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Deep Dive

Fleets forge ahead on tech, but some bide time on electric refuse trucks

Companies are weighing imminent investments in customizable technologies, aiming to make operations safer and more efficient while lowering environmental impact.

Harbor truckers dispute millions of detention, demurrage charges as fees surpass $200

Respondents in a Harbor Trucking Association survey cited gate congestion and a lack of available appointments for disputed charges. 

Tesla: Batteries better for long-haul EVs, hydrogen is 'just crazy'

CEO Elon Musk said the OEM does not have enough battery cells to put the Semi truck into full production.

High-stakes hemp logistics put specialty fleets, willing drivers in demand

Some drivers are hesitant to transport hemp, because laws may vary from state to state. But the rewards are great if it's done right, one trucking executive said.

ATA's case against ocean carriers, pool operators over 'sweetheart deal' moves forward after judge denies stay

The complaint filed with the Federal Maritime Commission claims ocean carriers get chassis at a cheaper rate than trucking companies, resulting in overcharges totaling "as much as $1.8 billion" over the last three years.

UPDATED: Feb. 1, 2021 at 2:16 p.m.

Tight truck capacity pushes CH Robinson to the spot market

The company worked to reprice TL contracts "to reflect the rising cost environment," CEO Bob Biesterfeld said.

What truckers want: Good pay, bonuses, hot showers

When drivers asked for showers and parking, National Carriers invested $5 million in a facility upgrade.

How trucking firms prioritize freight in a tight market

The term "shipper of choice" may be going out of style, a U.S. Xpress executive said. But the importance of short dwell times and consistent tendering behavior remains.

XPO CEO: More acquisitions possible once spinoff is complete

Bradley Jacobs turned XPO into a trucking powerhouse over the years by growing the LTL company organically and through absorbing other firms.

Final-mile EVs easier on drivers' knees, exec says

Regenerative braking can mitigate the need for work-related knee surgeries, translating to better comfort for drivers and healthcare cost savings for the fleet.

Diversification gives Daseke a solid foundation as construction market shrinks

Diverse customer portfolios have separated fleets that maintained business during market downswings from those that struggled.

UPS sells Freight segment to TFI for $800M

The sale focuses UPS on its core parcel businesses while allowing TFI to expand its diverse trucking portfolio in a continued acquisition spree.

Managing cyberthreats in the remote work landscape

Organizing office returns will be a massive undertaking, because the rapid changeover from corporate offices to remote operations left many with no time for planning. 

Fleet electrification a catalyst for wider EV adoption: study

Fleet electrification will require a fundamental business restructuring for many organizations and, if executed poorly, "can be a series of very costly errors," according to a new report.

Senate confirms Pete Buttigieg as DOT secretary

Confirmation comes nearly two weeks after senate nomination hearings, during which Buttigieg said the "time is now" for infrastructure investment.

UPDATED: Feb. 2, 2021 at 3:45 p.m.

FTR: Trucking economy steers toward normalcy in 2021

Consumer buying and industrial production's rebound will bode well for trucking, analysts predicted. The wild card is coronavirus cases.

North American M&A deal volume hits record Q4: survey

Pent-up demand, ample available capital, low interest rates and a return in confidence among business leaders will likely push up transaction totals in 2021, one expert said.

California proposes points system to track zero-emissions trucks at warehouses

Road transport has been at the forefront of Southern California's emissions crackdown.

What's behind record-breaking Class 8 orders?

Fleets anticipated a strong economy in 2021 and started preparing before the new year.

Labor lags in long-distance freight as truck drivers prioritize home time

National TL and LTL fleets will have to consider driver preferences for short hauls, if they want to recruit and retain their workers.

Businesses face challenging labor landscape under Biden

Changes in the treatment of independent contractors and the attractiveness of unions could usher in more complicated — and expensive — workforce policies.

Nikola strikes rate deal on hydrogen infrastructure in Arizona

The agreement will support the OEM's plan for a zero-emission, heavy-duty freight corridor along I-10 between Los Angeles and Phoenix.  

Fleets learn tactics for mitigating risk, with insurance costs on the rise

Premiums in some cases tripled, and insurance once again became a top issue for the trucking industry.

Why experts are bullish on transport M&A in 2021

"Pent-up" demand to buy is already showing its face this year, with James Richardson & Sons and Wescan Capital acquiring 100% of the shares of Bison Transport.

CH Robinson, SAS bet real-time demand data can shorten freight bid windows

Demand doesn't change at the pace of an annual contract. The two companies will use their existing tools to drive more agile freight procurement.