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An Ohio couple that owned multiple trucking companies pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges related to COVID-19 loan programs, fraudulently obtaining over $900,000. Ajay and Ruhi Chawla used these funds primarily for real estate acquisitions instead of employee payroll for their four trucking-related businesses. A new U.S. Department of Transportation enforcement policy is drawing criticism from the Truck Safety Coalition, who warn it could lead to "political interference" and undermine safety oversight. The policy would allow truck drivers and companies under investigation to petition DOT officials, potentially causing a "chilling effect" on federal regulators and risking disciplinary action against FMCSA investigators. Independent terminal operator Outpost has acquired four new facilities, bringing its national network to 25 locations, with plans to add another eight to ten by year-end. Supported by a $500 million capital fund, Outpost offers truck parking, maintenance partnerships, and cross-dock facilities, differentiating itself from traditional travel centers by focusing heavily on truck capacity rather than free parking.  A trailer carrying 2,810 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, valued at $1.4 million, was stolen overnight from a Love's Travel Stop in Bennett, Colorado. This high-value cargo heist highlights a 27% surge in cargo theft, with the scale of the operation suggesting potential inside involvement due to the specialized equipment needed to move the heavy pallets.  The Port of Los Angeles experienced a surprising dip in May container volumes, snapping a 10-month growth streak, with imports falling 9% year-over-year. An economist warned that ongoing tariffs, averaging 55% on Chinese imports, could effectively increase costs to American families by about $2,500 annually, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. FedEx has deployed an AI-powered robotic arm at its Cologne, Germany, air gateway to improve package sorting precision, the first of its kind in FedEx's European network. This robot processes up to 1,000 small packages per hour, ensuring labels are correctly oriented for scanning, which enhances efficiency and reduces physical strain on employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Ohio couple pleaded guilty to fraud charges involving COVID-era loan programs for their trucking companies. These funds, totaling over $900,000, were reportedly misused for real estate acquisitions instead of employee payroll. We also discuss the ongoing debate surrounding new enforcement rights proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the Truck Safety Coalition warning of negative impacts on investigations. Conversely, the American Trucking Associations supports these rules, viewing them as a path to greater accountability. Furthermore, learn how electronics manufacturer Jabil is making a significant $500 million investment to expand its cloud and AI data center infrastructure in the U.S. Southeast. This new facility, expected to be operational by mid-2026, aims to meet the surging demand for AI, serving major clients like Apple, UPS, and Amazon. Don't miss today's What the Truck?!? live on FreightWaves TV at noon, and register for the free Enterprise Fleet Summit virtual event on July 23rd. Plus, grab your tickets for the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Washington D.C. on July 30th, with a bundle deal available for the Future of Freight Festival in October. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A dramatic incident happened in the Persian Gulf, where a "dark fleet" tanker collided with another crude oil vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, igniting a fire amidst rising GPS disruptions in the region. This critical maritime choke point, responsible for a fifth of the world's oil and gas supply, continues to be a hotspot for geopolitical tensions. Shifting to international trade, President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have announced a significant easing of tariffs between their nations. This new agreement zeroes out aerospace import tariffs from the UK and reduces auto tariffs to 10% on the first 100,000 vehicles, a sharp drop from the previous 27.5% duty. On the fuel front, benchmark diesel prices have seen their biggest upward move since January, rising 10 cents per gallon to $3.571, largely driven by escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. While crude oil prices briefly dipped, market anxieties over tightened diesel availability persist, especially given Iran's role as a supplier of heavier crude. In North America, DHL Express Canada is preparing to suspend parcel operations due to a tough labor dispute with Unifor, impacting 2,100 workers. A new Canadian law prohibiting replacement workers has forced DHL's hand, leading to an indefinite shipment embargo starting Tuesday night with full operations pausing by Friday. A serious crackdown on safety and fraud in Florida has led to the arrest of eight individuals, including two state employees, for selling fraudulent driver's licenses to undocumented migrants. Shockingly, some of these illicitly obtained licenses were commercial, enabling unqualified individuals to potentially operate tractor-trailers, posing a significant threat to highway safety. Finally, in the skies, Saudi Arabia-based AviLease has made a bold entry into the widebody air cargo market with a direct order for 10 Airbus A350 freighters. These state-of-the-art jets promise remarkable fuel efficiency and the capacity to carry up to 120 tons, featuring the industry's largest cargo door for oversized shipments and even 20-foot containers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's