EPA REJECTS CARB PLAN TO TEST OUT-OF-STATE TRUCK EMISSIONS
EPA issued a final disapproval of California’s heavy‑duty inspection-and-maintenance program as applied to trucks registered outside the state, citing Clean Air Act and constitutional concerns. California’s checks for in‑state vehicles remain approved.
DOT SHUTDOWN PLAN: MOST TRUCKING PROGRAMS CONTINUE DESPITE FUNDING LAPSE
DOT’s contingency plan says FMCSA operations will largely continue during a short federal shutdown because they are funded via the Highway Trust Fund and fee programs. All 1,084 FMCSA employees remain on duty, with limited exceptions.
FUNDING DEADLINE AT RISK DESPITE SHUTDOWN DEAL
Congress is unlikely to clear a spending package through both chambers by the Friday, Jan. 30 deadline, making a brief partial shutdown likely. House action is not expected until early next week, limiting immediate impacts if resolved quickly.
U.S. ISSUES LICENSE FOR OIL COMPANIES TO OPERATE IN VENEZUELA
The Treasury Department granted a general license enabling U.S. firms to export, sell, store, and refine Venezuelan crude, potentially aiding supply and fuel markets. Upstream production remains restricted under separate rules.
EXXON, CHEVRON ON WAY TO BEST MONTH SINCE 2022
Shares of the oil majors are set for their strongest monthly gains in over three years, supported by firmer crude prices and better balance sheets. Energy’s rally could influence diesel trends and carriers’ fuel bills heading into February.
PILOT, TESLA TO BUILD SEMI CHARGING SITES AT TRUCK STOPS
Pilot Travel Centers and Tesla will add heavy‑duty charging at roughly 20 Pilot locations along key western corridors using V4 cabinets up to 1.2 MW. Initial sites are slated to open this summer to support Tesla Semi fleets, with broader access possible later.
TRAILER ORDERS END YEAR WITH SEQUENTIAL JUMP
ACT Research’s preliminary data show December U.S. trailer orders rose 112% from November and 5% year over year to about 25,300 units. Quarter‑to‑date totals reached 53,400 as fleets weighed aged equipment, weather‑tightened capacity, and tariff clarity.
SCHNEIDER EXPRESSES RENEWED DETERMINATION AFTER Q4 RESULTS
Schneider reported lower Q4 profit on weather and a soft peak, but highlighted dedicated growth and cost actions as it prepares for a gradual freight recovery. Leadership reiterated network productivity initiatives and an upcoming CEO transition in July.
POLAND’S HAYWAY TO MAKE U.S. ENTRY WITH 80 VOLVO VNL SLEEPERS
HayWay Logistics ordered 80 VNL 860 tractors for longhaul U.S. operations and plans to scale its fleet significantly by 2029. Initial trucks are due in the spring with team operations on major LA–NY–Chicago lanes.
C.H. ROBINSON SAYS AI, COST DISCIPLINE LIFT Q4 IN TOUGH MARKET
The 3PL posted $3.9 billion in revenue and $136 million in Q4 net income as tech and cost controls offset weak freight demand and volatile trucking spot costs. The broker is rolling out AI agents to reduce missed LTL pickups and improve productivity.
SEROKA MAPS PORT OF LOS ANGELES’ BIGGER, SMARTER FUTURE
In his State of the Port, LA’s Gene Seroka touted Pier 500 plans, terminal expansions and AI‑driven visibility tools while emphasizing cybersecurity and community investments. The port logged its third‑busiest year in 2025 at 10.2 million TEUs.
TENNESSEE WEIGHS $1M LIABILITY TIED TO UNDOCUMENTED CMV DRIVERS
Companion bills would create strict civil liability and new penalties when undocumented individuals operate CMVs, and require notification to federal immigration authorities. Proponents say it enhances safety; critics warn of sweeping legal exposure.
TRUMP PICKS KEVIN WARSH TO LEAD THE FEDERAL RESERVE
President Trump said he will nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as chair, a choice that could shape rate policy and borrowing costs important to freight demand and fleet financing. Confirmation timing and Senate dynamics remain in focus.
CONGRESS FACES JAN. 30 DEADLINE ON TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Lawmakers are racing to finalize a minibus that includes nearly $1B for FMCSA and a proposed $200M boost for truck parking. Without enactment, select transportation agencies could face minimal staffing or short‑term disruptions.
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