PALADIN CAPITAL, OWNER OF QUICKWAY AND ROBERT BEARDEN, FILES FOR CHAPTER 11
Private-equity firm Paladin Capital sought bankruptcy protection, citing the prolonged freight downturn and rising costs; its portfolio includes Quickway Carriers and Robert Bearden. Court filings list about $34.7M in assets, $110.4M in liabilities and plans to pursue going-concern sales to preserve jobs.
TRUCKING GROUP PETITIONS FMCSA FOR ELD EXEMPTION
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked FMCSA to allow participating drivers to use paper logs instead of ELDs, arguing cost and reliability concerns; the agency opened a 30‑day public comment period on the request.
TRUCKER PATH UNVEILS 2026 TOP 100 TRUCK STOPS
Based on more than 1 million driver ratings, the annual list spotlights chain and independent locations with standout amenities and service; Toot ’n Totum, Rutter’s, Kwik Star and Love’s led key rankings, with new “Sustained Excellence” honors added.
AI DASHCAM ANALYSIS: DRIVER COACHING KEY TO CUTTING COLLISIONS
A review of 1.2 billion driving hours finds drowsy, distracted and aggressive behaviors drive crash risk, with near‑misses outnumbering collisions 7‑to‑1; consistent coaching and ADAS alerts help fleets intervene earlier and improve safety outcomes.
FBI CHARGES DRIVER IN ALLEGED DOUBLE‑BROKERING CARGO THEFTS
Federal prosecutors allege a New York–based trucker used hacked carrier emails to pick up loads and fence high‑value goods including frozen seafood and cologne, spotlighting the industry’s escalating fraud and cargo‑theft risks.
FMCSA EXTENDS 40‑STATE WINTER‑STORM HOS EMERGENCY TO FEB. 20
Hours‑of‑service relief remains in effect for carriers hauling direct winter‑storm relief in affected states, with the agency emphasizing eligibility limits and safety requirements while recovery continues.
USPS PLAN TO REQUIRE DIMENSIONS ON ALL PARCELS DRAWS COMPLIANCE CONCERNS
A proposal removing the size threshold would mandate length‑width‑height data on every package and keep a $1.50 noncompliance fee, with small shippers warning of added tech costs; public comments close Feb. 9.
5 LOGISTICS TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026: PARCEL COSTS UP, OCEAN CAPACITY AMPLE
Analysts flag rising last‑mile parcel costs, continued ocean overcapacity, rail normalization amid a potential UP‑NS merger, and trucking’s focus on dependable capacity as bankruptcies and consolidation mount.
MANIFEST 2026 KICKS OFF IN LAS VEGAS WITH 400+ SPEAKERS
The high‑profile logistics and supply chain tech event runs Feb. 9–11, drawing shippers, carriers and investors from major brands to discuss innovation, capital and capacity planning for the year ahead.
OLD DOMINION SEES EARLY SIGNS OF FREIGHT MARKET IMPROVEMENT
ODFL cited stronger customer sentiment and rising weight per shipment versus seasonal norms, trimming 2026 capex as operating leverage improves; shares rallied on its outlook despite recent weather headwinds.
LAWMAKERS REVIVE BILL TO MANDATE SIDE UNDERRIDE GUARDS ON NEW TRAILERS
The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 was reintroduced in both chambers to require side guards on new trailers, single‑unit trucks and semitrailers, with sponsors arguing the measure would reduce crash severity and save lives.
FLORIDA SHIFTS TO ENGLISH‑ONLY DRIVER KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TESTS
Florida’s DMV will administer all exams — including CDL and non‑commercial — exclusively in English, a policy change that arrives amid heightened scrutiny of English‑language proficiency enforcement nationwide.
COMMENT DEADLINE TODAY ON USPS DIMENSIONAL DATA PROPOSAL FOR ALL PARCELS
Shippers have until Feb. 9 to submit feedback on the Postal Service’s plan to expand dimensional reporting requirements to every package — a change small sellers warn could trigger new fees and technology upgrades.
REPORT: LOGISTICS AUTOMATION MARKET TO REACH $90.8B IN 2026, $144.8B BY 2031
Research and Markets projects steady growth powered by e‑commerce volumes, labor shortages and 5G‑enabled warehouse robotics, with semi‑automated systems dominant today and fully automated projects accelerating.
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