FreightWaves Morning Minute, we cover significant developments in the freight industry, including recent bankruptcy filings from two trucking companies and a distribution service, with creditors seeking millions. Get the full story on these financial challenges, including specific companies like Dolche Truckload Corp., Contract Managed Services, and GD Transport, and the millions claimed by their creditors, by reading "Creditors claim millions as freight bankruptcy filings roll in - FreightWaves". California's Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to revoke the state's zero-emission vehicle waivers, labeling the federal action unlawful and unconstitutional. This legal challenge impacts key environmental regulations like the Advanced Clean Trucks Act, the nitrogen oxide rule, and the Clean Cars 2 regulation. We also report on DHL Express Canada's decision to suspend parcel operations, effective this Friday, June 20th. This suspension is a direct consequence of an escalating labor dispute and new Canadian legislation prohibiting the use of replacement workers. Additionally, tune in for upcoming FreightWaves TV events like "Check Call" and "Loaded and Rolling," and mark your calendars for the virtual Enterprise Fleet Summit. For registration and ticket information on these and other events such as the Supply Chain AI Symposium and Future of Freight Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump announced a significant trade deal with China, which he states is nearly complete and pending final approval from himself and China's president. This agreement reportedly includes China providing rare earth metals upfront, with the U.S. receiving 55% tariffs and China 10%, highlighting an "excellent" relationship between the two nations. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has released their annual logistics report, revealing a substantial increase in the logistics portion of the U.S. GDP for 2024. This share rose by $133 billion to $2.58 trillion, marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year, and is not expected to decrease soon. Union Pacific is actively rolling out a multifaceted technology strategy designed to benefit both truckers and rail shippers across its network. Key initiatives include the implementation of API solutions for real-time shipment updates, comprehensive GPS tracking for containers, and the utilization of RailPulse technology for real-time railcar data. These advancements, alongside an updated website and customer portal, aim to improve service, reduce wait times at intermodal ramps, and enhance overall safety and efficiency. Tune in today to FreightWaves TV for a new episode of What The Truck?!? At noon, followed by Truck Tech with Thomas Wasson later this afternoon. Don't forget to sign up for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this FreightWaves morning minute, hear updates on a major labor dispute and a system outage impacting the logistics sector. A lengthy Teamsters strike against 10 Roads Express may be nearing an end after several months of negotiations. A representative from Teamsters Local 79 in Tampa, Florida, indicated that talks are in the final stages of settlement for the walkout, which began in February and involved over 500 Teamster drivers across 10 states for the U.S. Postal Service contract carrier.  Additionally, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) was hit with a cyberattack over the weekend, causing some of its systems to be temporarily taken offline. The wholesale food distributor reported finding unauthorized activity and has notified law enforcement, with social media showing that receivers were unable to scan delivered goods since Sunday.  In Canada, DHL Express locked out 2,100 delivery drivers, warehouse workers, and customer service personnel on Sunday due to a failure to reach a collective bargaining agreement. While DHL states it has activated contingency plans and anticipates no significant service disruptions, this situation adds to existing parcel uncertainty in Canada, including issues with Canada Post.  Looking ahead, FreightWaves TV offers Loaded and Rolling with Thomas Wason, and you can register for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd. Furthermore, an in-person Supply Chain AI Symposium is scheduled for July 30th in Washington D.C. at the Spy Museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking and transportation jobs have surged above last year's figures for the first time since April of 2023. However, an independent economist is wary, suggesting this number might be "more noise than signal" amid ongoing policy uncertainties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is rolling out a significant $89.4 million in grants aimed at boosting commercial driver's license programs. The application requirements have been streamlined by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates, refocusing funds squarely on safety improvements and compliance with federal regulations. In ocean freight news, rates have soared by an astonishing 88% on trans-Pacific routes as shippers respond to a temporary freeze in US-China tariffs. Analysts anticipate this surge to be short-lived, primarily driven by businesses rushing to capitalize on the tariff hiatus before capacity normalizes. Looking ahead, make sure to catch What the Truck?!? live at noon on FreightWaves TV for updates with Tim Dooner, with a replay available on SiriusXM channel 146. Also, mark your calendars for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., with free registration available online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune into this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute for crucial updates impacting the freight industry, including the recent doubling of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. These duties now stand at 50%, effective Wednesday, aiming to bolster domestic metals manufacturing and shield American steel worker jobs. This move has prompted Canada to negotiate for tariff removal, while Mexico has denounced the hike as a violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We also delve into the latest from LTL carrier XPO, which reported a modest 5.7% year-over-year decline in tonnage for May. This decline aligns with previous guidance and typical seasonality, as the industry continues to await an uptick in demand. The company's monthly declines show an improvement compared to the first quarter.  