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Interact Analysis, have lowered their projected growth for the mobile robotics market by $800 million, citing shifts in the global supply chain. It also includes a lowered short-term growth expectation through 2027 and a 2030 revenue projection of $15.6 billion for the industry.. Next, we turn our attention to the rail sector, where the Smart TD Rail Union is polling its members on a possible strike vote on its CPKC network. The union claims CPKC took advantage of a service crisis on the Kansas City Southern Network to make workplace job changes, including cutting jobs and reducing employee working hours, though CPKC denies wrongdoing and states it has been fully transparent.. Finally, we highlight the significant rise in U.S. trade with Mexico, which reached $74.5 billion in May, a 2% year-over-year increase and 7% gain from April. Mexico stood as the top U.S. trade partner for the month, bolstered by shipments of computers, cars, and auto parts to the U.S., with top ports of entry including Chicago O'Hare, Laredo, Texas, and JFK.. 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

A significant legal setback for rail shippers dropped as a federal court has tossed out the Surface Transportation Board's (STB) 2024 reciprocal switching rule, ruling that the STB exceeded its authority and that the rule was inconsistent with the Staggers Act of 1980, a decision challenged by major railroads including CSX, Canadian National, and Union Pacific.  Watt EV has broken ground on its sixth electric charging depot at the Port of Oakland, establishing a vital zero-emission freight corridor connecting the Bay Area to Sacramento, Nevada, and Southern California. This new facility will feature 15 240-kilowatt CCS dispensers and six MCS dispensers, significantly expanding the region's heavy-duty electric truck charging  The Small Business and Transportation Coalition (SBTC) has petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation to repeal regulations allowing new entrant non-North America domiciled carriers to apply for operating authority in the US, alleging unfair competition against American trucking companies. However, federal data from the FMCSA contradicts this claim, showing very few non-North America-based operating authorities currently exist, with all such companies required to complete a safety audit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration announced potential higher import tariffs starting August 1st, including 25% on Japan and South Korea, with threats against retaliatory measures from other nations. This action follows President Trump's executive order to extend a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs until next month.  Geodis has appointed Laura Ritchey as the new President and CEO of its Americas region, where she will manage and grow contract logistics, freight forwarding, and transportation across North and South America. Ritchey will oversee approximately 20,000 employees in eight countries and has also joined the group's executive board.  The American Trucking Associations (ATA)  is losing its influence in the trucking industry, as many small fleets and owner-operators, who have increased their truck numbers by 245% since 2008, criticize the ATA for misrepresenting their interests. The ATA, primarily representing larger fleets, faces criticism for backing legislation that harms independent truckers, despite claiming to speak for all.  Listeners are also reminded of upcoming FreightWaves TV episodes, including Check Call with Mary O'Connell at 12:30 and Loaded and Rolling with Thomas Wasson at 2 PM. Don't forget to register for the Enterprise Fleet Summit coming up on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Washington DC on July 30th at live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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We begin with news of a Houthi attack on the Liberian-flagged bulk tanker, Magic Seas, in the Red Sea, marking the first such incident on commercial shipping since December of last year. This attack, which occurred 51 nautical miles southwest of Hudaydah, Yemen, led to the vessel being set on fire and sinking, with its 23-person crew abandoning ship.  UPS plans to offer voluntary buyouts to unionized drivers for the first time in their history, as part of an effort to eliminate approximately 20,000 frontline positions and increase profits. While drivers taking the buyout would receive a generous financial package and earned retirement benefits, the Teamsters union strongly opposes this plan, viewing it as an illegal violation of their contract's commitment to creating new jobs.  