US WITHHOLDS $40.6M FROM CALIFORNIA OVER TRUCK DRIVER ENGLISH PROFICIENCY ENFORCEMENT
DOT is freezing federal safety funds for California, saying the state isn’t adequately enforcing English proficiency requirements for CDL holders; California has 30 days to comply or risk deeper cuts. The move follows earlier warnings to multiple states and heightened scrutiny of noncitizen CDLs.
J.B. HUNT TOPS Q3 ESTIMATES AS EPS RISES TO $1.76 ON $3.05B REVENUE
Operating income climbed 8% on productivity gains and cost controls despite essentially flat sales; the carrier repurchased about $230 million of stock during the quarter as intermodal and dedicated margins improved.
J.B. HUNT SHARES JUMP 10% AFTER STRONG Q3 PROFITABILITY
Investors cheered better-than-expected EPS and higher operating income as cost reductions and network efficiency offset softer revenue; intermodal profitability led the upside, with dedicated also improving.
PORT OF LOS ANGELES LOGS RECORD QUARTER; SEPTEMBER THROUGHPUT DIPS 7.5% YOY
The port handled 883,053 TEUs in September, helping deliver its best quarter on record. Officials cited volatile trade policy and new fees as key variables influencing cargo flow and trucking queues in the months ahead.
PORT OF LA IMPORTS FALL 8% IN SEPTEMBER AS TARIFF UNCERTAINTY WEIGHS
Despite a record third quarter, inbound loads softened and officials warned of slower volumes in coming months as new tariffs pressure margins. NRF projections point to continued easing into early 2026, with downstream effects for drayage and intermodal capacity.
U.S. AND CHINA UNVEIL RECIPROCAL PORT FEES, ADDING FRICTION TO GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS
New levies targeting each other’s connected vessels could raise costs across container and tanker markets. Limited carve-outs and threatened add‑on tariffs inject fresh uncertainty for importers, forwarders, and truckers tied to port drayage flows.
SUPERTANKER RATES SPIKE AS U.S.-CHINA PORT FEE FIGHT TIGHTENS CAPACITY
VLCC rates surged toward two-year highs, with China’s retaliatory fees adding roughly $7 per barrel in costs for U.S.-linked ships. Diversions and exemptions are reshaping flows, with knock‑on effects for fuel markets and inland trucking demand tied to refinery throughput.
NISSAN RECALLS 173,000 NV200/CITY EXPRESS VANS OVER FUEL PUMP FUSE SHORT RISK
A misrouted sensor harness can damage wiring and blow the fuel pump fuse, potentially stalling engines. The recall covers NV200 cargo and taxi variants and GM’s City Express—vehicles widely used in last‑mile delivery fleets.
STELLANTIS RECALLS 298,000 DODGE DARTS FOR ROLLAWAY RISK FROM SHIFTER CABLE DEFECT
NHTSA says a detached shift cable can prevent Park from engaging, posing a rollaway hazard. Owner notices begin Nov. 6; Stellantis is developing a remedy—important for mixed fleets using passenger sedans for parts runs or supervision.
DAT: SPOT RATES EDGE HIGHER IN SEPTEMBER EVEN AS FREIGHT VOLUMES SLIP
DAT reports van and reefer TVIs fell month over month while flatbed ticked up; pricing held firm on capacity imbalances ahead of peak. Analysts flag a trend worth watching as shippers pivot between spot and contract lanes into Q4.
VDOT TO CLOSE I‑95 EXPRESS LANES NEAR DALE CITY OVERNIGHT THURSDAY, OCT. 16
Southbound Express Lanes will be shut 10 p.m.–1 a.m. for Neabsco Creek bridge geotechnical work, with several ramps also closed. Carriers running the I‑95 corridor should plan detours and adjust schedules accordingly.
INDIA TO RESUME POSTAL SHIPMENTS TO U.S. AFTER DE MINIMIS DUTY CHANGE
Following the U.S. suspension of duty‑free de minimis, India has implemented a system to collect and remit U.S. duties in advance, allowing mail service to restart. Expect gradual normalization for cross‑border small‑parcel flows serving e‑commerce and returns.
Beijing’s 400‑yuan per net‑tonne fee on U.S.-linked vessels and sanctions tied to shipbuilding probes could lift ocean transport costs across bulk and box trades. Analysts warn higher sea freight may cascade to domestic drayage and truckload prices.
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