FORD RECALLS 4.4 MILLION VEHICLES OVER TRAILER-LIGHT COMMUNICATION FAULT
NHTSA says a software glitch can cut communication between trailers and tow vehicles, disabling lights and signals. Ford will issue an over‑the‑air update; affected models include 2021–2026 F‑150s and several SUVs/pickups.
STELLANTIS CEO: NORTH AMERICA TO RETURN TO PROFIT IN 2026
Antonio Filosa said Ram and Jeep momentum and pricing actions should flip North America back to the black after H2 2025 losses, even as the company recalibrates its EV strategy and trims costs globally.
SUPREME COURT SAYS USPS CAN’T BE SUED FOR INTENTIONAL NONDELIVERY
In a 5–4 decision released Feb. 24 and reported today, the Court held sovereign immunity shields USPS from claims over undelivered mail—even if intentional—implications that ripple to parcel shippers relying on USPS last‑mile coverage.
HOUSE T&I CHAIR GRAVES TARGETS SPRING VOTE ON $550B HIGHWAY PACKAGE
Chairman Sam Graves said a “traditional” roads-and-bridges bill is headed for committee action in March with a floor vote likely before summer—setting the stage for negotiations ahead of the Sept. 30 authorization deadline.
U.S. TRAILER ORDERS UP 9% IN JANUARY, BUT MARKET SIGNALS REMAIN MIXED
ACT Research’s prelims put January net orders at ~23,000, up y/y but down 8% from December. Analysts cite lingering fleet caution, inflation and trade uncertainty as manufacturers await outcomes of unfair‑import probes.
TARIFF RULING PUTS TRANSPORT IN LIMBO AS SHIPPERS WEIGH REFUND PATHS
After the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA‑based Trump tariffs, customs experts say importers face weeks to months of uncertainty on duty refunds and compliance timing—creating planning headaches for trucking and logistics networks.
PORT OF LONG BEACH IMPORTS FALL 13% IN JANUARY AMID TRADE TURMOIL
Despite an 11% drop in total TEUs, the port said it outpaced neighboring Los Angeles last month. Executives warned tariff volatility and policy resets are fueling unpredictable volumes for drayage and inland trucking flows.
SENATE ‘DALILAH LAW’ BILL WOULD MANDATE CDL ENGLISH TESTING, LIMIT NON‑DOM LICENSING
Introduced Feb. 26, the proposal requires rapid state recertification of all CDL holders and restricts eligibility to citizens, LPRs, and certain visa classes—potentially reshaping driver supply if enacted.
CARB MEETS TODAY ON 2026 PRIORITIES, CLIMATE DISCLOSURE FEES; TRUCKING LITIGATION IN CLOSED SESSION
The Feb. 26 agenda includes initial regulation for California climate risk disclosure and notes closed‑session items involving the California Trucking Association—key for fleets eyeing compliance and legal exposure in the state.
‘SCAC VERIFIED’ ID CHECKS LAUNCH TODAY TO FIGHT FREIGHT FRAUD IN SMALL‑VEHICLE SEGMENT
NMFTA’s new SCAC Verified program adds identity and address verification at issuance/renewal for non‑Class 8 carriers beginning Feb. 26, tightening a major weak point exploited in cargo theft and double‑brokering schemes.
STELLANTIS WEIGHS USING CHINA EV TECH FOR LOWER‑COST MODELS, AMID U.S. RESTRICTIONS LOOMING
The automaker is exploring deeper tech ties with Leapmotor to cut costs in Europe while balancing data‑security and forthcoming U.S. bans on China‑linked connected‑vehicle tech starting in 2027.
OCADO TO CUT 5% OF STAFF AS AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE ROLLOUT SLOWS
The online grocer is trimming ~1,000 R&D roles and pivoting to less capital‑intensive phases after partner pullbacks—signaling a cooler outlook for near‑term U.S. grocery automation and downstream trucking volumes tied to it.
SCHNEIDER PASSES 10M ZERO‑EMISSION MILES; CUMMINS OFFERS RAM EMISSIONS‑RECALL INCENTIVES
A fleet electrification roundup highlights Schneider’s BEV milestones and Royal Waste’s expansion, while Cummins rolls out $500–$1,000 incentives tied to Ram 2500/3500 Emissions Recall 67A to drive compliance and uptime.
NEWARK AIRPORT TO PILOT AUTONOMOUS, ZERO‑EMISSION SHUTTLES THIS SPRING
The Port Authority selected three vendors for two‑week tests linking terminals to the future AirTrain—another sign of automated, electric people‑mover tech advancing in high‑throughput logistics hubs.
WHAT CARRIERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FORD’S TRAILER‑LIGHT RECALL AND OTA FIX
Fleets towing with late‑model F‑150, Expedition, Ranger and Maverick units should plan for immediate software updates to avoid noncompliance and visibility risks when hauling trailers, especially at night or in poor weather.
This daily digest was prepared exclusively for TruckStopInsider.com. Republishing is permitted only with proper credit and a link back to the original source.
