MIDWEST LTL CARRIER STANDARD FORWARDING FREIGHT SUSPENDS OPERATIONS AFTER 91 YEARS
Teamsters-staffed Standard Forwarding Freight halted its 14-terminal network and stopped new pickups, less than a year after being sold by DHL. The carrier cited a strategic review as it evaluates next steps for the business.
WALMART’S $152M ARIZONA WAREHOUSE BUY HIGHLIGHTS SOUTHWEST LOGISTICS BOOM
Walmart acquired a 2.4 million-square-foot complex in Glendale, signaling strong demand for mega-distribution space around Phoenix. Tightening trucking capacity and rail investments are reinforcing the region’s freight appeal.
GATX, BROOKFIELD FINALIZE PURCHASE OF WELLS FARGO RAIL LEASING PORTFOLIO
The joint venture will acquire about 105,000 railcars for $4.4 billion, with Brookfield separately adding 23,000 cars and 400 locomotives. GATX will manage the equipment and holds an option to eventually buy full ownership of the JV.
U.S. RAIL SHIPMENTS FALL 7% IN LAST FULL WEEK OF 2025 AS CARLOADS SLIDE
AAR data show carloads down 10.5% and intermodal off 4.3% year over year for the week ended Dec. 20. Despite the weekly slump, year-to-date U.S. rail volume remained up about 1.5% versus 2024.
HIGH WINDS FROM WINTER STORM ‘EZRA’ PROMPT WARNING FOR TRUCKERS EAST OF I‑35
FreightWaves’ SONAR Critical Events flagged 50+ mph gusts and “High Road Danger” conditions that elevate trailer rollover risk. Fleets and drivers are urged to postpone runs where possible and monitor rapidly changing conditions.
FMCSA WEATHER-RELATED HOS WAIVERS NOW COVER 20 STATES FOR HEATING-FUEL HAULS
Federal emergency declarations extend or grant hours-of-service relief across parts of the Northeast and Midwest for propane, natural gas and heating oil deliveries. Washington state waivers also continue for flooding-related operations.
DHL SUPPLY CHAIN PLANS TO ADD TESLA SEMIS TO U.S. CLASS 8 FLEET IN 2026
DHL says multiple Tesla Semis are slated to enter service over the next 12 months as part of its broader decarbonization push. The company already operates more than 150 battery-electric Class 8 trucks nationwide and expects more units as production ramps.
BORDER PATROL JOINS CDL ENFORCEMENT; MORE THAN 170 IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVERS ARRESTED
CBP and federal partners reported multiweek operations near U.S. borders that detained drivers holding state-issued CDLs but lacking legal residency. The arrests spanned California, Arizona and New York and were referred to ICE for processing.
LAREDO CROSS-BORDER TRUCKING FIRM FILES CHAPTER 11 AMID FREIGHT DOWNTURN
Texas International Enterprises sought bankruptcy protection in the Southern District of Texas, listing $10–$50 million in assets and liabilities. The 280‑truck carrier says it aims to continue operations while negotiating with secured creditors.
PROPOSED UNION PACIFIC–NORFOLK SOUTHERN MERGER AIMS TO PULL FREIGHT FROM TRUCKS
In filings to the Surface Transportation Board, the railroads argue a combined network could shift up to 2 million annual truckloads to rail, reducing congestion and emissions. The review process is expected to run into 2026 with broad stakeholder input.
HYBRIDS HELP KEEP AUTOMAKERS’ ELECTRIFICATION PLANS AFLOAT AS EV DEMAND COOLS
Hybrids accounted for about 15% of U.S. auto sales in Q3 while fully electric vehicles made up 10%, with analysts expecting hybrid momentum into 2026. The shift has implications for fleet procurement and long-term emissions strategies across transportation.
REPORT: 2025 TARIFFS UPEND TRADE FLOWS, ADD COSTS FOR SHIPPERS AND CONSUMERS
An AP analysis outlines how higher effective U.S. tariff rates and rapid policy shifts reshaped import patterns and pricing this year. The turbulence is reverberating through supply chains, with modal mix and inventory strategies in flux heading into 2026.
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