UPS NIXES DRIVER BUYOUTS IN 13 STATES
UPS is rolling back its Driver Choice buyout program across the Teamsters’ Central Region after more than 30 local grievances, though the company says discussions continue with local unions. Carriers and shippers should monitor potential labor impacts on parcel capacity and service areas.
USPS SETS 8% TEMPORARY RATE HIKE FOR SOME DOMESTIC PRODUCTS
Starting April 26, USPS plans an 8% temporary increase for Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, Priority Mail and PM Express to offset rising transportation costs, with PRC review pending. Shippers should expect higher small‑parcel costs through Jan. 17, 2027, and adjust budgets and surcharges accordingly.
MANUFACTURERS BRACE FOR PRICE INCREASES FROM STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSURE
Energy and petrochemical disruptions from the Hormuz closure are lifting crude and plastics costs, which will ripple into packaging and transport. Fleets should plan for elevated diesel and inputs while shippers prepare for fuel surcharge volatility and routing changes.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR TRUCKERS HELD TODAY AT MATS (10 A.M. LOCAL)
Truckstop Ministries is hosting its annual National Day of Prayer for Truckers this morning (March 29) outside the Kentucky Exposition Center during MATS. Organizers invite drivers and industry partners nationwide to join in a moment of silence at 10 a.m. local time.
CALTRANS: SAN FRANCISCO EB I‑80 WEEKEND CLOSURE MARCH 28–29 FOR REHAB WORK
Eastbound I‑80 through San Francisco is undergoing scheduled weekend closures March 28–29 for freeway rehabilitation. Truckers should expect detours and delays and use Caltrans QuickMap for live conditions before staging Bay Area moves.
PORT TAMPA BAY ADVISES HEAVY CRUISE DAY MARCH 29; EXPECT PEAK TRAFFIC NEAR TERMINALS
Multiple cruise departures today could tighten roadway access around Port Tampa Bay. Dray carriers and local delivery fleets should pad schedules and consider alternative gates or time-of-day shifts to maintain turn times.
NHTSA RECALL 26V‑104: FORD TRAILER BRAKE/LIGHT MODULE FIX ROLLOUT TIMELINE SET
Dealer notifications began mid‑March with owner letters scheduled through late March for an integrated trailer module software remedy on select Ford pickups and vans. Fleets towing trailers should verify VINs and schedule updates to avoid brake light and trailer brake communication issues.
FTR: DIESEL PRICE SHOCK THREATENS RECORD-LOW SHIPPER CONDITIONS
FTR warns the recent diesel spike could flip market balance faster, pushing rates and stressing shipper budgets if capacity exits. Procurement teams should lock fuel programs and watch small‑carrier health as surcharges reset.
DAT: RISING STEEL OUTPUT LIFTS FLATBED DEMAND INTO EARLY 2026
DAT reports improving early‑year steel production is tightening flatbed capacity and supporting rates. Flatbed carriers should prioritize manufacturing lanes; shippers should secure coverage ahead of construction season ramps.
WYDOT: EXTREME WINDS TRIGGERED DOZENS OF BLOWOVERS; TRUCK RESTRICTIONS ENFORCED
High winds earlier this month led to at least 32 blowover crashes and intermittent closures on I‑80 and I‑25. Fleets running the High Plains should factor weight‑based wind closures into routing and staging to reduce risk exposure.
KUEHNE+NAGEL ISSUES OPERATIONAL UPDATE ON MIDDLE EAST DISRUPTIONS
The 3PL detailed mitigation steps and routing workarounds amid Gulf airspace and maritime constraints. U.S. importers/exporters should anticipate modal shifts and longer lead times rippling into domestic drayage and truckload timing.
FMCSA FILES REPORT TO CONGRESS ON 2020 HOS RULE EFFECTS
The report evaluates safety and operational outcomes following the 2020 HOS amendments, informing future policy discussions. Carriers and safety managers can use the analysis to benchmark scheduling practices and fatigue risk management.
AAA: SPRING FUEL PRICES SURGE; DIESEL AND GAS COSTS CLIMB ON SUPPLY SHOCKS
AAA reports sharp week‑over‑week increases tied to geopolitical tensions and seasonal demand, with national averages jumping for both gasoline and diesel. Expect higher fuel surcharges and tighter margins for small fleets without hedges.
MATS 2026 WRAP: EXHIBIT HALL LOAD-OUT AND SITE ACCESS RULES FOR SUNDAY NIGHT
Post‑show rules require prompt exhibit removal after the floor closes, with strict safety protocols for any rolling stock movements. Carriers assisting exhibitors should confirm dock times and marshaling yard procedures to avoid delays.
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