In other news, DP World, a global ports and logistics operator, is seizing significant opportunities across Latin America, having recently opened a freight forwarding hub in Mexico City to support rising demand in US-Mexico cross-border logistics. The company has expanded aggressively in the Americas over the last two years, establishing 35 freight forwarding offices, including locations in Brazil and Toronto. Finally, don't miss out on upcoming Freight Waves events, including a new episode of What The Truck?!? today at noon, with a replay on Road Dog Trucking at 6 p.m.. Also, remember to sign up for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington DC, both accessible for registration at live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncertainty surrounds U.S. and China trade relations as the July 9th tariff pause deadline approaches. President Donald Trump has announced an agreement for China to resume rare earth minerals trade in exchange for some U.S. tariff relief, with negotiations to be finalized after the Fourth of July holiday. The U.S. Postal Service has rolled out the second phase of its new delivery standards nationwide, aiming to improve operational efficiency and reduce transportation costs. These initiatives involve expanding reduced surface transportation schedules from regional processing centers to more distant post offices, intending to eliminate inefficient trucking trips and potentially save $36 billion over 10 years. A new LA-to-New York passenger train proposal by AmeriStarRail is set to carry long-haul trucks and their drivers. This coast-to-coast service, in partnership with Amtrak, promises to complete the journey in less than 72 hours, offering truck drivers drive-aboard service with access to Amtrak's coach, sleeper, and dining cars. The operation could potentially begin as early as May of next year. Listeners are also invited to explore new content on FreightWaves TV. Upcoming episodes include The Long Haul with Adam Wingfield and Bring It Home with JP Hamstead, offering further insights into the freight industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the largest food shipper bankruptcies in recent years involves Del Monte Foods filing for Chapter 11, impacting logistics providers like Uber Freight, which is owed $9 million. While pre-bankruptcy amounts are unsecured and repayment remains uncertain, there's hope that post-filing services may be paid more promptly under tighter court oversight and credit restraints. The U.S. Postal Service has expanded new delivery standards nationwide in its second phase, aiming to boost efficiency and slash costs by an estimated $36 billion over the next decade. This revamp involves consolidating facilities, eliminating redundant trucking trips, and streamlining mail processing, adapting to a dramatic shift in mail volume. On a more alarming note, recent weeks have seen over $31 million worth of illegal drugs seized at U.S. and Canadian border ports from commercial shipments. Supply chain risk firm Overhaul also assisted in recovering stolen rail freight cargo in California and Illinois, highlighting ongoing challenges of cargo theft. Let's turn to fuel prices, where benchmark diesel prices have cooled off after a spike linked to geopolitical fears, declining by nearly 5 cents per gallon to $3.727/gallon. Interestingly, diesel is trading in backwardation, where the front-month price is higher than later months, indicating tight inventory conditions and making its prices more sensitive than crude oil. Moving to the workforce, new data reveals truck driver wage growth is slowing in 2025 after strong increases in 2021 and 2022, projected to slow further to less than 1% during early 2025. This cooling is driven by reduced demand for drivers and a broader slowdown in national wage growth, despite non-fuel operational costs for trucking hitting record highs. Finally, experts agree that constant, overlapping disruptions have reshaped the global trade environment into a new normal, termed "compound disruptions". Building resilient supply chains in this era requires foresight, agility, a digital-first mindset, and enhanced collaboration between shippers and carriers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Del Monte Foods has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking one of the largest food shipper bankruptcies in recent years, with over $1 billion in liabilities. This event profoundly impacts transportation and logistics companies, including Uber Freight (listed as Transplace in the filing), which is owed over $9 million, as detailed in the article "Uber Freight faces $9M hit in Del Monte Bankruptcy". A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), indicates a continuing downward trend in driver wage growth from 2024 through the first quarter of 2025. This deceleration, attributed to reduced driver demand, saw the rate of growth drop significantly from 7.6% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024, and only 0.9% in the first two months of 2025, as further explained in "Truck driver wages downshifting in 2025". There is growing speculation around the next Class One railroad merger in the United States, fueled by a surge of investor interest from a UK investor. While major mergers were once considered a thing of the past due to strict regulatory oversight, the industry's desire for structural changes and improvements could drive new east-west merger possibilities, a topic explored in "UK investor sees not one, but two, pathways to rail mergers". Finally, tune in to FreightWaves TV for What The Truck?!? live at noon. Also, mark your calendars for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Washington D.C. at the end of this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we delve into the impact of stricter English language proficiency requirements on the U.S.