Additionally, the episode covers Descartes' significant announcement of a 7% workforce reduction, impacting approximately 200 jobs. This action is an expansion of an earlier restructuring plan, designed to manage the uncertainties facing the freight industry due to changing trade policies and volatile economic forecasts. Despite these challenges, Descartes reported a 12% year-over-year increase in revenue, although it fell short of wider market estimates for earnings per share.  Finally, we highlight upcoming FreightWaves TV events, including episodes of Freightonomics and The Long Haul. Mark your calendars for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., and be sure to register at live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has revealed plans to cut its workforce by approximately 7%, eliminating 89 full-time and part-time positions primarily at its headquarters, while simultaneously requesting a slight increase in funding, bringing its total budget to over $1 billion for the next fiscal year.  The DOE benchmark diesel price has fallen to a milestone low, reaching its lowest point since September 2021, with the average weekly retail price now at $3.45 a gallon, marking a decline over seven of the past eight weeks. Despite this trend, futures prices moved up even after news that OPEC Plus would increase output, indicating a continued unwinding of their 2023 production cuts.  Furthermore, the labor dispute involving Canada Post continues to intensify after the state-owned corporation rejected a proposal for binding arbitration from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). This rejection prolongs uncertainty following the union's refusal to work overtime since May 23rd, which has already caused delivery slowdowns and a significant drop in Canada Post's parcel volumes, pushing e-commerce retailers to alternative carriers.  Looking ahead, FreightWaves is hosting several key events, including the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd. Additionally, the Supply Chain AI Symposium is scheduled for July 30th in Washington D.C., with opportunities for interested speakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A significant drug trafficking seizure at the Port of Long Beach, where authorities intercepted 55 tons of dicumyl peroxide, a chemical used in methamphetamine production. This shipment, which originated in China and was destined for the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico, was confiscated as part of an ICE initiative launched in 2019 to target suspicious chemical precursor shipments.  The podcast also provides an update on Yellow Corp.'s asset liquidation process, noting the company has filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court to sell four of its terminals valued at $6.8 million. This action represents a further step toward winding down operations, with mostly non-logistics buyers showing interest in these property assets.  Additionally, the Trump administration's announcement of $5.4 billion available for major bridge projects across the United States is covered, including $4.9 billion for the Bridge Investment Program and an additional $500 million dedicated to rural bridge repairs. A key highlight of this program is the removal of previous Biden-era approval requirements related to climate change and environmental justice considerations, aiming to streamline the process for state and local governments involved in these critical infrastructure projects.  Finally, the episode reminds listeners about upcoming FreightWaves virtual events, including the Enterprise Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium coming up quickly on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Registration for these events can be completed by visiting live.frightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump has announced a doubling of tariffs on imported steel from 25% to 50% to protect domestic jobs and strengthen the industry. This move follows a previous tariff announcement and aims to ensure America's future is built with U.S.-produced steel rather than "shoddy steel from Shanghai". You can read more about the tariff increase here. We also discuss the ongoing labor dispute involving Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). Canada Post has requested government intervention to hold a vote among unionized employees on its latest contract offer, highlighting the impasse in negotiations over wages and structural changes. The situation is a continuation of a conflict that included a nearly five-week strike last year. For more details on the Canada Post situation, see the article here. Additionally, we highlight executive changes and potential IPO plans at the autonomous freight technology company Einride. Founder Robert Falck is transitioning from CEO to executive chairman, while CFO Roozbeh Charll is taking over the CEO role with an eye toward a potential IPO in the U.S.. This leadership pivot is intended to capitalize on a favorable regulatory environment for autonomous vehicles and support future expansion and investment opportunities. Learn more about the changes at Einride by reading the article here. The episode also announced upcoming FreightWaves virtual events: the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Information and registration for these events can be found at live.freightwaves.com. Please note that details about these specific event announcements are derived solely from the audio file and not from the provided article sources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal appeals court has temporarily paused a ruling by the Court of International Trade that blocked tariffs enacted by President Trump. This decision follows the Trump administration's plans to seek intervention from the Supreme Court, arguing presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.  