What sparked the debate A widely shared analysis this week argues that the biggest legal “tax shelter” separating a company driver from an owner-operator in 2026 isn’t per diem or write-offs—it’s retirement plan space. The piece explains that because an owner-operator is both employee and employer, they can combine an…
FMCSA YANKS 10 ELDs FROM APPROVED LIST; CARRIERS GET 60 DAYS TO REPLACE On July 9, FMCSA removed 10 electronic logging devices from its registered list and said motor carriers have up to 60 days to switch to compliant units, or revert to paper logs in the interim. EPA PROPOSAL…
Why this matters to truckers right now A widely shared analysis this week argued that only one category of professional driver can “legally hide” as much as $72,000 a year from the IRS: the owner-operator. The claim refers to pre‑tax retirement contributions, not evasion, and it hinges on how the…
MAERSK LAUNCHES DEDICATED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY GROUND FREIGHT SERVICE IN NORTH AMERICA A new hazmat ground service for Class 9 lithium-ion batteries rolls out across Maersk’s North American network, with strict SOC and documentation standards and coverage via 65 stations and seven hubs. The move targets fast-growing EV and energy storage…
Why this July–August crunch matters Form 2290 filing for the 2026–2027 tax period opened on July 1, 2026. If a vehicle is first used in July, your return and payment are due by August 31, 2026—regardless of your state registration cycle. You’ll also need a stamped Schedule 1 to register…
EPA’S 2027 NOX RULE CLEARS OMB REVIEW; PROPOSAL EXPECTED THIS WEEK OMB finished reviewing EPA’s reconsideration of 2027 heavy‑duty NOx standards, with a proposal expected to keep the 80% NOx cut but ease warranty, credit and testing provisions — and allow short‑term nonconformance penalties. CCJ updated the brief July 8.…
Why this pop-up IRS help desk matters for trucking Owner-operators and fleet managers who are fighting IRS notices, unposted payments, or lingering account issues will have a rare chance to get face-to-face help in New Orleans from Aug. 4–6, 2026. During the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum at the Hyatt Regency…
FEDERAL AGENTS TARGETING ILLEGAL TRUCK DRIVERS AT WEIGH STATIONS NATIONWIDE DHS is partnering with state troopers and weigh stations to identify unqualified or improperly licensed commercial drivers, with recent stops highlighting serious credential and equipment violations, FreightWaves reports (July 7, 2026). LTL CARRIER MOUNTAIN VALLEY EXPRESS SHUTS DOWN California-based Mountain…
Introduction The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recorded a pronounced holiday-effect slowdown in new registrations during the week of June 29–July 5, 2026. Using verified filings for carriers, brokers, and other authorities (e.g., freight forwarders), this analysis examines day-by-day dynamics, week-over-week shifts across segments, and the leading states by daily…
What “authority” really means in 2026 “Getting your own authority” means you are the motor carrier of record for-hire in interstate commerce. In practice, that’s a stack of registrations: a USDOT number for safety tracking and an MC operating authority for commerce, plus process agents, insurance, and state-federal programs layered…