Stories from the road & the freight market
Trucking essentials for owner-operators and carriers, industry news that affects your rates, and the latest from Doft — with fresh stories published every week.
Trucking EssentialsSpot Rates at $3.83/Mile: When to Take It, When to Wait for Better
Truckload spot rates hit record highs in June. But peak pricing doesn't mean every load is worth taking. Here's how to read the market and protect your margin.
Trucking EssentialsBroker Fraud in a Hot Market: Red Flags Every Owner-Op Should Know
Spot rates are surging and freight is tight—exactly when scammers prey hardest. Learn the warning signs of fraudulent brokers and how to protect your load and your cash.
Trucking EssentialsIntermodal vs. Truckload in a Hot Market: Which Pays Better Right Now
Spot rates are up 31%, but intermodal hasn't kept pace. We break down when to chase trucks vs. containers—and what the 2026 data actually shows.
Trucking EssentialsFMCSA Safety Ratings Under Fire: What Brokers' Vetting Demands Mean for You
A new C.H. Robinson case is forcing brokers to demand stricter FMCSA standards—but the safety ratings themselves are under legal challenge. Here's what owner-ops need to know.
Trucking EssentialsIllegal Drivers at Weigh Stations: How to Stay Safe and Compliant
Federal agents are ramping up enforcement against unlicensed and unqualified drivers. Here's what owner-ops and dispatchers need to know to avoid the crosshairs.
Trucking EssentialsBrokers Demanding New FMCSA Standards: What Owner-Ops Need to Know
Brokers are pushing regulators for tighter carrier vetting rules. Here's what the proposed standards mean for your business and how to stay ahead.
Trucking EssentialsNew HOS Rules Live July 1st: What Changed and How to Avoid Violations
Hours-of-service enforcement tightened this week. Here's what owner-ops and dispatchers need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly violations.
Trucking EssentialsFuel Costs Eating Your Margin? How to Negotiate Fuel Surcharges That Actually Stick
Spot rates are up 31%, but diesel volatility is still the wildcard. Here's how owner-ops can lock fuel surcharges into contracts before the market shifts.
Trucking EssentialsELD Provider Switches: What Owner-Ops Need to Know About Mandatory Changes
Some insurance carriers are now mandating ELD provider switches. Here's what it means for your compliance, costs, and operations.
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