In other news, Sport LA Inc., a California freight forwarding company, has been charged in a smuggling operation alleged to be worth billions of dollars. Executives Ralph Olarte and Humberto Lopez Belmonte face a 22-count indictment for an elaborate scheme exporting illegal goods from the U.S. to Mexico, allegedly employing fraudulent documentation, shell companies, bribes, and involvement with cartels since 2013. Meanwhile, Americold is strategically expanding into Canada with the groundbreaking of its first import-export hub in New Brunswick. This venture involves a substantial investment of $75 million to $80 million and is set to transform cold storage facilities at Port Saint John, partnering with DP World and Canadian Pacific Kansas City to streamline food flows across various regions and create up to 100 permanent jobs by 2029.  Looking ahead, be sure to catch FreightWaves TV shows like What the Truck?!? and Running on Ice today. Also, mark your calendars for upcoming events such as the Enterprise Fleet Summit and the Supply Chain AI symposium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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There was a landmark decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) striking down President Trump's “Liberation Day” tariffs. This ruling unanimously deemed the sweeping tariffs unconstitutional, including significant levies on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada. Retail diesel prices have resumed their downward trend, with the Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration benchmark price falling by 4.9 cents. The average weekly retail diesel price is now $3.487 per gallon. In container shipping, rates from Asia to the United States have surged. This increase is occurring as shippers navigate the aftermath of a temporary easing in US-China tariffs, with "fear and uncertainty" driving prices up. Tune in for a new episode of The Long Haul and check out the Enterprise Fleet Summit and the Supply Chain AI Symposium. Get registered for events at live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing 18 rule changes aimed at simplifying regulatory compliance for truck drivers and motor carriers. These proposed rules, set for formal release on Friday with 60-day comment periods, include changes like removing CDL self-reporting requirements and adding new rules for railroad grade crossings. Crowdsourced delivery technology company Veho has initiated a pilot program in Austin, Texas, to test wheeled-legged parcel delivery robots for potentially boosting productivity in urban environments. Partnering with Rivr, the company backed by investors including Jeff Bezos, these robots are designed to handle diverse terrain, including stairs, for last-mile e-commerce deliveries. Carrier CMA CGM is partnering with Saigon Newport Corporation to build a new deepwater container terminal in Haiphong, northern Vietnam. This significant project, set to open in 2028, will add 1.9 million TEUs of capacity to help handle the sharp increase in container volumes in the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supply chain software provider E2open is being acquired by Australian tech company WiseTech Global for $2.1 billion. This transaction, the result of a strategic review pushed by an activist investor, values E2open at $3.30 per share, a 28.4% premium over its closing price last Friday. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers implemented a nationwide overtime stoppage last Friday, averting a full strike after receiving a late contract offer from Canada Post. However, the threat of a strike has already damaged Canada Post's parcel business, leading to anticipated delays and a sharp drop in volumes as customers seek alternative carriers. Aurora Innovation has decided to keep a person in the driver's seat of its autonomous trucks temporarily at the request of OEM partner Paccar, due to certain prototype parts in the base vehicle platform. This observer will not operate the vehicle but will assist with timely recovery if needed, such as pulling over for events like a tire blowout or bad weather. Don't forget about our upcoming FreightWaves events, including the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th. You can register for these events, which are highlighted as opportunities not to miss, by visiting the live.freightwaves.com website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcos Galperin is stepping down as CEO of Mercado Libre, the online marketplace often described as the Amazon of South America, after 26 years, transitioning to executive chairman while Ariel Szarfsztejn takes over as CEO starting January 1st. This leadership change occurs as the e-commerce giant continues its impressive growth, having handled 1.8 billion orders in 2024. (See article information in sources). The Port of Savannah saw a record-breaking April, handling over 515,000 TEUs, a 17% increase compared to April 