-Mexico cross-border freight market, an initiative from the Trump administration. The enforcement, which began on Wednesday, July 1st, 2025, is already causing significant operational changes for the trucking industry and leading to an increase in rates on northbound trucking lanes. The episode also covers the dramatic decline in trans-Pacific container rates from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast, with market average spot rates plummeting 39% since June 1st to $3,317 per forty-foot equivalent unit. While rates to the U.S. East Coast also declined by 9% since June 1st, they still stand at $5,990 per FEU, maintaining a significant $2,673 spread between the coasts, the highest in 10 months. The first legal steps have taken to challenge the Clean Truck Partnership (CTP), a 2023 agreement between California and engine manufacturers. The Western States Trucking Association (WSTA) has petitioned the California Office of Administrative Law to determine if the CTP was properly reached under California law, labeling it an "unholy alliance". Don't forget to tune into FreightWaves TV for Check Call and Loaded and Rolling. Also, mark your calendars for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the AI Supply Chain Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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On this episode of FreightWaves Morning Minute, we delve into the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) new initiatives, including a nationwide audit of non-domiciled CDL holders, significant federal funding for truck parking, and the cancellation of the speed limiter mandate for heavy-duty trucks. These changes aim to prioritize American truck drivers and address long-standing industry concerns, as announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on FreightWaves' WHAT THE TRUCK?!? show. You can read more about these changes in the article "BREAKING: DOT will crack down on non-domiciled CDL holders - FreightWaves". DHL Express Canada has reinstated all services and resumed full operations after Unifor union workers ratified a new four-year contract. This agreement ends a nearly three-week strike/lockout and includes a 15.75% wage increase over four years, a new payment structure for independent drivers, and enhanced pension programs. Further details are available in the article "DHL Express Canada reinstates service after workers ratify labor deal - FreightWaves". A new report indicates that Mexico is well-positioned to benefit from President Trump's global tariff war and the ongoing trend of nearshoring. Most goods from Mexico qualify for tariff-free treatment under the USMCA, making it a reliable alternative for companies seeking to reduce exposure to trade friction and long lead times from overseas markets. Learn more in the report "Borderlands Mexico: Winner in global tariff war could be Mexico, report says - FreightWaves". Tune into FreightWaves TV for What the Truck?!? live at noon today, or catch the replay on SiriusXM channel 146. Don't forget to register for the upcoming 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

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FedEx's strategic Network 2.0 consolidation program, aims to close 30% of its U.S. package distribution facilities within two years. This initiative is already contributing significant savings, with $200 million expected this quarter, and involves integrating legacy Express and Ground networks to achieve greater efficiency and eliminate $2 billion in annual costs.  The broadcast also details Maersk's decision to reopen service at Israel's largest port, Port of Haifa, after a brief suspension due to heightened tensions and missile attacks from Iran. The carrier is closely monitoring the situation, including the navigability of the critical Strait of Hormuz, following reports of a ceasefire.  Additionally, Air Hong Kong, a freighter subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways and a DHL Express capacity provider, has completed a seven-year transition from an Airbus A300-600 fleet to an all-A330 freighter fleet. The new A330s are larger and newer than the retired A300-600s, offering 25% more payload and an extended range for new destinations such as Bahrain and Sydney.  Finally, don't miss upcoming FreightWaves events, including a What the Truck?!? episode featuring Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy, and major summits like the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd, and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Register for these and get your F3 tickets by visiting live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saia obtained court approval to purchase three terminals from Yellow's bankruptcy in New York, California, and Florida. These assets, priced at $8.5 million, further Saia's aggressive terminal growth strategy, which has seen 21 new terminals opened in the last year as of their first quarter 2024 earnings call. DHL Express Canada has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with its striking Unifor Union workers after nearly two weeks of halted operations. Unifor, which represents over 2,100 DHL Express truck and van drivers, warehouse pickers, and other Canadian workers, will not disclose deal details until finalized, with a ratification meeting set for the coming days. Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) was the victim of a cyberattack earlier this week. Despite the attack, the company confirmed there was no significant disruption to its business, and its parent company, Estes Express Lines, which was previously targeted in 2023, was unaffected and provided recovery support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is intensifying enforcement of English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards as of June 25, 2025, which could lead to the immediate grounding of truck drivers who do not meet Department of Transportation requirements. This move is expected to shrink the pool of qualified drivers, creating capacity constraints, increasing tender rejections, and driving national truckload rates higher, with the National Truckload Index currently at $2.27 per mile.  