Why Freight Rates Are Finally Heating Up
Mike Hosted, VP of ATBS, reports that 2026 spot‑market freight rates are finally rising after a four‑year flatline. Data from over 15,000 owner‑operators shows a sharp correction as excess capacity from the 2021 boom exits the market. Federal actions—tightening driver‑license rules, English‑proficiency enforcement, and EL‑device audits—are accelerating the supply squeeze. While some fleets anticipate up to 10% gains in refrigerated rates, higher equipment, fuel and tax costs mean profitability remains a challenge for small operators.
C.H. Robinson, Super Ego Chalk up 'Chameleon Carrier' Outrage to a Big Misunderstanding
A CBS 60 Minutes investigation accused Super Ego and freight broker C.H. Robinson of operating a “chameleon carrier” network that allegedly tampered with electronic logging devices, underpaid drivers, and sidestepped safety rules. Both firms rejected the claims, with Super Ego insisting it is merely an...
Just How High Has Owner-Ops' Truck-Trailer Maintenance Cost Moved?
In its latest bi‑annual update, ATBS reported that the average owner‑operator spent over $14,000 on truck‑trailer maintenance in 2025—about $250 a week or 15 cents per mile on roughly 94,000 miles. The firm emphasized that rising upkeep is the leading cause...
Chaotic DMV ICE Raid, 'BS' Canadian CDLs: FMCSA's Non-Domiciled Ban, One Month Later
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s ban on issuing non‑domiciled commercial driver’s licenses took effect on March 16, 2026, targeting roughly 194,000 foreign‑licensed drivers. Within a month, an ICE raid at a Pennsylvania DMV underscored the heightened enforcement climate, with 13...
Like-Original '76 Peterbilt COE Stands Proud
Luke Rethwisch and his family revived a 1976 Peterbilt 352H cab‑over for the 2026 Mid‑America Trucking Show Build‑Off. The truck was mounted on a 2025 Kenworth T680 frame, kept its original Cat 3408 V8 engine, and received selective modern upgrades...
Sweet Dream? Freight Rates' 2026 Surge Transforms a Fuel Nightmare
Freight spot rates surged in early 2026, with broker‑posted prices up 26% year‑over‑year and flat‑bed rates climbing 8 cents per mile. While dry‑van and reefer rates slipped slightly, overall broker rates remain at their highest levels since June 2022. Diesel...
Test Drive of the Volvo VNR
Volvo unveiled the all‑new VNR, a 90% redesign built on the next‑gen platform introduced with the 2024 VNL. It pairs a new 13‑liter D13 VGT engine with a second‑generation I‑Shift transmission that shifts 30% faster, and introduces a first‑in‑North‑America 24‑volt...
Super Ego Accused of ELD Cheating, Stealing Driver Pay in '60 Minutes'
CBS’s 60 Minutes aired an explosive report on Super Ego Holding, accusing the foreign‑linked broker network of electronic logging device (ELD) manipulation, predatory lease contracts that siphon driver pay, and routing money overseas. The segment highlighted the rise of “chameleon carriers” that shed...
Smallest Fault-Code Scanner Worldwide? Diesel Laptops Delivers Diagnostic Assist
Diesel Laptops, founded in 2015, offers the world’s smallest Bluetooth‑enabled diesel fault‑code scanner, the Diesel Decoder, which pairs with a smartphone app. Recent software updates let users tap a code to receive step‑by‑step repair guidance, part numbers and pricing for...
Truckers Take Control of Mainstream Media
After years of being sidelined, truckers have broken into mainstream media in 2026, with the President and Transportation Secretary publicly addressing the industry. An executive order mandating English proficiency and stricter out‑of‑service penalties for non‑citizen CDL holders was signed, while...
Top of the Trucking Heap: Owner-Op John Penn, Full Interview From MATS Show Floor
Owner‑operator John Penn was crowned Trucker of the Year at the Mid‑America Trucking Show, where he showcased his 2019 Freightliner Cascadia achieving over 10 mpg despite soaring diesel prices. Penn attributes the fuel‑efficiency edge to aerodynamic upgrades, wide‑single tires, and disciplined driving...
Hey Bubba, Why Hasn't AI Taken over Trucking?
Hey Bubba, a voice‑AI dispatcher for owner‑operators, debuted last year and now offers an Autopilot feature that can negotiate multiple loads simultaneously across major load boards. The service remains free for a three‑month trial and is self‑funded with about $3 million, but...
Overlooked Maintenance: Owner-Ops Stress Tools for Prevention
At the 2026 Mid‑America Trucking Show, owner‑operators from the Trucking Solutions Group highlighted maintenance tasks that are frequently ignored, such as changing the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) filter, monitoring tire pressure, and tracking service records. They demonstrated how simple tools—DEF...
High Time Truckers Vet the Brokers: Opening MATS Panel on Fraud Fight, AI, More
At the Mid‑America Trucking Show, industry leaders warned that broker fraud is outpacing carrier oversight, calling for stricter vetting and new FMCSA transparency rules. Dale Prax highlighted the lack of regular audits for brokers, while panelists discussed AI‑driven automation and...
'Like a Cabover' With More Side Glass: Tesla Semi Panorama, Walkaround Vid
Tesla’s long‑awaited electric Semi, featuring a 500‑mile range, was showcased at the American Trucking Associations event, highlighting a panoramic cab with 6.5 feet of headroom and a central driver seat. The truck’s power draw is estimated at 1.7 kWh per mile, roughly...