2024. This marks the third consecutive month of record container volumes for the port and is attributed to importers accelerating shipments in anticipation of potential tariff changes. (See article information in sources). Learn about Werner Enterprises temporarily suspending its 401k matching contributions as part of a $40 million cost-saving initiative for 2025. This decision follows the company's first quarter operating loss and aims to streamline operations and position Werner for long-term growth. (See article information in sources). Also preview upcoming Freight Waves content, including new episodes of What the Truck? and Running on Ice, and virtual events like the Enterprise Fleet Summit and the Supply Chain AI Symposium. You can register for these events by going to live.frightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal authorities arrested 13 alleged members of two rival groups engaged in a violent power struggle in the San Fernando Valley for three years. These groups faced charges including attempted murder and illegal firearm possession, and specifically targeted Amazon, posing as carriers on the platform to steal shipments. Market conditions have led to the bankruptcy filing of a Wisconsin carrier, Elite Carriers, and its associated brokerage, ECI, Inc.. Three other businesses owned by the same person also filed for Chapter 11 protection, with both Elite Carriers and ECI reporting between $1 million and $10 million in assets and liabilities. Additionally, US law enforcement has obtained a temporary restraining order against two logistics companies, YDH Express Inc. and YDH International, stopping them from using the US Postal Service with counterfeit postage labels. The companies are accused of shipping thousands of parcels for Chinese customers with fake labels, and the complaint seeks to immediately stop the companies and collect money for financial losses incurred by the postal service. Looking ahead, tune into FreightWaves TV for new episodes of Freightonomics and The Long Haul today. You can also find recaps of the recent Domestic Supply Chain Summit on the YouTube channel and register for the Freight AI Symposium in Washington DC on July 30th, with a ticket special available through Memorial Day weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omnichannel fulfillment provider Stored has acquired Ware2Go from UPS. This deal significantly expands Stored's network by adding 21 new e-commerce warehouses with a combined capacity of 2.5 million square feet of storage space. In manufacturing news, International Paper Company is restructuring its cross-border operations by closing two facilities in Edinburg, Texas. These plants were responsible for manufacturing containers and paper sheets, with the sheet plant slated for conversion into a warehouse. On the trade front, US trade representatives held a second round of hearings to discuss imposing punitive fees on Chinese-built, -owned, and -operated ships calling at American ports. The stated goals of these fees are to reduce China's maritime dominance and potentially incentivize American shipbuilding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In freight technology news, load board provider DAT announced its acquisition of payments platform Outgo last week. This strategic move aims to integrate the entire freight transaction process into the DAT One ecosystem, with a key benefit being that carriers can now potentially get paid much faster, sometimes within just 15 minutes. Outgo, founded in 2022 by former Uber and Convoy technologists, focused on bundling banking, factoring, and payment services, including a "fractional factoring" model giving carriers more control. This acquisition is seen as positioning DAT to become the freight industry's central exchange platform, competing with others like Triumph Financial who are also building their ecosystems. Turning to maritime trade, the Port of Long Beach recorded its strongest April on record last month. The port handled 867,493 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), representing a 15.6% year-over-year increase attributed to importers frontloading tariff-affected cargo. Imports saw a significant 15.1% year-over-year rise, while exports slightly declined. Even with this record, the port anticipates a more than 10% drop-off in imports in May, with effects expected beyond the docks. In Washington D.C., lawmakers are processing a large volume of input from the trucking sector. The Department of Transportation (DOT) received over 900 recommendations for regulatory removal as part of implementing executive orders to cut bureaucracy. Approximately 30% of these recommendations came directly from the trucking industry and addressed regulations affecting drivers and carriers. Finally, mark your calendars for upcoming Freight Waves TV programming, including The Stockout and What the Truck?!?. You can also find details on the Fraud Fighters Award winners and information on the upcoming Domestic Supply Chain Summit this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We cover the significant 90-day pause on tariff increases between the United States and China, aiming to ease the ongoing trade war and boosting global financial markets as US tariffs decrease to 30% and China's to 10%. This truce allows for negotiations towards a more comprehensive agreement, reinforcing the importance of economic ties and international cooperation in logistics. Learn more about the details of this trade agreement in this FreightWaves article. Hear about the reinstatement of English language proficiency as a requirement for commercial truck drivers by the Trump administration. This policy reversal allows drivers unable to demonstrate English skills to be placed out of service starting