In other news, Relay Payments is expanding its services beyond fuel payments into repair and maintenance, announcing partnerships with Southern Tire Mart at Pilot, Boss Truck Shops, and AMBEST Service Centers, collectively offering over 235 locations. This initiative aims to streamline payment processes for carriers and improve workflows for merchants by utilizing digital RelayCodes, allowing fleets to consolidate all over-the-road expenses on a single platform.  Turning our eyes skyward, FedEx has retired a dozen freighter aircraft, including Airbus A300s, MD-11s, and Boeing 757-200s, as part of an effort to streamline its air network and modernize its fleet, taking a $21 million impairment charge. While flying less domestically after its USPS contract ended, FedEx is focusing on efficient widebody freighters and plans further acquisitions of Boeing 777s and ATR 72-600 turboprops to meet strong international parcel demand and boost efficiency.  On the ground in the food sector, a wave of layoffs and closures is hitting major food retailers, distributors, and producers across the U.S., with over 1,500 job cuts announced since early May. Companies affected include United Natural Foods Inc., which is closing a distribution center in Pennsylvania and cutting 716 jobs; Albertsons, which laid off 275 corporate employees and plans to close a grocery store in Portland, Oregon; and Amazon Fresh, which shuttered a grocery location near Seattle with 125 job losses.  In the maritime realm, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola announced he is stepping down as his carryover term expires this month, having served since 2018 as a Trump appointee. Sola played a key role in safeguarding the U.S. maritime industry, bringing greater transparency to port operations, and overseeing a supply chain that moves more than $5 trillion in goods annually, including leading an investigation that resulted in the de-flagging of 140 sanctioned vessels.  The Ports of Indiana are partnering with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to restart operations at the Burns Harbor grain terminal on Lake Michigan, a crucial asset for Midwest grain exports since its opening in 1979. LDC, one of the world's "big four" global agri-commodities companies, plans to begin operating the terminal in early 2026, aiming to boost grain exports and provide vital market access for regional farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Morning Minute covers the ongoing debate in Congress regarding rail safety technology, with a House subcommittee hearing highlighting the partisan divide over its implementation. Republicans advocate for technological innovation and modernization of regulations, while Democrats emphasize that advancements should not compromise worker safety. Much of the discussion centered on automated track inspection and the extent to which railroads should be allowed to reduce traditional visual inspections.  FedEx has permanently retired 12 freighter aircraft and incurred a $21 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter as part of its effort to streamline its air network and modernize its fleet. The removed aircraft include seven Airbus A300-600s, three MD-11 tri-engine freighters, and two Boeing 757-200s, in addition to 22 Boeing 757 cargo jets decommissioned in the fourth quarter of 2024. FedEx plans to reduce aircraft investment to $1 billion in the current fiscal year and maintain that level for several years.  A recent surge in layoffs impacted the food production, distribution, and retail sectors across the U.S., with over 1,500 job cuts announced since the beginning of May. Notable companies affected include United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), which is closing a distribution center and eliminating 716 jobs, and Albertsons, which has laid off 275 corporate employees in Phoenix. Additionally, Amazon Fresh closed a grocery store in Seattle, leading to 125 job cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves honors the remarkable life and legacy of Fred Smith, the visionary founder who built FedEx into the world's largest cargo airline. Learn how his hands-on leadership and strategic aircraft acquisitions transformed the company into a global commerce leader, even through ventures that didn't succeed. Erez Agmoni of Interwoven Ventures, who previously led innovation at Maersk, shares insights on how combining AI computer vision with dynamic digital twins allows for significant efficiency improvements, as seen in Maersk's container unloading, which achieved 82% accuracy in prediction times, and drayage operations, which saved millions by consolidating information for optimization. Geopolitical tensions are disrupting freight flows, as demonstrated by Maersk's decision to stop Haifa service prior to Iran missile attacks, underscoring the delicate balance shipping giants must maintain for crew safety and operations. This suspension, amid escalating conflict, contributed to increased container rates from Shanghai to European ports, showing broader market