FMC LAUNCHES PROBE INTO CARRIER CHASSIS RESTRICTIONS, SEEKS TRUCKER INPUT
The Federal Maritime Commission opened a nonadjudicatory investigation into reports that ocean carriers are unjustly steering truckers and shippers to designated chassis providers, inviting public comments through March 27, 2026. The outcome could reshape port drayage equipment access and charges in key gateways.
COMMERCE OPENS ANTIDUMPING PROBES INTO VAN‑TYPE TRAILERS FROM CANADA, CHINA, MEXICO
The International Trade Administration initiated less‑than‑fair‑value investigations into imports of van‑type trailers and subassemblies, moves that could affect U.S. trailer pricing and availability for fleets. The case timeline begins with the January 26 Federal Register notice and an applicable date of January 20.
NATURAL GAS SURGES NEARLY 30% AS ARCTIC BLAST HITS, RAISING ENERGY COST RISKS
Front‑month U.S. natural gas futures jumped to around $6–$7/MMBtu on Monday as frigid weather boosted demand and cut output, with intraday spikes over 40% from Friday’s close. Power supply tightness and logistical slowdowns may ripple through cold‑chain and warehouse operations this week.
FMCSA ISSUES MULTISTATE HOS WAIVER FOR WINTER STORM RELIEF THROUGH FEB. 6
FMCSA granted temporary hours‑of‑service relief for carriers supporting emergency response across dozens of states, effective January 23 to February 6, 2026. The waiver covers direct assistance for essentials such as utilities restoration, fuel, and food deliveries during the cold snap.
NEW JERSEY LIFTS COMMERCIAL VEHICLE BAN AT 9 A.M.; EMERGENCY SPEED LIMITS EASED BY NOON
NJDOT ended the storm‑related commercial vehicle restrictions at 9 a.m. Monday, then began rolling back the temporary 35‑mph limits at midday as conditions improved. Carriers should still watch for localized ice and residual slowdowns on major corridors after the nor’easter cleanup.
PORT OF VIRGINIA ADJUSTS MONDAY GATE HOURS; SOME FACILITIES CLOSED
Truck gates at NIT and VIG opened at 0800 Monday with reefer cutoff at 1630, while NNMT, RMT and the Virginia Inland Port remained closed for truck activity. Operators are urged to check PRO‑PASS and the Empty Return Matrix for appointments and return guidance before dispatching drivers.
NY/NJ MARINE TERMINALS CLOSED MONDAY, JAN. 26, DUE TO WINTER STORM
Multiple Port of NY/NJ container terminals, including APM, PNCT, Maher and Port Liberty, remained closed to truck lines on Monday amid snow cleanup. Gate reopenings are expected Tuesday pending conditions; check terminal advisories for updated hours and appointment availability.
PENNDOT LIFTS NORTHWEST INTERSTATE RESTRICTIONS; 45 MPH LIMITS STILL IN EFFECT
PennDOT removed remaining Tier 3/4 restrictions on I‑79, I‑80, I‑86, I‑90 and I‑376 in the Northwest region Monday morning, while maintaining a 45‑mph speed cap and right‑lane requirement for commercial vehicles. Conditions remain variable; carriers should monitor 511PA for changes.
EAST‑CENTRAL PA: TIERED TRUCK RESTRICTIONS DOWNGRADED AS ROADS STABILIZE
PennDOT shifted certain I‑80/81/84/380 restrictions from Tier 4 to Tier 3 in parts of the Northeast region, allowing some freight to move with chains/ATDs while 45‑mph limits persist. Additional downgrades are expected as plowing and de‑icing progress through Monday.
BNSF WARNS CENTRAL U.S. RAIL CORRIDORS TO FACE WEATHER‑DRIVEN SLOWDOWNS
BNSF advised customers to expect delays, atypical routings and extended transit times as the storm affects Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kentucky corridors. Intermodal shippers should plan for knock‑on impacts to drayage schedules and terminal turns early this week.
TEXAS DPS HOS RELIEF FOR STORM RESPONSE SET TO EXPIRE MONDAY NIGHT
Texas’ emergency declaration providing HOS flexibility for disaster relief carriers runs through 11:59 p.m. January 26. The waiver supported grid repairs and deliveries of fuel, propane and groceries during the freeze; carriers must resume standard Part 395 compliance afterward.
USPS: WINTER WEATHER DISRUPTING MAIL TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY IN MULTIPLE REGIONS
USPS reports storm‑related impacts to processing, transportation and last‑mile delivery across the Southwest, Southern Plains, Midwest and Southeast, with high winds affecting the Northeast. Shippers using postal parcel solutions should expect localized delays until conditions normalize.
TOYOTA RECALLS 162,000 TUNDRA PICKUPS FOR SCREEN MALFUNCTION AFFECTING BACKUP CAMERAS
Model‑year 2024–2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks are being recalled after multimedia displays can freeze on a camera view or go dark, potentially obscuring the reverse camera feed. Dealers will repair the issue; affected fleets should check VINs and schedule service promptly.
EIA DIESEL UPDATE DUE TUESDAY, JAN. 27; LAST U.S. AVERAGE POSTED AT $3.53/GAL
With the MLK holiday shifting schedules, EIA’s next weekly on‑highway diesel price update posts Tuesday; the most recent average was $3.530/gal on Jan. 19. Carriers should plan fuel surcharges accordingly amid weather‑driven energy volatility.
This daily digest was prepared exclusively for TruckStopInsider.com. Republishing is permitted only with proper credit and a link back to the original source.