June 25th, sparking debate about its effectiveness for road safety despite previous studies finding no strong link between limited English skills and crash risk. Explore the data and debate surrounding this decision in this related FreightWaves article. Discover the alarming new report revealing a dramatic surge in cyberattacks targeting the US logistics and supply chain sector. These attacks, ranging from ransomware to espionage and linked to nation-state actors like APT29, are probing digital systems supporting freight visibility and warehouse management, highlighting the industry's dangerous exposure without sufficient data tech and cybersecurity training. Find more details on these evolving cyberthreats in this FreightWaves article. Plus, tune in for upcoming FreightWaves content, including The Stockout and What the Truck?!? with Dooner. Don't miss the Freight Fraud Symposium this Wednesday, May 14th, in Dallas, bringing together industry leaders to address the crisis of freight fraud and share mitigation best practices. Register now for the symposium to be part of the solution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will now be required to present a proposal to repeal the high-priority fleets and drayage requirements of the ACF. A public hearing on this proposal needs to be held before October 31st. Regarding potential tariff changes, reports suggest the Trump administration may cut tariffs on China imports from a current broad rate of 145% to as low as 50%. While the White House has dismissed this as conjecture, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to meet with Chinese officials for trade talks soon. Details of the UK trade deal indicate increased access for agricultural products, chemicals, machinery, and other goods from both countries. The agreement, which still requires Congressional approval, maintains a baseline 10% U.S. tariff on most goods from the UK but includes specific provisions for items like steel, aluminum, beef, and auto imports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Railroads are actively seeking the repeal of a recent safety regulation. They are asking the Trump administration to scrap a Biden-era rule that requires two-person train crews, arguing this mandate is unsubstantiated and hinders efforts towards modernization and regulatory reform. The Houthi militia has refuted claims of a Red Sea ceasefire. Contrary to statements by President Trump, the Houthis deny agreeing to halt attacks on vessels in the trading route. Their attacks on ships linked to Israel, ongoing since late 2023, have made the Red Sea-Suez Canal route largely too unstable for regular shipping services. A notable potential change is coming for the US Postal Service. Following President Trump's approval, FedEx board member David Steiner is reportedly set to be selected as the next postmaster general. This direct selection process by the White House for the board's approval is described as unprecedented and aiming to diminish the agency's independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode highlights the news that Detroit-based grocery carrier SFD Transportation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, joining a larger case with its parent company and several subsidiaries. The 300-truck carrier estimated assets between $1 billion and $10 billion but liabilities ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. We also look at the April Logistics Managers Index (LMI), which reported mixed transportation metrics. Capacity ticked higher by 1.6%, but utilization reached its lowest level since November 2023, even as prices grew sequentially. In fuel news, the benchmark diesel price fell for the fourth straight week on Monday. The price reached $3.49 a gallon, down 1.7 cents for the week and representing its lowest point since before Christmas. Looking ahead, don't miss What the Truck?!? live with Tim Dooner on FreightWaves TV and its replay on SiriusXM. Also, mark your calendars for the freight fraud symposium in Dallas, where the freight fraud fighters award winners will be announced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into the latest shifts in independent contractor classifications, with differing approaches being seen in New Jersey and at the federal level, a topic explored in the source discussing how New Jersey and the feds are taking opposite paths on these rules. The New Jersey Department of Labor is proposing rules to codify the ABC test, potentially tightening the definition there, while the acting administrator of the federal Wage and Hour Division is reconsidering the 2024 ABC rule entirely. Also making headlines is the ongoing legal battle between Omnitrax and Motive. Omnitrax has filed a motion for retrial after a jury unanimously ruled in favor of Motive in a lawsuit alleging patent infringement. The 33-page motion claims Motive's conduct during the original trial was prejudiced and relied on improper assertions, including racial and religious insinuations, as detailed in the source about Omnitracs filing a motion for retrial. In legal news, a Massachusetts State Police Sergeant is scheduled for sentencing in July after being found guilty in a CDL bribery scheme. Gary Cedarquist was convicted of accepting various bribes and faced charges including extortion and mail fraud, according to the source discussing the Massachusetts man convicted in this scam. He was acquitted of nine other related charges. Finally, tune into Freight Waves TV today for new episodes of Check Call and Loaded and Rolling. Don't miss the upcoming Freight Fraud Symposium next week in Dallas, Texas, where the winners of the fraud fighters award will be announced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US rail car load volumes are currently outpacing last year's figures, despite looming concerns about incoming ocean containers. Weekly railcar volumes exceeded 502,000, representing a 5.5% year-over-year increase, while year-to-date American railroad traffic is up slightly, contrasting with only a 2% gain in Canadian traffic and a 10% drop in Mexican traffic.  