TRUCK PARKING GETS $200 MILLION AS SHUTDOWN ENDS, ATA HAILS WIN
Congress and President Trump approved $200 million in FY2026 to expand truck parking nationwide, with FHWA to manage the funds. DOT will also explore added measures on theft, towing and AV policy as part of the package.
EPA GIVES ENGINE MAKERS 30 DAYS TO HAND OVER DEF FAILURE DATA
Administrator Lee Zeldin demanded detailed information from major diesel engine OEMs so the agency can evaluate widespread DEF-system failures and guide fixes for on‑road trucks and off‑road equipment.
FMCSA EXTENDS 40-STATE HOS EMERGENCY WAIVER FOR WINTER STORM RELIEF TO FEB. 20
The agency prolonged its multi‑state declaration, keeping HOS relief in place for haulers directly supporting storm recovery. Extension comes as rates firm modestly amid post‑storm network disruptions.
LOGISTICS MANAGERS’ INDEX JUMPS TO 59.6 IN JANUARY, HIGHEST IN 7 MONTHS
Restocking nudged inventories back to expansion while tighter transportation pushed prices higher. Warehousing capacity tightened and utilization rebounded to start 2026.
FTR: JANUARY CLASS 8 ORDERS HIT 32,500; UP 27% YEAR OVER YEAR
North American Class 8 preliminary net orders fell 24% from December’s surge but posted a solid year‑over‑year gain, with analysts citing deferred replacement timing over a true demand inflection.
SLIP ROBOTICS LAUNCHES ‘SLIPLIFT’ TO AUTOMATE HEAVIER TRAILER LOADING
New platform separates robots from freight to speed dock turns and extend automation to heavier loads and regional/last‑mile routes, supporting up to 20,000‑pound moves and pre‑staged departures.
ISM PMI CLIMBS TO 52.6; RESTOCKING AND TARIFF HEDGING LIFT DEMAND SIGNALS
Manufacturing expanded in January for the first time in a year, with orders and production improving as companies rebuild inventories and manage tariff risk—constructive for freight demand into Q1.
OIL FUND INFLOWS SURGE ON US‑IRAN TENSIONS, RAISING FUEL COST RISK
A crude ETF saw its biggest daily inflow since the pandemic as traders positioned for higher prices amid geopolitical friction, a potential headwind for diesel budgets and surcharges.
U.S. GAINS BACKING ON CRITICAL MINERALS PLAN; PRICE FLOORS ON THE TABLE
At a Washington summit, the EU, Japan and Mexico agreed to coordinate policies to stabilize critical‑minerals supply chains—implications for trucked mining inputs and battery/EV logistics.
CK HUTCHISON PURSUES ARBITRATION OVER PANAMA PORTS; SUPPLY CHAINS WATCH
After Panama moved to invalidate its operating contracts, the global terminal operator is seeking damages via ICC arbitration—adding uncertainty around canal‑adjacent cargo flows truckers depend on.
CONTAINER LINES FACE TOUGH 2026 AS RED SEA REOPENING THREATENS RATES
Analysts warn a return to Suez/Red Sea routings plus heavy new capacity could push ocean rates lower, reshaping inland intermodal and drayage demand profiles for U.S. shippers and carriers.
HYUNDAI TAPS HENDRICKSON AS XCENT FUEL‑CELL TRUCK DEALER IN NY/NJ
Three service locations will provide sales, service, parts and infrastructure support for the hydrogen Class 8 Xcient, expanding zero‑emission options in a key freight region.
TARGET’S NEW CEO SAYS RETAILER MUST RECONNECT WITH SHOPPERS, CLARIFY IDENTITY
Michael Fiddelke told employees the company will sharpen merchandising and store experience after trust and sales slumped—signals for freight planners on potential inventory and flow shifts.
NORTH CAROLINA BRACES FOR BLACK ICE THURSDAY A.M.; MINOR TRUCKING IMPACTS EXPECTED
A late‑day rain‑to‑snow/ice changeover today could leave slick bridges and overpasses into Thursday morning, adding short‑term safety and scheduling risks following last weekend’s storm.
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