SAFETY GROUPS PUSH FMCSA TO KILL TEEN-TRUCKER PILOT EXTENSION
Crash victim advocates asked FMCSA to reject extending the under‑21 interstate pilot (SDAP), citing limited data and higher crash risk among teen drivers. The agency is reviewing results and must report to Congress by March 10.
BRAD JACOBS’ QXO SECURES $1.2B APOLLO-LED INVESTMENT FOR M&A PUSH
QXO raised about $1.2 billion in convertible preferred equity led by Apollo to accelerate roll‑ups across the fragmented building products supply chain. The capital bolsters QXO’s deal pipeline after its 2025 Beacon Roofing acquisition.
STORD ACQUIRES SHIPWIRE FROM CEVA TO SCALE E‑COMMERCE FULFILLMENT
The Atlanta‑based 3PL adds 12 fulfillment centers, AI tech and access to CEVA’s 1,000‑warehouse network, deepening capacity for SMB brands. Terms weren’t disclosed as Stord continues a buy‑and‑build strategy in DTC logistics.
MGN LOGISTICS BUYS EXPEDITED CARRIER FAST SERVICE TO ADD CAPACITY
MGN’s acquisition brings more than 80 dedicated owner‑operators and strengthens time‑critical truckload and final‑mile offerings. The Easton, Pa.-based provider says the deal enhances visibility and execution on urgent freight.
TRINITY LOGISTICS ACQUIRES GRANITE LOGISTICS, ADDS MINNESOTA SERVICE HUBS
The 3PL integrated its long‑time flatbed and heavy‑haul agent, bringing 135 team members and two regional service centers in Sartell and Minneapolis. Both brands emphasize continuity for shippers and carriers post‑deal.
COURT DENIES AMAZON BID TO HALT NLRB DSP CASE, JOINT EMPLOYER QUESTION PERSISTS
The Ninth Circuit kept NLRB proceedings moving in a dispute tied to an ex‑Delivery Service Partner that recognized the Teamsters. The case could have wide implications for joint‑employer status across last‑mile networks.
U.S. DELAYS FURNITURE/CABINET TARIFF HIKES, SLASHES PROPOSED PASTA DUTIES
A White House proclamation postpones higher rates on furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities until at least 2027 and trims proposed anti‑dumping duties on Italian pasta. Shippers see near‑term relief on import costs and pricing pressure.
EARLY LUNAR NEW YEAR DEMAND LIFTS TRANS‑PACIFIC OCEAN RATES
Pre‑holiday pull‑forward and Red Sea diversions are pushing Asia–U.S. rates higher heading into February factory shutdowns. Analysts expect elevated pricing through the holiday, with carriers cautious about a Red Sea return.
KODIAK AI TAPS BOSCH TO SCALE AUTONOMOUS TRUCK HARDWARE PLATFORM
Kodiak and Bosch will co‑develop a production‑grade, redundant platform to enable factory and upfitter installs of the Kodiak Driver. The CES‑timed deal aims at driverless highway operations targeted for late 2026.
AI, AUTONOMY TAKE CENTER STAGE AT CES 2026
CES opens Jan. 6 with major OEMs and chipmakers spotlighting AI, robotics and automated driving—trends with near‑term implications for fleet technology, safety systems and autonomous freight pilots.
TRANSPORTATION STOCKS NEAR RECORD AS ECONOMY OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS
The Dow Jones Transportation Average pushed toward all‑time highs amid optimism for 2026 growth and lower rates. Freight brokers and carriers rallied on expectations of improving demand and capacity balance.
TESLA LOSES EV SALES CROWN TO BYD, SHIFTING GLOBAL AUTO PECKING ORDER
Tesla’s second straight annual decline handed BYD the global EV lead in 2025, as U.S. automakers pivot toward AI and autonomy. Shifts in EV strategy affect upstream parts flows and long‑haul battery logistics in North America.
DOE REGIONAL DIESEL AVERAGES: 2026 DASHBOARD UPDATED
Transport Topics refreshed its 2026 DOE diesel tracker, providing carriers and shippers current regional benchmarks used in many fuel‑surcharge formulas. Recent prints reflect late‑December declines heading into the new year.
COMDATA FUEL PRICE AVERAGES SHOW LATE‑DECEMBER DIP FOR TRUCK STOPS
Weekly cash‑card transaction data across 6,500+ truck stops indicate lower diesel prices at year‑end, easing operating costs. Fleets can pair this with DOE data to fine‑tune fuel surcharge and procurement strategies.
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