Forward Air is seeking shareholder approval to change its state of incorporation from Tennessee to Delaware. This strategic maneuver is described as an effort to "resteer the ship" following a challenging merger with Omni Logistics and aims to provide increased flexibility, potentially making it easier to sell the company. The Forward Air board approved this reincorporation plan, which leverages Delaware's corporate governance framework to explore strategic options like a sale. A group of West Coast politicians and port leaders are issuing a stern warning that Trump administration tariffs are triggering significant supply chain disruptions that pose serious threats to both regional and national economies. They stress that the window to minimize the economic harm is rapidly closing, noting that small businesses are already facing consequences similar to those experienced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Tune in to "What The Truck?!?" today for a segment breaking down the realities of these tariffs, including potential adjustment strategies and whether companies are genuinely passing on costs to consumers. Also, don't forget to secure your tickets for the Freight Fraud Symposium happening next week on May 14th in Dallas, Texas by visiting live.frightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aurora Innovation has officially launched its commercialized driverless trucking operations in Texas, running autonomous trucks without a human driver along the I-45 corridor between Houston and Dallas. The company partnered with Uber Freight and Hirschbach Motor companies for this program, which received praise from Texas Governor Greg Abbott for its potential to move products efficiently, create jobs, and improve road safety. Carrier Heartland Express posted another disappointing quarterly result for 2025, reporting its seventh straight net loss on Wednesday. Revenue fell 19 percent year over year, with leadership citing tariff uncertainties, adverse weather, and prolonged industry challenges like cost inflation outpacing freight demand as reasons for the poor performance. Penske Logistics is cutting over 300 warehouse jobs from a facility in Missouri after losing a contract with a grocery in the area. A WARN notice reported the permanent closure effective July 15th, with plans to transfer the service to a different warehousing provider and offer employees transfer opportunities to BGDC Distribution. And companies across various sectors are releasing new plans to adjust services, pricing, and more in response to evolving trade policies. Staff writer Grace Sharkey gathered responses from dozens of companies, including retailers, automakers, and tech giants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Truckload carrier Werner Enterprises experienced a historic first-quarter operating loss, attributing the result to factors like elevated insurance costs, extreme weather, a smaller fleet, and changes in customer activity stemming from tariff uncertainty. CEO Derek Leathers stated that this performance "does not represent who we are" and that the company is making near-term moves while keeping an eye on future market changes. UPS plans to eliminate approximately 20,000 front-line positions this year and undergo a significant network restructuring, including closing sortation centers, partly to manage the reduction of unprofitable business from Amazon. The company aims for over $3 billion in cost savings in 2025 as it moves to decrease outbound Amazon deliveries by 50% by 2026. Despite concerns about tariffs and expected volume declines, Gulf Coast ports, including Houston, New Orleans, and Corpus Christi, reported rising freight volumes in March. These ports saw a bump in volumes after a slow February, with Houston experiencing a 7% year-over-year increase, helped by manufacturing raw materials like steel and aluminum and increases in loaded exports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apollo Global Management has issued a severe warning for the U.S., forecasting mass layoffs in the trucking and retail sectors expected to begin in the next four to six weeks due to the ripple effects of tariffs and trade uncertainty. This outlook includes anticipated shortages across the retail space as import volumes are expected to drop substantially, with declining import volumes impacting trucking workloads and forcing carriers to cut labor costs. DHL has ended its temporary suspension on shipping medium-value business-to-consumer (B2C) goods valued between $800 and $2,500 to the United States after negotiating changes to customs rules that previously created administrative burdens and shipment backlogs. This allows these shipments to once again enter the U.S. using expedited informal declaration processes, although DHL noted customers might still experience some slight delays as they work through the backlog. President Trump has signed an executive order requiring the nation's truck drivers to be proficient in speaking and reading English. The order mandates revising out-of-service criteria to ensure drivers violating this English proficiency rule are placed out-of-service, aiming to enhance roadway safety by adding enforcement to existing federal law. Upcoming FreightWaves TV programming includes 'Check Call' and 'Loaded and Rolling'. FreightWaves is also hosting the Freight Fraud Symposium in Dallas on May 14th, and nominations for the Fraud Fighters Award close on Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LTL carrier Saia faced a difficult first quarter, reporting a net loss and earnings per share significantly below expectations, leading to a 30% drop in its stock price. Tariffs and other market forces impacted demand, exacerbating costs from carrying excess capacity.