NEW TRUCKING GROUP PETITIONS FMCSA FOR ELD EXEMPTION
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked FMCSA to exempt drivers from the ELD mandate if they maintain full HOS compliance on paper. The agency opened the request for public comment.
LAWMAKERS REVIVE BILL TO REQUIRE SIDE UNDERRIDE GUARDS ON NEW TRAILERS
Bipartisan sponsors in the House and Senate reintroduced the Stop Underrides Act 2.0 to mandate side guards on new trailers and certain trucks. Supporters say it would reduce crash severity and improve roadway safety.
LOVE’S TO ADD 1,500 TRUCK PARKING SPACES AND 20 NEW LOCATIONS IN 2026
Love’s said it will expand parking to 52,000 spots by year-end 2026, open 20 stores, remodel 35, and invest $700 million as part of its Road Ahead plan. The company also broadened financial services via factoring acquisitions serving 3,400 customers.
RXO REPORTS Q4 LOSS AS TRUCKLOAD CAPACITY TIGHTENS; LINES UP $450M FACILITY
RXO posted a $46 million Q4 loss while highlighting late‑stage sales momentum, AI investments and a new $450 million lending facility. Brokerage revenue declined year over year, but managed transportation awards topped $200 million in the quarter.
WERNER PIVOTS FROM ONE‑WAY TL TO DEDICATED/SPECIALIZED AFTER TOUGH Q4
Werner said it is shrinking exposure to one‑way truckload and prioritizing dedicated, specialized, intermodal and final‑mile to restore profitability. Management expects utilization and earnings to improve beginning in Q2 2026.
CUMMINS SEES STRONGER EPA 2027 PRE‑BUY AS ORDERS IMPROVE; Q4 LIFTED BY POWER SYSTEMS
Cummins executives said a heavier pre‑buy in late 2026 is increasingly likely as fleets prepare for 2027 emissions rules. Weak heavy‑duty demand was offset by growth in power systems and distribution segments.
WALMART TO INVEST $330 MILLION IN LOUISIANA DC MODERNIZATION, ADDING ROBOTICS
Walmart will upgrade its Opelousas distribution center to double traditional throughput with automation and robotics. State officials say the project strengthens the Gulf South logistics hub and secures local jobs.
CRUZ PRESSES FOR NATIONAL AV FRAMEWORK IN COMING HIGHWAY BILL
Sen. Ted Cruz urged Congress to include a federal autonomous vehicle policy in the next highway package, arguing a patchwork of state rules hinders competitiveness. Bipartisan SELF DRIVE Act backers and industry groups voiced support.
WAYMO TAPS DEEPMIND’S GENIE 3 TO BUILD HYPER‑REALISTIC AV SIMULATIONS
Waymo unveiled a new “Waymo World Model” that uses Genie 3 to generate synthetic scenes and depth data for training autonomous systems. The goal is to improve performance in rare edge‑case scenarios and scale services to more markets.
STELLANTIS BOOKS $26 BILLION IN CHARGES AS IT PULLS BACK ON EV STRATEGY
The automaker recorded more than €22 billion in charges tied to canceling EV programs and supplier compensation, sending shares sharply lower. Stellantis also said it would exit a Canadian battery JV with LG Energy Solution.
BYD’S $60B MARKET VALUE WIPEOUT DEEPENS CHINA EV TURMOIL
BYD’s steep share selloff, driven by weaker demand and higher input costs, rippled across EV peers. The rout underscores investor concerns about profitability and policy support in the sector.
TOYOTA TAPS CFO KENTA KON AS NEXT CEO AMID WIDER STRATEGIC MOVES
Kenta Kon will succeed Koji Sato as CEO in April, as Akio Toyoda reshapes leadership during a significant period for the automaker’s global strategy. The transition comes alongside internal restructuring and portfolio reviews with supply chain implications.
EXXON, CHEVRON PURSUE NEW OIL DEALS AS U.S. POLICY RESETS GLOBAL CRUDE FLOWS
The oil majors are negotiating access and expansions in several OPEC‑linked nations, moves that could influence U.S. diesel supply dynamics and fuel costs for trucking. Engagements span Venezuela to Iraq, Libya and North Africa.
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