ATA Urges FMCSA to Reform Trucking Safety Ratings

ATA Urges FMCSA to Reform Trucking Safety Ratings

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to reform its safety rating system, addressing geographic bias and data reliability concerns. The current system is widely perceived as unfair, relying on insufficient and geographically skewed data sources, leading to distorted ratings. Recommendations include adopting more scientific evaluation models, simplifying the rating system, and avoiding reliance on the flawed CSA/SMS system. The ATA believes these changes are crucial for ensuring fair and accurate safety assessments within the trucking industry and promoting safer roads.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Calls for Safety Rating System Reform

Trucking Industry Calls for Safety Rating System Reform

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is urging reform of the current safety rating system, citing geographic enforcement disparities and data quality issues leading to unfair ratings. Multiple associations generally agree that the existing system is flawed. Suggestions include simplifying the rating process and avoiding reliance on the controversial CSA/SMS system to more accurately identify and remove unsafe trucking companies from operation. The aim is to create a more reliable and equitable system for ensuring road safety and compliance within the freight industry.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Enacts Law to Curb Moving Scams Safeguard Consumers

US Enacts Law to Curb Moving Scams Safeguard Consumers

The upcoming U.S. Household Goods Consumer Protection Act aims to combat moving fraud and protect consumer rights. It grants the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) greater enforcement authority, supports state-level enforcement, and tightens registration requirements to ensure legitimate operations. Consumers should still exercise caution when selecting moving companies, choosing reputable ones, signing detailed contracts, and retaining relevant evidence. The act strengthens consumer protection against fraudulent moving practices and aims to create a more transparent and accountable industry.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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STB Cuts Fees to Ease Rail Freight Costs

STB Cuts Fees to Ease Rail Freight Costs

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) significantly reduced the filing fee for rail rate challenges from $20,000 to $350, aiming to lower the barrier for small and medium-sized businesses to seek redress. This is intended to incentivize railroads to improve service quality and reshape competition in the rail freight market. The move is expected to increase the number of complaints, pushing railroads to optimize operations. However, potential risks such as malicious complaints and retaliatory measures from railroads exist. Strengthening the regulatory system and mediation mechanisms will be crucial to address these challenges.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Rail Industry Leader Details Freight Policy and Growth Strategies

Rail Industry Leader Details Freight Policy and Growth Strategies

AAR President Ian Jefferies interprets the current policy and regulatory environment for rail freight, focusing on the Surface Transportation Act, the evolving role of the STB, and the industry's demands and development vision regarding efficiency, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The article also explores the development trends of diversified rail freight demand, intelligent operation, green and low-carbon initiatives, and integrated multimodal transportation from a data analysis perspective. It highlights the industry's commitment to meeting evolving customer needs while prioritizing responsible and sustainable practices.

US Regulators Block Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger

US Regulators Block Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has deemed the merger application of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern incomplete, requesting supplementary information such as market share projections. Competitors BNSF and CN have also called for more transparent disclosures. The STB's decision is not a rejection of the merger, but rather a requirement for the two companies to amend their application to meet regulatory standards. The ultimate fate of the merger remains to be seen, pending revisions and further review by the STB.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Chemical Industry Worries Over Potential Rail Merger Impact

US Chemical Industry Worries Over Potential Rail Merger Impact

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) expresses caution regarding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, fearing it could reduce competition, harm service, and ultimately impact U.S. manufacturing. The ACC is launching a comprehensive advocacy campaign urging regulators to address the potential negative economic consequences of the merger and promote more effective reciprocal switching rules. This aims to enhance competition and reliability in rail transportation, ensuring a robust and efficient supply chain for the chemical industry and the broader economy.

US Cracks Down on Rogue CDL Training Schools

US Cracks Down on Rogue CDL Training Schools

The U.S. Department of Transportation is cracking down on Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training irregularities, de-listing nearly 3,000 non-compliant training providers. This action aims to eliminate "CDL mills" and ensure quality driver training, ultimately enhancing road safety. The industry generally supports the move, but concerns exist regarding potential impacts on freight capacity and training accessibility. In the long term, this initiative is expected to improve industry safety standards and professional image.

US Targets Fraudulent CDL Training Programs in Nationwide Crackdown

US Targets Fraudulent CDL Training Programs in Nationwide Crackdown

The U.S. Department of Transportation is cracking down on 'CDL diploma mills,' removing nearly 3,000 training providers from the registry and warning another 4,500. This action aims to improve the quality of CDL training, ensure road safety, and raise industry standards. Truck drivers and prospective professionals should choose reputable institutions to enhance their skills and knowledge. The crackdown emphasizes the importance of legitimate training for safe and responsible commercial vehicle operation.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Rail Faces Labor Shortages Monopoly Concerns

US Freight Rail Faces Labor Shortages Monopoly Concerns

STB Chairman Martin Oberman sharply criticized US freight railroads, particularly the 'Big Four,' at the RailTrends conference for prioritizing profits over service by excessive workforce reductions. He emphasized the critical role of railroads in the US economy, calling the labor shortage a 'self-imposed embargo.' Oberman urged railroads to reassess their role and address the issues, warning of stricter regulations if they fail to do so. He highlighted the detrimental impact of their actions on service reliability and the overall economy, emphasizing the need for a shift in priorities from short-term gains to long-term sustainability and service quality.