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) completed audits in March that identified $310 million in duties and fees owed due to undervalued or improperly declared goods. This represents a 10,590% increase in assessed fees compared to February, which experts attribute to increased scrutiny under the administration's new trade policy.  In legal news, the patent infringement lawsuit between Omnitracs and Motive concluded with a federal jury unanimously ruling that Motive was not guilty of infringing any of Omnitracs' patents related to fleet management technology.  Additionally, FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller discussed the 'collapse' of outbound freight from China into the United States on CNBC. This situation, affecting West Coast ports with blank sailings, is driven by factors including tariffs on Chinese goods, proposed fees on Chinese carriers, and economic uncertainty impacting American consumers.  Today's upcoming FreightWaves TV programming includes 'The Stockout' and 'What the Truck?!?', and mentions upcoming events like the Freight Fraud Symposium and the Freight Fraud Fighters Awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves' Kaylee Nix, John Kingston, John Gallagher and Noi Mahoney break down the latest news on President Donald Trump's tariff proposals and share what impact they could have on the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this spooktacular Check Call Halloween episode, Mary O'Connell joins Kaylee Nix for a freight-filled fright fest! They discuss scary broker stories, Halloween candy logistics, and the regulations that give you chills. Don't miss out on the tricks and treats (and maybe a joke or two) in the Check Call newsletter! Key points: This episode is full of Halloween fun and spooky freight stories. Mary O'Connell discusses the scariest things that can happen to a freight broker. The conversation covers Halloween candy logistics and the regulations that can make your hair stand on end. Subscribe to the Check Call newsletter for tricks, treats, and maybe even a joke! Links: Check Call newsletter: freightwaves.com/check-call

Join us as we discuss the rise of organized retail crime and its impact on the retail industry. Our guest, Grace Sharkey, co-host of the Stuck Out podcast, shares valuable insights on this pressing issue. We delve into the following topics: The evolution of organized retail crime: How has it changed in recent years? The role of freight fraud: How does it contribute to the problem? The impact on retailers and consumers: What are the consequences? Raising awareness and taking action: How can we address this issue? Don't miss this informative and engaging conversation!

Join us for a lively community update as host Mary O'Connell dives into the latest episode of "Running on Ice." Kicking off with some Halloween spirit, Mary discusses her spooky attire before introducing a special crossover episode featuring Thomas Wasson from "Loaded and Rolling." They explore the unexpected rise in reefer outbound tender rejections leading up to the holiday season, the impact of recent hurricanes, and what to expect as Thanksgiving approaches. Tune in for hot takes, festive fun, and insights that will help you navigate the end of the year in the freight market. Don't miss out—"Running on Ice" drops today at 2 PM ET on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms!

In this episode of the Loaded and Rolling community update, we're joined by Thomas Wasson, host of Loaded and Rolling, the show, newsletter, and podcast dedicated to all things trucking! Thomas dives into the latest industry trends, including: Critical issues facing truck drivers and motor carriers according to a recent report. The rise of electric vehicles in the trucking industry and the impact on concerns. The surprising omission of freight fraud from the top ten concerns, and why it might become a bigger issue soon. A new first-responder service for commercial drivers from Motive and how it can save lives. Signs of stabilization in the freight market and what to expect for the rest of the year, including Thanksgiving and the impact of recent hurricanes. Plus, Thomas gives us a sneak peek at the upcoming "Spooktacular crossover event" episode of Loaded and Rolling! You won't want to miss this fun and informative episode. Don't forget to subscribe to the Loaded and Rolling newsletter for more trucking industry insights!

Join us for this week's Truck Tech Community Update as we delve into the inspiring story of Ree automotive and their CEO, Daniel Barel. Despite the challenges of living in wartime Israel, Daniel and his team continue to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. Key topics covered in this episode: The groundbreaking technology behind re automotive's bi wire powertrain. How re automotive is navigating the complexities of supply chain management and manufacturing. The emotional impact of living through conflict on Daniel and his team. re automotive's plans for scaling their business and achieving profitability. The latest news on fuel cell technology and its potential applications in the trucking industry. Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming episode of Truck Tech, featuring an interview with a successful startup in the trucking industry. Don't miss this insightful episode! Subscribe to the Truck Tech newsletter and YouTube channel for more updates on the latest trends in trucking technology.