UPS TO ELIMINATE UP TO 30,000 JOBS IN 2026, ACCELERATES ‘GLIDE‑DOWN’ OF AMAZON VOLUME
UPS said it will reduce up to 30,000 operational positions and close 24 buildings this year as it cuts low‑margin Amazon shipments, part of a $3B cost‑savings push after Q4 results topped estimates. The company also plans additional automation and network reconfiguration in 2026.
TEAMSTERS REBUKE UPS AS COMPANY PLANS UP TO 30,000 JOB CUTS, MORE FACILITY CLOSURES
Following UPS’s disclosure of deep 2026 cuts tied to reduced Amazon volume, the Teamsters warned they’ll fight any contract violations and criticized potential driver buyouts. UPS said reductions would come largely via attrition and a second voluntary separation program for full‑time drivers.
AMAZON CUTS 16,000 JOBS IN SECOND WAVE; LOGISTICS AND AUTOMATION STRATEGY IN FOCUS
Amazon announced another round of layoffs affecting corporate and retail roles, part of ongoing cost controls and a pivot to automation. The move adds pressure across delivery networks already adjusting to parcel volume shifts and carrier reconfigurations in 2026.
GATIK CLAIMS FIRST U.S. AT‑SCALE DRIVERLESS TRUCKING, SAYS CONTRACTS TOP $600M
Autonomous middle‑mile provider Gatik said it has fully driverless commercial operations with Fortune 50 retailers and $600M in contracted revenue as it scales its fleet in 2026. The company plans to expand beyond current routes in Texas, Arizona and Arkansas this year.
GATIK STARTS FULLY DRIVERLESS REEFER DELIVERIES, EXTENDING DRIVER‑OUT OPERATIONS
Gatik said its driverless trucks are now moving refrigerated and frozen goods on daily routes with no safety driver, signaling autonomous tech is moving from pilots to sustained, paid freight operations. The company cites growing retailer demand for regional automation in 2026.
WAABI TEAMS WITH UBER ON ROBOTAXIS AFTER $1B FUNDING, AS AV TRUCKING PLAY EVOLVES
Autonomous‑trucking startup Waabi unveiled a major robotaxi partnership with Uber alongside fresh capital, positioning its AI stack for both passenger and freight applications. The shift highlights changing commercialization paths for AV players with trucking roots in 2026.
MISSISSIPPI DEPLOYS 135 SNOWPLOWS, TOWS AFTER HISTORIC WINTER STORM GRIDLOCKS INTERSTATES
State officials mobilized plows, National Guard support and tow trucks to clear I‑22 and other highways after motorists were stranded for hours amid ice and snow. Prolonged power outages and icy roads continue to delay freight and resupply operations across the region.
FORECAST: WEEKEND NOR’EASTER COULD BRING HEAVY SNOW, WINDS AND COASTAL FLOODING ALONG I‑95
A rapidly intensifying coastal storm may impact freight corridors from the Carolinas to New England with blizzard‑like conditions and dangerous surf. Carriers should prepare for potential route closures, port slowdowns and last‑mile delivery disruptions from Saturday into Sunday.
OKLAHOMA DOT: ROADS CLEARING WITH WARMUP, BUT REFREEZE RISKS REMAIN AFTER STORM PASSAGE
ODOT reported improving highway conditions statewide by late morning, cautioning drivers about slick spots and overnight refreeze. The agency issued its final statewide storm report while urging safe following distances behind snow and treatment crews on freight routes.
STUDY: 2.2 MILLION RAMP‑PARKING EVENTS A YEAR SIGNAL SEVERE TRUCK PARKING SHORTAGES IN KEY HUBS
Altitude by Geotab and HNTB found Indianapolis, Los Angeles and New York rank among the worst for long‑duration ramp parking, reflecting insufficient safe, authorized spaces. The report urges targeted investments to boost capacity and reduce safety risks for drivers and motorists alike.
CARRIERSEDGE NAMES 2026 ‘BEST FLEETS TO DRIVE FOR’ TOP 20; NEW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE ANNOUNCED
The 18th annual program recognized North American fleets for driver experience, compensation and culture, with Challenger Motor Freight joining the Hall of Fame. Overall large and small fleet winners will be revealed at the March awards conference in Charlotte, N.C.
UP posted a 2025 full‑year OR below 60% and higher EPS, touting record safety and service as it navigates regulatory review of its proposed transcontinental combination. Management highlighted continued efficiency gains to support intermodal and industrial growth this year.
SHUTDOWN STANDOFF PUTS DOT APPROPRIATIONS AT RISK AS JAN. 30 DEADLINE APPROACHES
With Congress deadlocked over DHS provisions, parts of the federal government could shut down—potentially disrupting DOT programs and grant activity important to trucking. DHS would face fewer effects due to separate mandatory funding, adding complexity to negotiations.
ATA SELECTS 20 CAPTAINS FOR 2026–2027 AMERICA’S ROAD TEAM TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND CAREERS
ATA named 20 professional drivers— including NTDC champions and military veterans— to serve as industry ambassadors over the next two years. The Volvo‑sponsored program highlights safe driving, public outreach and trucking career pathways.
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