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The Doft blog

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.

Owner-operator checking phone at crowded truck stop lot at duskTrucking Essentials

Truck Parking Crisis: Why Florida's Expansion Matters to Your Bottom Line

Florida just broke ground on five new truck parking projects. Here's why capacity shortages cost owner-operators real money—and how to adapt now.

Jun 23, 20263 min read
Owner-operator checking ELD app on phone in truck cab at dawnTrucking Essentials

ELD Security Gaps: What Owner-Ops Need to Know Right Now

Your ELD logs your hours and sends data to the FMCSA. But new reports reveal software vulnerabilities that could expose your data—or worse, invite fraud. Here's what to watch for.

Jun 22, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing compliance documents at a truck stop desk at dawnTrucking Essentials

FMCSA's Proposed Carrier Vetting: What Tighter Standards Mean for Owner-Ops

New FMCSA enforcement plans could reshape who stays in the game. Here's what owner-operators need to do now to stay compliant and competitive.

Jun 19, 20263 min read
Owner-operator verifying carrier details on phone at truck stop deskTrucking Essentials

Chameleon Carriers and Fake Brokers: How to Spot Fraud Before It Costs You

Fraudulent carriers and shell brokers are running rampant in tight freight markets. Learn the red flags and verification steps that protect your load and your money.

Jun 18, 20264 min read
Owner-operator holding fuel card and cost notes in the cab of a truck at a fuel stopTrucking Essentials

Fuel Surcharges vs. Fuel Cards: Which Strategy Protects Your Margin in 2026

Diesel volatility is back. Learn when to negotiate fuel surcharges into your rate, when a fuel card makes sense, and how to avoid margin erosion when pump prices spike.

Jun 17, 20264 min read
Owner-operator reviewing spot rates on a loadboard app in the cab at sunriseTrucking Essentials

Spot Rates at All-Time Highs: How to Capitalize Before the Market Corrects

Truckload spot rates have hit record levels following recent market shifts. Here's how owner-operators can lock in gains and protect margins while conditions last.

Jun 16, 20263 min read
Owner-operator checking payment app on smartphone in semi cab at truck stopTrucking Essentials

Factoring vs. Bank Financing: Which Fits Your Owner-Op Cash Flow Best

With spot rates climbing and freight volumes tight, owner-ops need fast, reliable cash. Here's how to compare factoring, lines of credit, and fuel cards to keep your operation running.

Jun 15, 20264 min read
Owner-operator checking a freight app on smartphone in truck cab at truck stopTrucking Essentials

Broker Vetting 101: How to Spot a Shaky Freight Partner Before You Get Burned

A new FMCSA proposal could soon require carriers to flag high-risk brokers. Here's what owner-operators need to know now—and how to protect yourself.

Jun 12, 20263 min read
Dispatcher reviewing compliance records at desk with documents and coffee in morning lightTrucking Essentials

CDL Red Flags: What Owner-Ops Need to Know About the New FMCSA Vetting Standards

Ohio just revoked 1,200 foreign trucker CDLs. Here's what tightened FMCSA standards mean for your hiring, compliance, and the freight market.

Jun 11, 20263 min read

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