FORMER, CURRENT USA TRUCK EXECUTIVES ACQUIRE TL CARRIER FROM DSV
An executive group including USA Truck’s current CEO and a former CFO bought the 1,800‑truck carrier from DSV, returning the fleet to private U.S. ownership and promising growth under the UTAC, LLC banner.
USPS INSOURCING AT DENVER HUB FORCES 700 LAYOFFS AT CONTRACTOR
USPS will take over operations at its Denver Regional Transfer Hub, ending its contract with Alan Ritchey Inc. and leading to 729 layoffs as the Postal Service accelerates network consolidation and insourcing plans.
TRUCK TRANSPORTATION JOBS FLAT IN DECEMBER, LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 2021
BLS data show truck transportation employment holding at 1,513,300 in December after revisions, the weakest level since mid‑2021, as carriers continue to trim payrolls despite firmer spot rates late in the year.
SUSQUEHANNA: TL RECOVERY NEEDS DEMAND “SPARK” DESPITE CAPACITY TIGHTENING
Analysts cite regulatory pressure thinning driver supply and rising spot rates, but say a sustained truckload upcycle hinges on stronger freight demand; J.B. Hunt was upgraded on expected intermodal tailwinds.
PORTLAND REOPENS OREGON’S ONLY CONTAINER TERMINAL UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
The Port of Portland relaunched container operations as Oregon Container Terminal, aiming to draw regional cargo back from out‑of‑state gateways and improve reliability for exporters and importers across the Northwest.
GERMAN TECH FIRM SEEKS FMCSA EXEMPTION TO REPLACE TRUCK MIRRORS WITH CAMERAS
Aumovio asked FMCSA for a five‑year exemption to deploy its ProViu Mirror camera‑monitor system on U.S. trucks, joining other mirrorless systems as regulators weigh broader rule changes on digital rear‑vision tech.
TEXAS CARRIER ORDERED TO PAY OVER $100K TO REINSTATED DRIVER IN WHISTLEBLOWER CASE
OSHA found Fort Worth‑based Balkan Express violated STAA protections by firing a driver who raised safety concerns; the company must reinstate the driver and pay back wages, damages and interest exceeding $100,000.
FMCSA KEEPS 2026 RANDOM DRUG TEST RATE AT 50%; EYES LONGER EMERGENCY RELIEF
DOT confirmed 2026 testing rates remain unchanged (50% drug/10% alcohol) and FMCSA proposed restoring a 30‑day automatic HOS exemption after emergency declarations, reversing a 2023 change that cut it to 14 days.
DART TRANSIT ACQUIRED BY PRIVATE EQUITY, ENDING 90 YEARS OF FAMILY OWNERSHIP
Avkha Equity Holdings bought Minnesota‑based Dart Transit (including Dart Express), with leadership transitions in place and no immediate operational changes planned across the 971‑power‑unit fleet.
DOT THREATENS $50M FUNDING CUT OVER NORTH CAROLINA’S FLAWED IMMIGRANT CDLS
Following an audit finding widespread issues with non‑domiciled CDLs, USDOT warned North Carolina it could lose nearly $50 million in 2027 funds unless the state revokes noncompliant licenses and fixes processes.
SEABOARD MARINE RESUMES DIRECT WEEKLY SERVICE LINKING SAVANNAH WITH LATAM
The carrier restarted direct calls at Savannah, with northbound service already arriving Jan. 7 and weekly southbound sailings to bolster Southeast U.S.–Caribbean/Latin America trade, cold‑chain options and reliability.
OOIDA EXPANDS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM AMID BUSY REGULATORY YEAR
The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association added staff to its advocacy arm as debates intensify over CDL enforcement, emissions rules and hours‑of‑service policies that affect small carriers and drivers.
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