SCOTUS RULING UPS THE STAKES FOR BROKER DUE DILIGENCE
Trucking Dive breaks down the Supreme Court’s unanimous May 14 decision allowing negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers under state law, prompting brokers to tighten vetting and risk management. The industry expects ripple effects across insurance, contracts, and carrier selection practices.
FMCSA REVOKES 12 ELDS; NONCOMPLIANT CARRIERS FACE JULY 20 OOS DEADLINE
FMCSA removed a dozen logging devices from its approved list and gave fleets 60 days to switch, with drivers using revoked units subject to out-of-service violations starting July 20. The move follows findings the devices failed to meet 49 CFR Part 395 requirements.
SPOT RATES SURGE DURING CVSA ROADCHECK ACROSS VAN, REEFER, FLATBED
International Roadcheck tightened capacity last week, driving large weekly jumps in spot pricing, especially for reefers, per FTR and DAT data. Dry van rates logged near-record weekly gains while flatbed rose more modestly amid softer volumes.
ATRI: TRUCK LIABILITY INSURANCE COSTS UP 18.6% SINCE 2021 EVEN AS CRASH RATES EASE
New ATRI research shows per‑mile liability premiums climbed 18.6% from 2021–2024 despite lower heavy‑duty crash rates. Carriers adopting safety tech reported comparatively lower losses and insurance costs, underscoring ROI on risk controls.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION DEAL INCLUDES NATIONAL AV TRUCK GUIDELINES
A tentative five‑year reauthorization package would establish a framework for federal oversight of autonomous trucks. Industry leaders say national guidance could accelerate commercialization while clarifying state‑by‑state rules.
DAIMLER’S TORC ROBOTICS NAMES CFO TO SCALE LEVEL 4 AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS
Torc appointed Tobias Wessels as CFO to support commercialization of L4 autonomous freight operations. The move signals continued investment by Daimler Truck in U.S. autonomy programs and partnerships.
VOLVO GROUP NORTH AMERICA REACHES CARB EMISSIONS SETTLEMENT
Volvo will pay penalties and fund emission‑reduction projects, plus provide software updates and partial warranty extensions for certain 2014–2016 engines in California. The company said the agreement includes no admission of liability and will impact Q2 results.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIESEL PRICES CLIMB AS OTHER REGIONS EASE, EIA SHOWS
The national on‑highway diesel average fell 4 cents to $5.596 for the week of May 19, but Rocky Mountain prices rose 6 cents. Midwest and East Coast averages declined, highlighting widening regional fuel dynamics for route planning and surcharges.
DAT REEFER REPORT: FLORIDA CORRECTS AS CALIFORNIA PRODUCE SEASON SURGES
DAT’s May 20 update notes sharp pullbacks in Florida reefer lanes after the Mother’s Day peak, while Salinas, Santa Maria and other California markets posted double‑digit rate gains. The handoff underscores shifting seasonal capacity and pricing hotspots for brokers and carriers.
LOUISIANA LIFTS I‑20 TRUCK BAN IN BOSSIER CITY WORK ZONE
DOTD ended the multi‑year commercial vehicle restriction through the I‑20 construction zone, allowing CMVs back onto the corridor. Final project work is slated to wrap in late May/early June, easing detours and enforcement exposure for fleets moving through northwest Louisiana.
DHS: DRIVER IN FATAL CALIFORNIA CRASH ALLEGEDLY IN U.S. ILLEGALLY; DETAINER FILED
Homeland Security said a trucker involved in a May 19 multi‑vehicle crash on Hwy 99 in Lodi was present in the U.S. illegally and fled before being apprehended. The incident, which left two dead, adds scrutiny to CDL vetting and employer compliance responsibilities.
CARRIER TRANSICOLD FIELD TRIALS SHOW DOUBLE‑DIGIT FUEL SAVINGS IN REEFER OPS
Comparative testing on customer assets found Vector S 15 units improved fuel efficiency 20–30% versus a comparable competitor, with the Vector HE 17 adding up to 16% more efficiency. Results point to emissions and cost‑reduction gains for temperature‑controlled fleets.
OIL EDGES HIGHER AFTER SELL‑OFF ON IRAN TALKS; FUEL COSTS STILL IN FOCUS FOR FLEETS
Crude prices ticked up early May 21 after a sharp drop tied to optimism over U.S.–Iran negotiations and potential Hormuz reopening. Carriers remain alert to diesel volatility heading into peak summer demand and hurricane season.
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