D.C. COURT TEMPORARILY BLOCKS DOT RULE LIMITING WHICH IMMIGRANTS CAN GET CDLS
A federal appeals court issued an administrative stay on USDOT’s interim rule restricting non‑domiciled CDLs, saying the agency failed to follow proper procedure and justify safety benefits. States may continue issuing licenses under prior guidance while the case proceeds.
FLEETPRIDE AND TRUCKPRO CLOSE MERGER, EXPANDING HEAVY‑DUTY AFTERMARKET FOOTPRINT
The combined company, operating as FleetPride, now spans 450+ locations, 110+ service centers and 6 DCs, promising faster parts access, deeper inventory and enhanced e‑commerce support for fleets nationwide.
FEDEX INVESTS IN HARBINGER, ORDERS 53 MEDIUM‑DUTY ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHASSIS
FedEx co‑led Harbinger’s $160M Series C and placed an initial order for 53 Class 5–6 EV chassis for delivery by year‑end, supporting its push to electrify the pickup‑and‑delivery fleet by 2040.
UNION PACIFIC, NORFOLK SOUTHERN SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE $85B MERGER; STB REVIEW AHEAD
Nearly 99% of votes at both railroads backed the deal to create a coast‑to‑coast network; the transaction still requires Surface Transportation Board approval and other customary clearances before closing.
USPS TO ‘OPEN UP THE LAST MILE’ TO MORE SHIPPERS, INCLUDING MAJOR CARRIERS AND RETAILERS
Postmaster General David Steiner said USPS is engaging UPS and retailers to better monetize first‑ and last‑mile capacity, aiming to leverage its nationwide network for expanded parcel partnerships.
USPS REPORTS FY2025 RESULTS; TRANSPORT CUTS HELP, PACKAGE REVENUE LAGS EXPECTATIONS
Operating revenue rose 1.2% to $80.5B, with a lower GAAP net loss year over year, while controllable loss widened amid softer package demand; transportation expenses fell $422M as network optimization progressed.
FEDEX DETAILS CONTINGENCY PLANS AMID MD‑11 GROUNDING; LEANS ON GROUND NETWORK, SPARE LIFT
As MD‑11 inspections proceed, FedEx said it’s deploying spare aircraft and partners and shifting volume through its ground operations to limit service disruptions during peak season.
FTR: EQUIPMENT ORDERS PLUNGE 30% AS UNCERTAINTY FREEZES FREIGHT INVESTMENT
FTR said October Class 8 orders fell roughly 22% year over year and broader heavy equipment bookings are down 30%, as fleets pause capex amid weak freight and policy uncertainty heading into 2026.
OREGON ENACTS HIGHWAY‑FUNDING PACKAGE WITH FUEL‑TAX HIKE, WEIGHT‑MILE SIMPLIFICATION
A new law raises motor fuel taxes and registration fees and aims to streamline the state’s weight‑mile tax, with a ballot challenge possible; ATRI also seeks carrier insurance data input from fleets of all sizes.
HOW WORDS WIN CASES: INDUSTRY LAWYERS STRESS VERBIAGE, STORYTELLING TO BLUNT NUCLEAR VERDICTS
At ATA’s MCE, legal leaders from Wabash and Werner detailed how language choices and narrative strategy can sway juries as carriers contend with rising insurance costs and litigation exposure.
FLEETS TURN TO RENEWABLE DIESEL AS DROP‑IN ALTERNATIVE AMID POLICY SHIFTS
Carriers are increasing use of HVO and biodiesel to cut emissions without major equipment changes, with distributors expanding availability as regulatory focus moves beyond battery‑electric only pathways.
RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS MOMENTUM BUILDS WITH NEW ENGINES AND GROWING SUPPLY
Fleet interest in RNG is rising on stable fuel economics and emissions gains, aided by newer high‑output NG engines and more landfill and dairy‑sourced production projects coming online.
US, SOUTH KOREA FORMALIZE JULY TRADE PACT, SET 15% CAP ON TARIFFS FOR KEY IMPORTS
The agreement cements tariff limits on autos, parts and other goods, offering shippers more predictability on costs and routing as companies finalize 2026 procurement plans.
USPS PROPOSES 2026 PRICE HIKES FOR PRIORITY MAIL, GROUND ADVANTAGE AND PARCEL SELECT
The Postal Service filed for Shipping Services price changes effective Jan. 18, 2026, including average increases of 6.6% for Priority Mail and 6.0% for Parcel Select, as part of its Delivering for America plan.
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