uncertainties. For the trucking industry, prepare for a hot, tight July 4th freight market, where spot truckload rates are expected to rise, offering a significant opportunity for carriers to capitalize on higher rates. Freight brokers, however, face the challenge of proactively managing margins against potentially surging spot rates as tender rejection rates climb nationally and in key regional hubs. Fuel prices are also in the spotlight, with the benchmark diesel price now at its highest level in almost a year after a big jump, even as ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) futures markets recently plunged. This surge, following initial fears of supply disruptions from Middle East conflicts, means diesel consumers are still feeling the pinch at the pump. Finally, we highlight innovative strides in fleet management as Samsara introduces its 2025 North America Customer Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders to shape the product roadmap for AI-driven tools. Discover how customers are leveraging Samsara's AI-powered platforms to achieve impressive ROI, including millions saved in maintenance costs and significant reductions in accidents and theft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FedEx's board of directors elected R. Brad Martin as chairman following the passing of founder Fred Smith, and a decision to reduce the board's size to 12 members. The company expressed profound gratitude for Smith's vision and contributions, as Martin, previously vice chairman, now leads the audit and finance committees. Maersk has suspended services to Israel's busiest port, Haifa, and halted cargo acceptance due to ongoing conflict and safety risks from missile attacks. This decision was made prior to new missile attacks, which occurred despite reports of a potential ceasefire. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a five-year, $10 million research initiative to study the long-term health effects of the 2023 railroad derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. This marks the first large-scale coordinated federal program to address community health concerns, focusing on public health tracking, chemical exposure impacts, and multi-disciplinary communication. Also, tune into FreightWaves TV for programs like Check Call and Loaded and Rolling, and mark your calendars for upcoming events like the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd. Don't miss the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., where a special ticket offer allows combining it with your F3 ticket for a reduced price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Global tensions as oil prices react to geopolitical events, with Brent crude ticking up after the US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, though prices later flattened as tankers moved through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Iran's parliament voting to close the strategic waterway, top leadership approval is required, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to discourage such a shutdown given its critical impact on global oil consumption. Spot rates for large crude oil tankers from the Persian Gulf to China have surged dramatically amid heightened Middle East stability concerns, nearly doubling to over $57,000 per day for the largest crude carriers. Despite threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, major container lines like Maersk and CMA CGM continue their sailings, closely monitoring the situation while maintaining operations. In industry news, we pause to honor the passing of Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx, who died at age 80, transforming a college term paper idea into an $87.7 billion global overnight delivery powerhouse. Smith's pioneering concepts, military service, and strategic financial moves, like a high-stakes blackjack win, shaped FedEx into a company whose legacy touches virtually every corner of global logistics. The US truckload market continues to face significant challenges, with carrier revocations, or trucking businesses shutting down, running 16% higher year-over-year through mid-2025, reflecting sustained industry vulnerability. Recent regulatory enforcement, including renewed English language proficiency rules and stricter CDL fraud crackdowns, may be raising entry barriers, while softening demand and rising operating costs further squeeze profitability. Supply chain investments are on the rise in Mexico to support growing trade with the US, its largest trading partner. This includes Evans Transportation opening a new office in Laredo, DP World launching a freight forwarding hub in Mexico City, Geodis Logistics opening a new office in Guadalajara, We Store Frozen building a cold storage facility in Laredo, and Japanese firms Tokai Kogyo and Benchmark Electronics expanding their manufacturing footprints. FreightWaves is proud to spotlight the dawn of a new era with the AI Excellence in Supply Chain Award, recognizing game-changing use of artificial intelligence in logistics. The Supply Chain AI Symposium in Washington, D.C., happening this July, will crown industry leaders harnessing AI, machine learning, and large language models to drive smarter, more resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heightened tensions in the Middle East have caused spot rates for large crude oil tankers from the Persian Gulf to China to surge over 50%. This surge comes after a U.S. attack on Iran and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a route for about 20% of the world's oil, equating to over $57,000 per day for a roundtrip charter.  