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Fresh trucking news explained through rates, fuel, tolls, fines, insurance, downtime, repairs, regulations, and cash flow.
5 Reasons Diesel Prices Surged to a Record $5.85
Diesel prices surged to a record $5.85 a gallon as the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruptions, higher crude oil prices, renewed fighting, and tight diesel supply pushed fuel costs sharply higher. For owner-operators, the increase can add nearly 30 cents per mile in fuel expense compared with pre-war prices.
Amazon Drones Are Coming to 500 Cities. Should Truckers Be Worried?
Amazon plans to expand Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026. The drones can carry packages weighing up to five pounds, so they are not replacing tractor-trailers. But they could reduce last-mile delivery stops, miles, and eventually some local delivery work. This breakdown explains what the expansion actually means for truck drivers.
Progressive Says Truck, Trailer and Driver Were Not Covered After Texas Crash
Progressive is asking a federal judge to rule that it does not have to defend or pay claims tied to a 2023 Texas truck crash. The insurer says the Volvo tractor, Utility trailer, and driver involved were not listed on MMT Carriers’ policy, creating a potentially expensive coverage fight for the trucking company.
Tyson Plant Closure Could Send Cattle Hauls 400 Miles Away
Tyson's sudden closure of its Joslin, Illinois beef plant could force some cattle producers to haul animals hundreds of miles farther while also facing bids that may be $200 to $300 lower per head. For truckers, the big question is who pays for all those extra miles.
26 Truckers Thought Their Taxes Were Paid. Prosecutors Say the Money Never Reached the IRS
Federal prosecutors say a Georgia tax preparer serving primarily self-employed truck drivers accepted money meant for taxes but allegedly failed to send some of it to the IRS. At least 26 people were allegedly affected.
A $300 Permit Problem Just Turned Into $23,452 in Trucking Fines
A Louisiana trucking company is appealing $23,452 in overweight fines after four trucks hauling generators allegedly traveled on Bossier Parish roads without required local permits. The permits reportedly cost about $300 per truck, turning roughly $1,200 in paperwork into a potential $23,452 bill.
California Opens Door to Self-Driving Trucks and Teamsters Say 200,000 Jobs Could Be at Risk
California is allowing companies to move toward testing and deploying heavy-duty self-driving trucks, but Teamsters California is suing the DMV, arguing the state failed to properly account for the potential economic impact on more than 200,000 truck driving jobs.
Truck Driver Admits to $510,465 Fuel Card Scam - Without Buying the Fuel
A West Virginia truck driver admitted running more than $510,000 in fraudulent fuel-card charges through fake service stations - even though prosecutors say the fuel was never actually purchased.
FMCSA Just Banned 5 ELDs - And Your Replacement Could Cost $125 Per Truck
FMCSA removed five ELDs from its registered-device list, giving affected carriers until October 6, 2026, to replace them. Using a current $125 hardware price as an example, replacement costs could reach $1,250 for 10 trucks or $6,250 for 50 trucks - while ignoring the deadline could lead to citations and drivers being placed out of service.
Dry Van Spot Rates Are Up 66 Cents a Mile - That’s $1,320 More on 2,000 Miles
Dry van linehaul spot rates are about 66 cents per mile higher than a year ago. On 2,000 loaded miles, that works out to roughly $1,320 more gross revenue - as shrinking truck capacity gives carriers more negotiating power.
One Company Walks Away From Truck Crash Case - Another Faces $604 Million
Two Texas truck-crash cases produced very different results. One shipper escaped liability after a court found it did not control the carrier or driver, while freight broker C.H. Robinson is fighting a $604 million verdict in a separate case. The big money lesson: the more control a company has over a truck and driver, the more financial risk it may take on.
Buying a $40,000 Dry Van? New Import Tariffs Could Add $3,604
New preliminary duties on Mexican-made dry-van trailers could add an estimated $3,604 in import costs to a trailer valued at $40,000. Here is what owner-operators need to understand.