California Eases Truck Weight Limits to Reduce Port Backlogs

California Eases Truck Weight Limits to Reduce Port Backlogs

To alleviate congestion at the Port of San Pedro Bay, California temporarily relaxed truck weight limits, allowing increased loads on specific routes. This measure aims to improve transportation efficiency but raises safety concerns. This article analyzes the policy's background, objectives, impacts, and potential risks. It explores systemic solutions to port congestion, emphasizing the need to balance efficiency with safety and focusing on building a more resilient long-term supply chain system. The temporary relaxation highlights the ongoing challenges in optimizing the supply chain amidst growing demands.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Truck Tonnage Edges Up in October Holds Steady

US Truck Tonnage Edges Up in October Holds Steady

According to the American Trucking Associations, the seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index for October in the U.S. was 135.7, up 1.9% from September. The unadjusted index was 139.8, a 0.9% increase from September. The data indicates a slight increase in freight volume, but overall, it remains within a stable range, reflecting a cautious economic recovery.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Iowa Weighs Shorter Truck Following Distances to Boost Platooning

Iowa Weighs Shorter Truck Following Distances to Boost Platooning

Iowa is considering easing following distance restrictions for truck platooning, sparking discussions about technological advancements outpacing regulations and potential job impacts. This technology offers benefits such as improved fuel efficiency and safety, but also faces technical, safety, and regulatory challenges. Governments, businesses, and the public need to collaborate to navigate the transformation of the trucking industry. The debate highlights the need for proactive policy-making to address the implications of autonomous driving technologies in transportation and ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

US Truck Tariffs Boost Domestic Industry Amid Cost Concerns

US Truck Tariffs Boost Domestic Industry Amid Cost Concerns

The US policy imposing a 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks has officially taken effect, aiming to protect domestic manufacturing and bolster national security. However, this move could lead to increased truck prices, supply chain disruptions, and heightened uncertainty for freight carriers. Experts analyze that the policy's impact will vary across different businesses, potentially accelerating manufacturing reshoring but also posing challenges related to labor and infrastructure.

US Raises Heavy Truck Tariffs Sparks Industry Cost Worries

US Raises Heavy Truck Tariffs Sparks Industry Cost Worries

The US imposed a 25% tariff on imported heavy trucks, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing. However, this could lead to higher truck prices, increased transportation costs, and potential trade wars. The impact on the trucking industry and freight carriers is significant, requiring businesses to closely monitor policy changes and take countermeasures. The future direction of the policy remains uncertain. This action has far-reaching consequences for the entire supply chain and could ultimately affect consumer prices as well.

House Committee Seeks Review of Truck Driver Hours Rules

House Committee Seeks Review of Truck Driver Hours Rules

The U.S. House Transportation Committee is urging the Government Accountability Office to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's revisions to truck driver Hours of Service (HOS) rules, focusing on their safety and economic impacts. The review will emphasize the effectiveness of HOS restart rule studies and regulatory impact analyses. This aims to inform future decisions, balancing safety, efficiency, and economic benefits within the trucking industry. The committee seeks a comprehensive assessment to ensure regulations are data-driven and promote both driver well-being and a robust supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Shippers Urged to Reduce Truck Driver Detention for Safety

Shippers Urged to Reduce Truck Driver Detention for Safety

Driver detention not only causes significant economic losses but also threatens road safety. Shippers' long-term absence and shifting responsibility to carriers create a vicious cycle. Shippers should proactively optimize warehouse operations, introduce technology, provide comfortable waiting environments, and establish fair detention compensation mechanisms. Building transparent communication with carriers is crucial to create a safe, efficient, and caring transportation future, achieving a win-win situation for all parties. This includes addressing issues like long wait times and lack of amenities for drivers.

GAO Urges FMCSA to Reform Truck Safety Rating System

GAO Urges FMCSA to Reform Truck Safety Rating System

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlights the FMCSA's slow progress in improving the CSA safety measurement system, hindering the effective identification of high-risk trucking companies. The report recommended modifications to the SMS methodology, which the FMCSA did not agree with. Industry associations and experts are urging the FMCSA to re-evaluate and enhance the CSA system to more effectively reduce accident rates and ensure road safety. The current system's shortcomings raise concerns about its ability to adequately address risks posed by unsafe carriers.

North Americas Class 8 Truck Orders Hit Sharp Decline

North Americas Class 8 Truck Orders Hit Sharp Decline

North American Class 8 truck orders experienced a significant decline in October, signaling a potential market downturn. Supply chain issues have constrained OEM production capacity, hindering order growth. Despite challenges like limited capacity and rising costs, the logistics industry is also seeing opportunities in technological innovation, a thriving used truck market, and the emergence of alternative transportation modes. Moving forward, the industry needs to actively embrace change to find opportunities for growth amidst uncertainty.

Purdue University Wins 5M Grant for Truck Platooning Research

Purdue University Wins 5M Grant for Truck Platooning Research

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Purdue University a $5 million grant to research truck platooning, focusing on improving fuel efficiency and communication between vehicles. The project aims to enhance the fuel economy of heavy-duty trucks by 20%. This initiative explores the potential of coordinated driving strategies to reduce aerodynamic drag and optimize fuel consumption within a convoy of trucks. The research will also address the challenges of maintaining safe following distances and reliable communication in real-world platooning scenarios, contributing to advancements in smart logistics and sustainable transportation.