Frederick W. Smith, who founded FedEx Express Corp. fifty-four years ago and revolutionized parcel delivery by using aircraft for overnight delivery, passed away over the weekend at the age of 80. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam stated that "Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx – its People-Service-Profit culture, values, integrity, and spirit," underscoring his profound impact.  The Supreme Court has weighed in on California's ability to create its own environmental regulations via waivers from the EPA, a ruling that was more procedural than substantive on regulatory lawmaking. This decision, which overruled a D.C. Circuit Court case regarding a challenge to California's Clean Cars One Act, could benefit how trucking groups fight state regulations impacting their industry going forward.  Don't miss What The Truck?!? live at noon today on FreightWaves TV, with the replay available on SiriusXM channel 146. Also, mark your calendars for the free Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., with a special combo ticket available for the latter and the Future of Freight Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

C.H. Robinson announces groundbreaking adoption of AI agents to classify LTL freight, a move set to revolutionize classification, enhance efficiency, and accuracy in logistics. This innovation is particularly significant given upcoming changes to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system and is expected to generate operating leverage in North American Surface Transportation (NAST) by automating over 75% of LTL orders. Canada Post reached a collective bargaining agreement with its second-largest union, the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA), after 18 months of negotiations. This deal grants postmasters an 11% wage increase over three years, while a standoff continues with their largest union, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), prompting government intervention. DHL Express Canada requested for an exemption from new legislation banning replacement workers during strikes or lockouts, forcing them to suspend operations. The company argues this cessation significantly harms businesses and communities, affecting over 50,000 international shipments daily, but the union, Unifor, strongly opposes any special treatment. Explore the swift resolution of a legal battle between DAT Freight & Analytics and factoring company OTR Solutions, bringing a quick end to a dispute over factoring services. This settlement allows DAT to market the factoring services of Outgo, a company it recently acquired, on its platform, which had been previously suspended by a court order. FourKites CEO allegedly manipulated comments by FreightWaves' CEO to unfairly criticize Project44's Movement platform, highlighting competitive rivalries in logistics technology. This behavior, which included misrepresenting the context of the statements, raises questions about ethical conduct, given FourKites' history of purported unethical actions against Project44. Recent flooding and rockslides shut down a critical stretch of Interstate 40 between the North Carolina and Tennessee border. This key route was previously ravaged by Hurricane Helene last September and only partially reopened in February 2025, emphasizing its vulnerability to natural disasters. This episode ensures you stay ahead of the curve in freight and logistics news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the audio file delves into C.H. Robinson's groundbreaking AI agent, a proprietary technology poised to revolutionize less-than-truckload (LTL) freight classification by adapting to upcoming changes in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. As North America's largest third-party logistics (3PL) provider for LTL freight, C.H. Robinson's innovation promises enhanced efficiency and accuracy across the logistics industry by automating tasks that previously defied automation for decades. The podcast also covers the swift resolution of the legal dispute between factoring company OTR Solutions and DAT Freight & Analytics, with OTR voluntarily dismissing its lawsuit. This settlement enables DAT to fully launch Outgo, a recently acquired financial services and factoring company, through the DAT One platform. In global news, the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has not yet severely impacted freight markets, but significant concerns persist regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic passage is vital for Persian Gulf nations, exporting 20% of the global oil supply, and any disruption could dramatically affect oil prices and international shipping routes. Listeners can catch Tim Dooner on What the Truck?!? for the latest on the Project44 and Fourkites feud, and Mario Connell on Running on Ice discussing cold chain efficiency with E-Road. Registration is open for the upcoming 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

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

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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

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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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