FMCSA EXTENDS HOS WAIVERS FOR HEATING FUEL HAULERS IN 21 STATES THROUGH FEB. 28
FMCSA renewed two regional emergency declarations granting hours-of-service relief for propane, natural gas and heating oil deliveries amid winter disruptions, now effective through February 28 across 21 Northeast and Midwest states.
HOUSE BILL TARGETS ‘CHAMELEON CARRIERS’ WITH TIGHTER FMCSA OVERSIGHT
Rep. Harriet Hageman’s SAFE Act aims to curb carriers that rebrand to evade enforcement by improving data sharing and automation in federal registration oversight, setting the stage for debate during highway reauthorization talks.
‘CHAMELEON BROKER?’ AGX FREIGHT SHUTTERS OWING CARRIERS, LAUNCHES NEW MC
Overdrive reports AGX Freight’s closure left hundreds of carriers unpaid while company leaders promoted a new brokerage, intensifying industry concerns over broker transparency and fraud during the freight downturn.
TFI INTERNATIONAL Q4 REVENUE FALLS 7.8% AS LTL METRICS IMPROVE AND CASH FLOW STAYS STRONG
TFI posted lower Q4 revenue of $1.91 billion and reduced net income, but highlighted improved U.S. LTL operating ratios and strong free cash flow as it positions for a 2026 market upturn.
U.S. MEDIUM‑DUTY TRUCK SALES DROP FOR 12TH STRAIGHT MONTH IN JANUARY
Classes 4–7 retail sales fell 16.6% year over year to 16,035 units, with analysts citing weak demand and excess capacity as OEMs balance builds against a still-soft freight environment.
U.S. MANUFACTURING OUTPUT POSTS BIGGEST GAIN IN A YEAR, A TAILWIND FOR FREIGHT DEMAND
Factory production rose 0.6% in January on broad strength across equipment and metals, signaling improving industrial freight prospects despite lingering macro uncertainties.
OIL SURGES ON U.S.–IRAN TENSIONS, ADDING NEAR‑TERM FUEL COST RISK FOR FLEETS
WTI jumped about 4.6% to near $65 as traders braced for possible conflict, a move that could pressure diesel prices and surcharges if sustained.
U.S. SAYS VENEZUELA COULD LIFT OIL OUTPUT 30%–40% IN 2026, POTENTIALLY EASING DIESEL PRESSURES
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Venezuelan production could rise by 300,000–400,000 b/d this year amid renewed investment, a medium‑term factor for fuel markets watched closely by carriers.
UBER TO INVEST $100M IN FAST‑CHARGING HUBS FOR ROBOTAXIS IN SF, LA AND DALLAS
The new high‑capacity depots are intended to support autonomous fleets and reduce downtime, signaling growing competition for urban charging real estate that also affects last‑mile logistics operators.
CALIFORNIA ALLOWS TESLA SALES TO CONTINUE AFTER AUTOPILOT MARKETING CHANGES
After DMV scrutiny, Tesla dropped “Autopilot” branding in California and clarified Full Self‑Driving language, a reminder of tightening ADAS marketing and safety oversight across vehicle fleets.
KRAFT HEINZ SHAKES UP NORTH AMERICA LEADERSHIP AS IT PULLS BACK FROM SPLIT
CEO Steve Cahillane named Nicolas Amaya to lead North America, signaling a focus on brand performance over a corporate breakup—changes freight providers watch for demand and network implications.
UPS TO CLOSE 22 FACILITIES IN 18 STATES THIS YEAR, COURT FILINGS SHOW
Network consolidation tied to shifting volumes and USPS handoffs will impact Teamsters‑represented buildings nationwide, with effects on regional parcel injection and final‑mile capacity.
CVSA SETS MAY 12–14 INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK, WITH CARGO SECUREMENT A 2026 FOCUS
The 72‑hour inspection blitz will emphasize driver records and vehicle safety, spotlighting cargo securement after thousands of violations last year and ongoing HOS/ELD enforcement issues.
AAA: NATIONAL DIESEL AVERAGE HITS $3.67 TODAY, EDGES ABOVE YESTERDAY’S LEVEL
AAA’s dashboard shows diesel at $3.670 nationally on February 18, up from $3.651 yesterday; carriers should watch for added fuel‑surcharge pressure if crude’s rally persists.
CARVANA SHARES PLUNGE AFTER PROFIT MISS, FLASHING MIXED SIGNALS FOR AUTO‑HAUL FREIGHT
Despite volume growth, Carvana’s results missed expectations and the stock sank, underscoring ongoing margin pressures and uneven used‑vehicle flows that influence vehicle logistics demand.
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