EIA: U.S. DIESEL SLIPS TO $5.596/GAL FOR WEEK OF MAY 18; REGULAR GASOLINE AT $4.49 The Energy Information Administration’s weekly update shows on‑highway diesel averaging $5.596/gal (down 4.3¢ w/w) and regular gasoline at $4.49/gal, with West Coast diesel still above $6.50. Regional and state breakouts detail mixed week-over-week moves. ‘DO…
Introduction New USDOT registrations sharply decelerated during the week of May 11–17, 2026, with filings concentrated early in the week and then dropping off abruptly as International Roadcheck (“DOT blitz”) unfolded. This report analyzes week‑over‑week changes across carriers, brokers, and other registrants; highlights the hottest states for new authorities each…
Why you’re seeing penalties and interest on your IRS notice Owner-operators and fleet managers are feeling the squeeze of tight freight markets and higher operating costs—and an unexpected IRS bill layered with penalties and interest doesn’t help. A new Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) update published May 18, 2026, explains the…
What the viral post shows A Chicago-based semi driver shared pay stubs in a Reddit thread titled “Chicago – semi truck driver local home daily,” noting the role is home every day. Commenters who tallied the stubs estimated the gross annualized earnings at roughly $96,000, and the discussion quickly shifted…
AAA: U.S. AVERAGE GAS $4.513; DIESEL $5.646 AS OF MAY 17 AAA’s daily dashboard shows the national average for regular at $4.513 and diesel at $5.646 on May 17, with prices up sharply versus a month ago as crude remains elevated. SEVERE WEATHER MONDAY: SPC FLAGS MODERATE RISK FOR KS/NE,…
Why LLC formation matters for truckers For new owner-operators, choosing the right business structure is more than a paperwork choice—it’s a risk decision. An LLC generally separates your personal assets from business liabilities under state law, and it gives you flexibility in how the business is taxed (default pass-through, with…
SUPREME COURT SAYS FREIGHT BROKERS CAN BE SUED FOR NEGLIGENT HIRING In Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, the Court affirmed that brokers may face state tort claims for negligent carrier selection. Expect tighter carrier vetting and potential insurance/risk management shifts across brokerage and small fleets. TORC, CCM AND PHILLIPS 66…
Why this matters for owner-operators and fleets After a wreck or cargo incident, settlement dollars can arrive fast—and tax bills can follow just as quickly. The IRS starts from a simple premise: all income is taxable unless an exclusion applies, but payments for personal physical injuries can be excluded. What…
SUPREME COURT ALLOWS NEGLIGENCE SUIT AGAINST FREIGHT BROKER, RAISING INDUSTRY LIABILITY RISK In a unanimous ruling, the Court said a plaintiff may pursue a state-law negligence claim against broker C.H. Robinson over a 2017 crash, a decision expected to spur more litigation and tighter carrier-vetting by brokers. ARCBEST SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE…
What happened — and why it matters for freight On Friday, May 15, 2026, Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping wrapped a closely watched summit in Beijing, with both sides claiming “progress” even as thorny differences remain. In remarks widely shared online, Xi said China’s “great rejuvenation” and “making America…
