FMCSA GRANTS THIRD, “LIKELY FINAL” PAPER MEDICAL CARD WAIVER THROUGH OCT. 11
CDL and CLP holders can rely on a paper medical examiner’s certificate for up to 60 days as states finish connecting to the National Registry II system. Fleets should ensure drivers keep paper copies on hand during the transition.
FEDEX ONE RATE PRICES TO RISE AROUND 7% ON APRIL 20
Flat-rate parcel prices will increase, with the impact varying by box size, distance and service speed. SMB shippers relying on predictable, surcharge‑inclusive pricing should budget for higher costs this month and recheck service mix.
OIL PRICES SURGE AS U.S. PREPARES IRAN PORT BLOCKADE, THREATENING HIGHER DIESEL
Benchmark crude jumped over 7% April 13 amid escalating Middle East tensions. Carriers should anticipate near‑term diesel volatility and review fuel surcharge programs and hedging strategies.
9MW SAN BERNARDINO TRUCK-CHARGING HUB OPENS, DESIGNED FOR MULTI‑FLEET USE
EV Realty’s flagship site near key Inland Empire freight corridors debuts with 76 high‑power ports (CCS and MCS) and capacity to serve 200+ MHD trucks daily. Early users include J.B. Hunt and regional beverage distributors, easing depot buildouts for fleets electrifying now.
BALTIMORE ADVANCES ORDINANCE TO RESTRICT HEAVY-TRUCK PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
A city bill on final passage would bar commercial vehicles (over 20,000 lb GVWR) from standing or parking on residential streets with steep fines. Carriers serving the city may need to adjust staging practices and identify compliant parking options to avoid penalties.
FEDEX FREIGHT OUTLINES POST‑SPIN PLAYBOOK AHEAD OF JUNE 1 SEPARATION
The LTL giant plans a “right‑freight” focus, premium services and AI‑driven operations as it prepares to trade as FDXF. Shippers should watch for pricing and service differentiation as the standalone carrier targets high‑margin verticals.
UNIVERSAL LOGISTICS TAPS MICHAEL ROGERS AS CFO; BERES TO DEPART MAY 29
The intermodal and contract logistics provider elevates a unit finance leader to the corporate CFO role effective June 1. Leadership changes come as the company works to stabilize margins amid softer volumes.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN PARTNERS WITH JAGUAR TRANSPORT TO EXPAND DORAVILLE TRANSLOAD
The move aims to boost freight capacity and local switching at a Georgia facility serving truck‑to‑rail shippers. Expect added options for intermodal and bulk transload customers in the Atlanta market.
LOCUS ROBOTICS DEBUTS FULLY AUTONOMOUS “ARRAY” FULFILLMENT SYSTEM AT MODEX
A new robots‑to‑goods platform combines AMRs with robotic picking for end‑to‑end workflows, aiming to cut manual labor by up to 90%. Early deployments with North American customers highlight rising automation pressure in DCs amid labor and cost headwinds.
BEZOS‑BACKED EV PICKUP STARTUP SLATE RAISES $650M, TARGETS SUB‑$30K TRUCK
Slate says it will launch a 2‑seat electric pickup with 150–240 miles of range by year‑end. While consumer‑focused, the model could influence last‑mile and vocational fleets seeking low‑cost electrification paths.
U.S. IMPORTERS SUE OVER NEW TARIFFS; ECONOMISTS ARGUE SECTION 122 IS MISAPPLIED
A Court of International Trade case challenges the administration’s tariff authority, potentially opening the door to refunds. Any ruling could ripple through landed costs, routing decisions and inventory strategies for U.S. shippers and their carriers.
SEA‑INTELLIGENCE: TRANSSHIPMENT HUB CONGESTION IS ERODING CONTAINER SCHEDULE RELIABILITY
A new analysis warns that booming calls at mega‑hubs are undermining on‑time performance. Importers should prepare for knock‑on delays to U.S. inland moves and consider transload and buffer‑inventory tactics this spring.
CARRIERS EDGE: DRIVER HEALTH AND INJURY PREVENTION NEED SAME PRIORITY AS EQUIPMENT CARE
Safety leaders say slips, trips and strains are a major, under‑addressed cost center. Interactive, scenario‑based training and better engagement can reduce injuries that often occur when trucks aren’t moving.
BEYOND ANNUAL TRAINING: HOW FLEETS ARE MAKING SAFETY “STICK” YEAR‑ROUND
Fleets are weaving frequent micro‑training, ergonomic fixes and early‑reporting programs into daily ops to cut comp costs. Data‑driven coaching and modified duty paths are helping contain severity and speed return‑to‑work timelines.
AVERITT ASSOCIATES DONATE $1.4 MILLION TO ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
Through Averitt Charities and Averitt Cares for Kids, the carrier marked its seventh straight year topping $1 million. The long‑running program reflects sustained industry philanthropy amid tight margins.
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