s.

Why this matters: Visibility has become table stakes in the supply chain, and it can help reduce confusion and miscommunication between various shipper, carrier and broker partners. Roadrunner's results show measurable benefits of fleets adopting traceability software into their operations. (CCJ Digital)