Transport Topics

The news leader in trucking and freight transportation. Transport Topics is a weekly newspaper covering the trucking and freight transportation industries.

Based in Arlington, Va., it publishes a newspaper, a digital edition, a website and e-mail newsletters. A one-year subscription costs $109 in the United States. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/fx8neJ

For a full staff listing and contact information, click here: http://bit.ly/gXoRSm

12/17/2024

U.S. Department of Energy study: U.S. LNG shipments drive up domestic wholesale prices and frequently displace renewable energy sources.

WASHINGTON — The United States should proceed cautiously as officials consider new natural gas export terminals, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Dec. 17.

12/17/2024

Only one month has shown a year-over-year sales increase since July. Story by Connor D. Wolf. Freightliner Trucks

U.S. retail sales of medium-duty trucks declined sequentially and on a year-over-year basis in November, according to data from Wards Intelligence.

12/17/2024

Investigation could result in tariffs or other measures to restrict imports on older-model chips and products containing them.

President Joe Biden’s administration is set to initiate a trade investigation into Chinese semiconductors in the coming days, as part of a push to reduce reliance on a technology that U.S. officials believe pose national security risks.

12/17/2024

While Republicans capped 2024 with a victory in the presidential contest, the Biden administration has wound down the year in a hurry to advance as many infrastructure and microchip projects as it can before handing the reins back to President-elect Donald Trump. Taking a look back at 2024 through the lens of the federal government:

WASHINGTON — While Republicans capped 2024 with a presidential victory, the Biden administration has been rushing to advance as many infrastructure and microchip projects as it could.

12/17/2024

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the travel center and truck stop industry,” said Lisa Mullings, who will leave her post as Natso's president and CEO at the end of 2024.

Mullings, who has been at the helm of the truck stop and travel center trade group since 2004, described the decision as difficult but said she is confident in Natso’s future.

12/17/2024

“Tracking and visibility have become critical needs for all of our customers,” said Jeff Clementz, CEO of DAT Freight & Analytics, as the company finalizes its acquisition of Trucker Tools.

The deal, which closed Dec. 17, brings Trucker Tools’ platform suite for freight visibility, digital load booking and carrier engagement under the umbrella of DAT’s operations.

$Federal drilling permits and fracking projects could see major acceleration under Trump’s proposed energy plan.$

12/17/2024

Federal drilling permits and fracking projects could see major acceleration under Trump’s proposed energy plan.

Government Business Fuel Jennifer A. Dlouhy | Bloomberg News December 17, 2024 11:44 AM, EST Trump Plans Immediate Energy Push After Inauguration Permits, Drilling Dights and Regulatory Cuts to Take Center Stage Leavitt’s comments offer a glimpse at administrative actions Trump could set in motion...

12/17/2024

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is inviting interested private companies to take part in the initiative ahead of its spring launch.

The Delaware DMV is inviting private companies to apply to become providers of third-party commercial driver license skill tests before the state launches this new capability next spring.

12/17/2024

The Fed is now expected to cut rates only three times in 2025 instead of four.

While economists expect the Fed to lower rates on Dec. 18 for a third straight meeting, they are now penciling in just three more quarter-point cuts in 2025.

12/17/2024

A hearing on Jan. 28 will determine the next steps in Yellow’s $6.5 billion pension fund liability case.

Oral arguments on dispositive motions related to the claims by 11 pension funds are now set to take place at a Jan. 28 hearing at the Delaware Bankruptcy Court.

12/17/2024

Consumers capitalized on lower interest rates and holiday discounts, pushing auto sales to their strongest level in three years.

The value of retail purchases, not adjusted for inflation, increased 0.7% after upward revisions to the prior two months, Commerce Department data showed Dec. 17.

12/17/2024

Lion Electric reportedly plans to file for creditor protection as debt mounts and EV adoption slows in Canada and the U.S.

Lion’s problems stem from delays in subsidy programs, supply chain disruptions, scaling issues, too many vehicle models being developed at the same time and slower EV adoption.

12/17/2024

With demand for EVs slowing in Europe and competition growing in China, Volkswagen is looking for savings. But it faces union opposition.

If insufficient progress is made on a deal by early Dec. 18, the board of union IG Metall is prepared to hold a vote at the end of the week to pave the way for 24-hour walkouts.

12/17/2024

The future of LTL shipping is evolving with advances in , , and changing regulations. AI, IoT, and automation are optimizing operations, improving safety, and reducing costs. At the same time, eco-friendly practices and alternative fuels are becoming a competitive advantage. With stricter emissions standards and the rise of regional carrier collaborations, LTL carriers are finding new ways to stay efficient and meet customer expectations. Is your LTL strategy prepared for these shifts? Find out how to future-proof your operations, now: https://buff.ly/4104WuY

12/16/2024

Price swing comes on the heels of 8.2¢/gallon drop, marks third increase in past four weeks. U.S. Energy Information Administration

U.S. diesel prices rose modestly by 3.6 cents to an average of $3.494 per gallon, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data released Dec. 16.

