DAIMLER TRUCK, GEICO LAUNCH CONNECTED INSURANCE TO CUT SMALL-FLEET PREMIUMS
Daimler Truck Financial Services USA and GEICO unveiled a data-driven program that taps Detroit Connect telematics from Freightliner and Western Star trucks to assess risk and offer up to 10% insurance savings without added hardware.
PHILLIPS CONNECT DEBUTS SOLAR-POWERED SMART TRAILER PLATFORM AT MCE
The SolarNet 8000 series combines tracking, cargo status and tire-pressure data in a self-powered device and now integrates Hendrickson Tiremaxx TPMS, aiming to cut downtime and boost trailer visibility for fleets.
MOTIVE ROLLS OUT “AI ANSWERS” FOR INSTANT FLEET OPS INSIGHTS
A new natural-language tool inside Motive Analytics lets managers ask questions like “Which drivers idled most last week?” and get visualizations immediately, turning siloed data into action on safety, fuel and maintenance.
BEYOND TRUCKS UNVEILS VOICE-CONTROLLED DISPATCH THAT REPLANS ON THE FLY
The TMS developer introduced AI-backed dispatch planning with verbal inputs that can reprioritize routes, drivers and customers in real time, targeting billions in costs from suboptimal planning.
SHIPPERS PULL FORWARD BID CYCLES AS MARKET TURN LOOMS, PANELISTS SAY
At ATA’s MCE, J.B. Hunt leaders said some customers are advancing procurements to lock in pricing as enforcement, insurance and compliance pressures trim capacity and lift spot rates in pockets of the market.
DOT CHIEF THREATENS $160M FUNDING CUT, CDL AUTHORITY OVER CALIFORNIA LICENSING DISPUTE
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy escalated a clash with California after a fatal crash involving a non‑domiciled CDL holder, alleging the state failed to apply new federal rules; California officials counter they are in compliance.
DUFFY SAYS HE’LL PULL $160M FROM CALIFORNIA OVER NONCITIZEN CDLS; STATE PUSHES BACK
Appearing on national TV, Duffy said California must halt and review certain CDL issuances to noncitizens under tightened federal policy; state officials called the move baseless and said their safety record remains strong.
MEXICO GETS REPRIEVE AS U.S. EXTENDS TARIFF TALKS BEYOND NOV. 1 DEADLINE
Mexico’s president said the U.S. will delay raising certain tariffs to 30% while both sides work through non-tariff issues, easing immediate pressure on cross‑border freight flows and lifting the peso.
SOYBEANS JUMP AS U.S.–CHINA NEGOTIATORS SIGNAL TRADE PROGRESS AHEAD OF LEADERS’ MEETING
Hopes for a deal that includes agricultural purchases pushed soy futures to their highest since mid‑2024, a potential tailwind for bulk and reefer carriers tied to farm exports if commitments materialize.
ATRI: ECONOMY STILL NO. 1 ISSUE; LAWSUIT ABUSE, INSURANCE COSTS SURGE; DRIVER SHORTAGE FALLS OUT
ATRI’s 2025 “Top Industry Issues” shows carriers focused on economic strain, litigation and insurance, while drivers cite compensation and parking; English proficiency and AI enter the top‑10 concerns for the first time.
OVERDRIVE: DRIVERS FLAG COMPENSATION, PARKING, BROKER ISSUES IN NEW ATRI SURVEY
Owner-operators placed compensation, parking and English language proficiency high among personal pain points, while the broader industry again ranked the economy as its top concern for 2025.
WASHINGTON LTL CARRIER ELDER LOGISTICS SHUTS DOWN, PARKS 50 TRUCKS
Citing an “unprecedented” three‑and‑a‑half‑year downturn, the Puyallup‑based LTL said Oct. 17 was its last operating day and encouraged employers to hire its experienced team members quickly.
KELLER TRUCKING LAUNCHES AGRICULTURE HAULING DIVISION FOR GRAIN, FEED, FERTILIZER
Defiance, Ohio-based Keller Trucking is expanding into hopper transport to serve agriscience and dry-bulk customers, broadening capacity beyond truckload and dedicated services.
NEW KANSAS CITY COLD-STORAGE HUB AIMS TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL FOOD/SUPPLEMENT SUPPLY CHAINS
M&M Quality Solutions opened an 18,757‑sq‑ft subterranean facility in SubTropolis with truck and rail access, touting energy efficiency and secure, temperature‑controlled logistics for sensitive goods.
FREIGHT FRAUD WATCH: HIGHWAY SAYS DIRECT THEFTS SURGE AS CRIMINALS SHIFT TACTICS IN Q3
Carrier Identity firm Highway reports a rise in identity‑driven attacks and direct thefts targeting broker and carrier networks, flagging higher risk into peak season and urging robust verification from tender through settlement.
GROTE ROLLS OUT RADAR-BASED REAR-COLLISION WARNING, NEW ROADSIDE ALERT SYSTEMS
The lighting and safety supplier introduced a radar‑linked strobe that flashes when following vehicles approach too fast and a DeliverSAFE alert package designed to raise visibility and warn oncoming traffic during roadside stops.
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