BORDERLANDS: MEXICO SLAPS TARIFFS UP TO 35% AS PODCAST SPOTLIGHTS CROSS-BORDER FREIGHT
A new “Borderless Coverage” podcast digs into U.S.–Mexico trucking as Mexico begins tariffs up to 35% on imports from non-FTA countries, a move that could shift sourcing and cross-border freight flows. Chihuahua also emerged as Mexico’s top exporting state in 2025.
TRUCKLOAD ORDER LEAD TIMES CLIMB 7.3% IN 2025, RAISING 2026 CAPACITY QUESTIONS
Shipper tender lead times rose to 3.63 days last year, the sixth straight annual increase, signaling tighter planning cycles and potential pressure on truck capacity as 2026 begins.
PEAK 2025 WAS BEST FOR TRUCKING IN YEARS; TENDER REJECTIONS HIT 13.24%, SPOT RATES SURGED
Holiday disruptions and winter storms pushed Q4 tender rejections and spot rates to multi‑year highs, underscoring a market more sensitive to shocks as fleets head into 2026 bid season.
UP, NS DEFEND RAIL MERGER FILING; RIVALS PRESS STB TO REJECT AS INCOMPLETE
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern urged regulators to accept their 6,692‑page merger application, rebutting competitors’ claims; proponents say rail consolidation could divert 2 million truckloads to rail over time.
ATA, SAFETY GROUPS BLAST DRIVERLESS-TRUCK ROADSIDE WARNING PROPOSAL
Industry and safety advocates urged FMCSA to reject an exemption replacing triangles/flares with LED signs on disabled trucks, arguing unproven safety and concerns over advertising on safety equipment.
SIERRA STORM SNARLS TAHOE CORRIDORS; AVALANCHE RISK, TRAFFIC HOLDS COMPLICATE FREIGHT
Heavy snow and strong winds on Jan. 4 triggered chain controls and intermittent closures on major Tahoe routes, slowing post‑holiday freight across I‑80 and US‑50 as avalanche danger increased.
CALTRANS: I‑80 WESTBOUND HOLDS, CHAINS REQUIRED TO NEVADA LINE AMID WINTER WEATHER
As of late morning Jan. 4, Caltrans reported westbound traffic holds near Blue Canyon and chain requirements for eastbound and westbound I‑80 over Donner Pass, with additional fog and high‑wind advisories elsewhere.
WHITEOUTS, 128 MPH GUSTS: SIERRA SNOWFALL CHALLENGES FREIGHT AND PASS TRAVEL
A Jan. 3 burst of Sierra snow and extreme winds produced whiteouts, spinouts and closures across I‑80 and key Tahoe highways, with chain controls and delays expected to linger into Monday.
FMCSA REMINDS DRIVERS: PAPER MED CERT WAIVER VALID THROUGH JAN. 10, 2026
The agency’s temporary waiver still allows CDL/CLP holders to rely on paper medical examiner’s certificates for up to 60 days post‑issuance as states transition systems—important as many return to work after the holidays.
HOS RELIEF FOR HEATING FUEL HAULERS EXTENDED TO JAN. 15 ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES
FMCSA’s regional emergency declaration, expanded to include New England states, keeps hours‑of‑service relief in place to support propane, natural gas and heating oil deliveries amid winter demand and weather disruptions.
CONGRESS EYES 2026 HIGHWAY BILL; HOUSE DRAFT INCLUDES $200M FOR TRUCK PARKING
Transportation leaders plan to move a multiyear highway package this spring alongside FY 2026 appropriations, with proposals to boost FMCSA and expand safe truck parking capacity nationwide.
TESLA SAYS SEMI FACTORY SHELL IS COMPLETE; 2026 RAMP STILL THE TARGET
Tesla reports walls and roof are finished at its Reno Semi plant and equipment installation is underway, reaffirming plans to scale production in 2026 as validation fleets expand operations.
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