MAERSK LAUNCHES DEDICATED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY GROUND FREIGHT SERVICE IN NORTH AMERICA
A new hazmat ground service for Class 9 lithium-ion batteries rolls out across Maersk’s North American network, with strict SOC and documentation standards and coverage via 65 stations and seven hubs. The move targets fast-growing EV and energy storage supply chains.
WATTEV OPENS PUBLIC EV TRUCK CHARGING DEPOT IN FRESNO, EXPANDING NORCAL NETWORK
The new site adds megawatt-capable charging with sub-30 minute dwell times and is part of a CEC-backed push that includes upcoming hubs in Oakland and Stockton. WattEV says it’s operating 75 Class 8 e-trucks and expects more Tesla Semis later this year.
NHTSA WARNS AV DEVELOPERS ON FIRST-RESPONDER INTERFERENCE, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
A July 8 letter from NHTSA flags “a clear pattern” of driverless vehicles interfering with police and emergency crews and urges developers to address safety gaps. The agency says it is advancing efforts to set AV safety standards while cutting red tape for innovation.
APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS FMC POWER TO STRIKE DOWN UNREASONABLE CONTAINER DETENTION FEES
The D.C. Circuit backed an FMC order against Evergreen over detention billed during a Savannah port closure, reinforcing that fees must incentivize equipment flow. The ruling bolsters truckers’ and shippers’ positions in detention/demurrage disputes at U.S. ports.
NRF/HACKETT: U.S. CONTAINER IMPORTS POISED TO HIT NEW RECORD IN JULY AHEAD OF TARIFFS
Global Port Tracker projects 2.47M TEU in July as retailers front‑load to beat expected tariff changes. Peaks at the ports are likely to ripple inland, tightening drayage, warehouse capacity and long-haul truck demand through summer.
U.S. RAIL TRAFFIC SURGES INTO JULY 4 WEEK, INTERMODAL UP 12.9% YEAR OVER YEAR
AAR data show 482,121 total carloads and intermodal units for the week ended July 4, with broad gains in intermodal and key industrial commodities. Strong rail volumes signal sustained conversion pressure on long-haul trucking lanes this peak season.
AFTER SCOTUS ENDS BROKER PREEMPTION DEFENSE, QUESTIONS MOUNT AROUND LEASING LIABILITY
An analysis of Montgomery v. Caribe Transport explores how the 9–0 ruling could reshape negligent‑hiring litigation strategies and whether truck lessors face new exposure. Brokers are reassessing vetting practices and documentation in response.
TRAFFIX WARNS SHIPPERS TO LOCK IN CROSS-BORDER CAPACITY EARLY AS TRUCK AVAILABILITY TIGHTENS
The 3PL’s July NAX Index shows elevated tightness on U.S.–Mexico and U.S.–Canada lanes. Guidance includes early carrier confirmations and flexible pickups to manage volatility and high costs.
IANA INDEX: INTERMODAL VOLUMES HOLD FIRM IN JULY, DOMESTIC LEADS GAINS
July’s estimate of 106.8 is the second‑highest reading this year, with domestic‑led growth and long‑haul truck capacity constraints supporting rail‑truck conversions. Networks remain tight despite modest MoM slippage from June.
TENNESSEE DRUG BUST: 68 KG OF COCAINE SEIZED FROM TRACTOR-TRAILER; THREE ARRESTED
TBI says a Texas‑to‑Nashville haul was intercepted, leading to multiple arrests and seizures of drugs, firearms and cash. Authorities in nearby states are also heightening speed and safety enforcement through July.
CPSC’S MANDATORY E‑FILING FOR IMPORTED CONSUMER GOODS TAKES EFFECT, IMPACTING LOGISTICS FLOWS
Effective July 8, importers must electronically file compliance certificates via CBP’s ACE system. CPSC says eFiling will better target risky shipments while reducing delays for compliant trade partners and FTZ entries phase in by January 8, 2027.
STB WEEKLY: CLASS I RAIL SERVICE MIXED FOR WEEK ENDING JULY 8; INTERMODAL SPEED ~30 MPH
Latest STB data show modest week‑over‑week changes in train speeds and terminal dwell, with intermodal averaging just over 30 mph. Service performance factors into truck‑rail balance and drayage dwell at inland ramps.
LNG TANKER STRIKE NEAR HORMUZ RATTLES ENERGY SHIPPING; FIRE, SALVAGE OPERATIONS UNDERWAY
A Qatari LNG carrier was hit by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire and salvage response. The incident has stoked energy market jitters that could cascade into diesel and freight cost volatility for U.S. trucking.
DAT: DRY VAN SPOT RATES HIT ALL‑TIME HIGH HEADING INTO JULY 4; CROSS‑BORDER TIGHTNESS PERSISTS
AJOT’s roundup cites DAT data showing record pre‑holiday dry van spot rates and elevated cross‑border tightness into early July. Shippers face higher costs and are urged to secure capacity early on key lanes.
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