AURORA TO TRIPLE DRIVERLESS NETWORK; VALIDATES FORT WORTH–PHOENIX RUN
Aurora said it will expand to 10 autonomous truck routes after validating Fort Worth–Phoenix operations, targeting more than 200 driverless trucks by year-end while eyeing a Q2 2026 commercial launch. The company posted wider Q4 losses as it scales its TaaS model.
JANUARY CLASS 8 ORDERS RISE YEAR OVER YEAR; OPTIMISM TEMPERED
ACT Research estimates North American Class 8 orders at 30,800 units in January, up 20% from a year ago but below December. Analysts cite improving spot rates and clearer EPA 2027 guidance, while cautioning market risks and thin carrier margins persist.
AI, ROBOTICS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT MANIFEST 2026
Executives highlighted AI-driven forecasting, inventory optimization and warehouse robotics as priorities to bolster resilience. Wabash unveiled a connected cargo-security system, and autonomous trucking demos underscored rapid tech adoption across modes.
EV CHARGING BUILD-OUT CONTINUES, BUT NEW ‘US-MADE’ RULE POSES DELAYS
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy now requires chargers to be fully American-made, a shift that could slow deployments even as fast-charging installations hit records. Funding fights and policy changes add friction to nationwide build-out plans.
EPA’S ENDANGERMENT FINDING REPEALED; VEHICLE GHG RULES NIXED AMID LEGAL FIGHT
The administration rescinded the 2009 finding that underpinned federal greenhouse-gas standards, also rolling back vehicle GHG rules. Environmental groups vowed swift court challenges, injecting new uncertainty into emissions policy affecting trucks and fleets.
AMAZON AIR TO ADD JACKSONVILLE CARGO FACILITY, EXPANDING NORTHEAST FLORIDA REACH
Amazon Air leased a 50,182-square-foot building at Jacksonville International Airport for air cargo storage and processing, with operations slated for Q4 2026. The move extends Amazon’s air network beyond its CVG superhub to bolster regional capacity.
LOVE’S TO ADD 1,500 TRUCK PARKING SPACES, 20 NEW LOCATIONS IN 2026
Love’s outlined a $700 million plan to open 20 sites and renovate 35 locations this year, expanding parking by more than 1,500 spaces. The investment targets persistent driver parking shortages while enhancing amenities and loyalty programs.
ITS LOGISTICS: LUNAR NEW YEAR PULLS VOLUMES WEST; INLAND WEATHER, RULES TIGHTEN TRUCK CAPACITY
January U.S. imports fell 6.8% year over year but remained above six-year averages as East/Gulf ports gained share, the index says. Port operations are mostly normal, but winter disruptions and heightened non-domiciled CDL enforcement are pressuring inland trucking networks.
DOT FINALIZES NON-DOMICILED CDL RULE, TIGHTENING ELIGIBILITY AND STATE CHECKS
The rule bars use of Employment Authorization Documents, requiring vetted H‑2A/H‑2B/E‑2 status and foreign passport/I‑94, and mandates SAVE checks by states. It takes effect 30 days after Feb. 13 publication, with implications for driver supply and carrier hiring practices.
TEAMSTERS SUE TO BLOCK UPS DRIVER BUYOUTS, CLOUDING $150K OFFER TIMELINE
The union seeks an injunction against UPS’s planned voluntary separation program, alleging contract violations tied to last year’s buyouts. UPS says operations are unaffected as the dispute proceeds in court.
FEDEX ROLLS OUT AI TOOLS FOR LAST-MILE TRACKING AND RETURNS
New Tracking+ and Returns+ capabilities aim to answer “where is my order/refund?” and surface delivery anomalies, embedding directly in shippers’ post‑purchase experiences. FedEx says the tools can improve visibility and customer communication at scale.
USPS LAUNCHES DELIVERED DUTY PAID OPTION TO AVOID SURPRISE IMPORT FEES
The new service lets shippers prepay duties, taxes and fees on outbound international parcels, initially to Canada, Germany and the U.K. USPS says the move reduces returns risk as de minimis changes and tariffs reshape cross‑border e‑commerce.
WHITE HOUSE ADVISER NAVARRO FLAGS ‘SIGNIFICANT’ USMCA FLAWS AHEAD OF REVIEW
Navarro cited transshipment concerns and said the pact will be reevaluated in July, as the president weighs tougher stances toward Canada and Mexico. The uncertainty raises stakes for cross‑border freight and auto supply chains.
This daily digest was prepared exclusively for TruckStopInsider.com. Republishing is permitted only with proper credit and a link back to the original source.
