Introduction New USDOT registrations softened in the week of March 16–22, 2026, as a sharp spike in fuel prices raised operating-cost risk for prospective entrants. While underlying demand for trucking capacity remains uneven across modes, the near-term backdrop—dominated by a sudden surge in retail diesel above $5 per gallon and…
Why a New Zealand tax tweak matters to U.S. trucking New Zealand is finalizing how it applies the OECD’s “Pillar Two” 15% global minimum tax, including a recent move to adjust application dates for parts of the guidance package. Practically, New Zealand’s GloBE rules apply to fiscal years beginning on…
FMCSA IMPLEMENTS FINAL RULE EASING 12 REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE MARCH 23 A sweeping FMCSA rule effective today clarifies electronic DVIR use, removes outdated provisions (including vision standard grandfathering), and streamlines several parts of the FMCSRs to reduce burdens on carriers and drivers. FMCSA: NON-COMPLIANT ELDS TO BE TREATED AS “NO RODS”…
Why this matters to trucking businesses Family-run carriers and owner-operators often hold substantial assets—tractors, trailers, terminals, shop equipment and real estate—inside closely held businesses. While the federal estate tax exemption increased to $15 million per person for 2026, Maryland still imposes its own estate tax with a lower exemption, meaning…
U.S. DIESEL AVERAGE TOPS $5/GAL, RAISING COST PRESSURES ACROSS FREIGHT Diesel’s jump above $5 per gallon adds inflationary pressure to truck-transported goods, with carriers and shippers bracing for near-term fuel surcharges and pricing ripple effects. EIA FUEL UPDATE: NEXT WEEKLY DIESEL, GASOLINE BENCHMARKS DUE AS VOLATILITY PERSISTS The Energy Information…
What changed—and why trucking businesses should care Many trucking companies are organized as LLCs taxed as partnerships. That structure can be great for flexibility, but it also means your ability to deduct losses, receive cash distributions, and avoid surprise tax bills hinges on how partnership liabilities are allocated and whether…
CBP FINDS 900+ POUNDS OF LIQUID METH IN TRACTOR-TRAILER FUEL TANK AT OTAY MESA Officers at San Diego’s Otay Mesa Cargo Facility seized 944 pounds of liquid meth concealed in a semi’s fuel tank; the 26-year-old driver was turned over to HSI as the investigation continues. STATES SUE EPA OVER…
Why a UK tax ruling matters to trucking A recent UK tribunal decision siding with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in an inheritance tax dispute is a timely reminder for owner-operators and fleet managers with any UK footprint—whether that’s a depot, warehousing, a UK subsidiary, or UK‑resident family shareholders. When…
FMCSA WARNS CARRIERS: DO NOT BUY, SELL OR LEASE USDOT OR MC NUMBERS In a March 19 bulletin, the agency said attempts to sell or lease federal registrations will trigger inactivation and revocation, clarifying that only legitimate corporate transactions can transfer authority identifiers. FEDEX HOLDS Q3 FY26 EARNINGS CALL; MARKET…
What changed—and why it matters to trucking Washington has approved a technical fix to its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program that changes how the total premium is divided between the family-leave and medical-leave “shares,” without increasing the overall rate. On March 11, 2026, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed 2SHB…
