California Truckers Struggle with AB5 Compliance

California Truckers Struggle with AB5 Compliance

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the California Trucking Association (CTA)'s challenge to AB-5, raising compliance concerns for California's trucking industry regarding the 'employer-operator' model. AB-5's strict definition of independent contractors may force companies to reclassify many drivers as employees, leading to increased operating costs, reduced capacity, and heightened legal risks. Businesses need to actively explore compliance strategies and transition pathways to navigate the new regulatory landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Celadon Shifts to Employee Drivers Phasing Out Owneroperators

Celadon Shifts to Employee Drivers Phasing Out Owneroperators

U.S. trucking giant Celadon is undergoing a strategic shift, reducing its reliance on owner-operators and increasing the number of employed drivers. This move is aimed at lowering costs, improving efficiency, and mitigating risks. The company hopes that by employing more drivers directly, they can better control operations and reduce liabilities associated with independent contractors. This transition reflects a broader trend in the trucking industry towards more stable and predictable operating models.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Market Withstands Economic Slowdown Avoids Recession

US Freight Market Withstands Economic Slowdown Avoids Recession

Economist Costello argues the US economy is not in a recession, but rather returning to long-term growth trends. The risk of a recession may emerge in late 2020 or 2021. Focus should be placed on costs and efficiency within the trucking industry. He suggests that while some sectors may be experiencing downturns, the overall economy is showing signs of stabilization and potential for future expansion, particularly if the trucking sector can optimize its operations.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Digital Freight Matching Platforms Prove Value Beyond Hype

Digital Freight Matching Platforms Prove Value Beyond Hype

Armstrong reports that Digital Freight Matching (DFM) more accurately describes the "Uber of Trucking." DFM platforms connect shippers and carriers, improving efficiency and offering more specialized customization. These platforms streamline the process of finding and securing trucking capacity, leading to reduced costs and faster delivery times. By leveraging technology, DFM solutions provide greater visibility and control over the entire freight transportation process, benefiting both shippers and carriers with improved communication and optimized operations.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Los Angeles Enforces Port Ban for Firms Misclassifying Truck Drivers

Los Angeles Enforces Port Ban for Firms Misclassifying Truck Drivers

Los Angeles is considering banning trucking companies with driver misclassification practices from operating at the port, aiming to combat long-standing labor violations in the industry. This initiative seeks to protect driver rights, regulate employment practices, and alert supply chain managers to the compliance of their suppliers, avoiding potential business disruption risks. Los Angeles's action could inspire other cities to follow suit, promoting a fairer and more sustainable development in the trucking industry.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New English Rules for Truckers May Raise Freight Costs

New English Rules for Truckers May Raise Freight Costs

The US trucking industry faces increasingly stringent English language proficiency requirements. This paper analyzes the potential impact of this policy on trucking capacity and, using market data, uncovers the true drivers behind rising freight rates. While the short-term impact of the new English regulations on freight rates may be limited, the long-term effects on the industry landscape remain to be seen. The analysis considers both immediate and future implications of the policy shift.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Approves Under21 Trucker Pilot Program Amid Safety Concerns

US Approves Under21 Trucker Pilot Program Amid Safety Concerns

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched a controversial pilot program allowing some drivers under 21 to participate in interstate commercial trucking. This initiative aims to assess the feasibility of lowering the age limit for truck drivers but has raised concerns among safety advocates, who argue that younger drivers' lack of experience could increase the risk of accidents. The results of this program will have a significant impact on future trucking policies.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Outpost Raises 500M to Expand Truck Terminal Operations

Outpost Raises 500M to Expand Truck Terminal Operations

Outpost secured an additional $500 million investment from GreenPoint, bringing the total to $1 billion, to accelerate the expansion of its nationwide trucking terminal network. The company aims to reduce fleet operating costs and improve efficiency. Plans include expanding services to encompass office space, cross-docking, maintenance, warehousing, and fuel, while continuing to develop its gate automation platform. This funding will enable Outpost to further its mission of providing comprehensive solutions for the trucking industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Truckload Rates and Volume Drop in July DAT

US Truckload Rates and Volume Drop in July DAT

The DAT report indicates a seasonal cooling in the US trucking market in late July, with both freight volumes and rates declining. Dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed sectors all experienced varying degrees of decrease. Analysts attribute this to a combination of seasonal factors, economic conditions, excess capacity, and fuel prices. Facing both challenges and opportunities, trucking companies and shippers need to closely monitor market trends and flexibly adjust their business strategies to navigate market volatility.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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TD Cowen Index Tracks Volatility in Trucking Parcel and LTL Markets

TD Cowen Index Tracks Volatility in Trucking Parcel and LTL Markets

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index indicates a weak but optimistic trucking market. The express sector is significantly impacted by pricing strategies. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) pricing remains stable, but pricing discipline may be loosening. Despite soft demand, there are positive indicators emerging. The index serves as a valuable decision-making resource for participants in the freight market, providing insights into current conditions and potential future trends across various transportation modes.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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