12/16/2024

The trucking industry has faced its longest freight downturn in more than a decade. Now, signs of gradual improvement are offering hope for recovery.

The trucking industry continued to be defined by a market trough this year, but one that has shown some minor signs of improvement.

12/16/2024

Should the study find that additional shipments cause more harm than good, or if it adds new conditions to their approval, the new Trump administration’s green-lighting of new projects could be challenged in court.

A study of liquefied natural gas exports by the Biden administration is expected to stop short of saying the approval of more shipments isn’t in the public interest, according to sources.

12/16/2024

Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, NHTSA says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%.

DETROIT — Starting in September 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don’t buckle up.

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Videos

Watch: Appeals Court Approves Controversial Truck Tolling Plan in Rhode Island

A federal appeals court has ruled that Rhode Island may reinstate its controversial truck-only tolling program, but deemed unconstitutional a set of caps that set limits on collection amounts. For the full story, visit: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/rhode-island-toll-appeals To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

Trucking: Demand and Capacity Edge Closer to Equilibrium

The trucking sector is nearing balance as freight demand rises and capacity tightens, according to ACT Research Co.'s latest indices. Story by Connor D. Wolf. For the full story, visit: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trucking-market-equilibrium To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

Holidays: From Alaska To Washington, Capitol Christmas Tree Shines Bright

A massive spruce tree that came to life in an Alaskan forest during former President Ronald Reagan’s White House days has arrived on a new flatbed trailer after a 4,293-mile journey to Washington, accompanied by two veteran truck drivers from Lynden Transport. Read the full story here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/capitol-christmas-tree-truckers To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

Weather: Winter Season Brings Additional Compliance Challenges

Fleets seeking snow removal technology must consider factors such as multi-height equipment and yard space constraints, said Debora Babin Katz, vice president of TrucBrush, a company that manufactures a large, mobile brush to remove snow from trailers. Read the full story here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/snow-removal-systems To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

TT Newsmakers (Preview): Bob Costello

#TTNewsmakers: What economic trends do you most need to watch out for in 2025? On Dec. 9, American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello joins TT's Seth Clevenger to share his perspective on current freight market conditions and expectations for the coming year. Sponsored by Bendix. Register for the digital interview now: https://pages.ttnews.com/newsmakers-economic-outlook-for-2025-with-atas-bob-costello.html

Equipment: Mack to Launch New Flagship Semi in 2025

President Stephen Roy announced Mack Trucks' upcoming semi, designed to compete in 70% of the market and triple the company's longhaul market share. For the full story, visit: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mack-new-flagship-semi-2025 To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

Automated driving technology company Plus has been ramping up on-road testing of autonomous heavy-duty trucks in the United States and Europe in cooperation with Traton Group’s commercial truck brands. For the full story, visit: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/plus-truck-testing-texas-sweden To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

60 Seconds: C.H. Robinson Automates Email Transactions With AI

Logistics giant C.H. Robinson's proprietary technology can now execute all tasks involving email during the freight shipment life cycle that a human would normally perform. Story by Connor D. Wolf. Read the full story here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ch-robinson-ai-freight-email To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

60 Seconds: Torc's Fully Driverless Truck Zooms at 65 mph

Self-driving #truck developer Torc Robotics announced that it has begun validating its #autonomous #driving #technology at speeds up to 65 mph with no one on board the vehicle in a closed-course environment. Read the full story here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/torc-no-driver-testing To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

60 Seconds: Volvo & Daimler Team Up For New Truck OS Platform

The software platform will enable Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and potential customers of the joint venture to offer independent and digital vehicle functions for their products, the companies said. Customers will be able to add and update digital applications remotely, potentially reducing downtime and simplifying maintenance. For the full story, visit: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/daimler-volvo-software To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

Economy: ATA's Bob Costello Anticipates Freight Market Rebalancing

American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello on Oct. 14 highlighted how the freight market is set to slowly improve as equipment and demand rebalance. Read the full story here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/freight-market-rebalancing To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html

60 Seconds: Law Removes Barriers for Veterans at New CDL School Branches

President Joe Biden on Oct. 1 signed into law a bill aimed at ensuring veterans’ benefits are approved without delay at new commercial driving schools. For the full story, visit: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/biden-veterans-cdl-schools To subscribe to Transport Topics, visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/tt-subscribe.html