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.
Industry NewsModal Shift & Trucking Rates: Why Rail Is Taking Loads (And What It Means)
Shippers are moving freight to rail to dodge high trucking rates. Here's what that means for owner-operators and how to compete.
Trucking EssentialsFuel Hauler Pay Bump: How the HOS Waiver Changes Your Bottom Line
A 3-month hours-of-service waiver for fuel truck drivers just went live. Here's what it means for your earnings, your schedule, and whether it's worth chasing.
Trucking EssentialsDiesel Surge Meets Tight Capacity: The Real Margin Math for Q4 2026
Freight volumes are climbing, rates are holding high, but diesel costs are soaring. Here's how to calculate whether you're actually making money—and when to walk away from a load.
Trucking EssentialsHours of Service Waiver for Fuel Haulers: What Owner-Ops Need to Know
The FMCSA temporarily relaxed HOS rules for gasoline and diesel drivers. Here's what changed, who qualifies, and how to stay compliant while the waiver lasts.
Trucking EssentialsCDL School Shutdowns: What Owner-Ops Need to Know About Driver Supply
The FMCSA just named dozens of CDL schools in a nationwide emergency shutdown. Here's what it means for your hiring, capacity, and the freight market ahead.
Trucking EssentialsReefer Loads in a Capacity Crunch: Why Cold Chain Freight Pays More Right Now
Tight capacity and rising diesel costs are pushing reefer rates higher than dry van. Here's how to position your reefer truck and what shippers are actually paying in September 2026.
Trucking EssentialsInsurance Premiums Climbing Fast: What Owner-Ops Should Negotiate Now
Trucking insurance costs have surged alongside capacity tightness and fraud crackdowns. Here's how to audit your policy, challenge rate hikes, and lock in better terms before Q4.
Trucking EssentialsFMCSA Motus Outages: Why Your Carrier Authority Keeps Freezing at Roadside
A critical glitch in FMCSA's Motus system is locking carriers out of authority verification during DOT inspections. Here's what's happening and how to protect yourself.
Trucking EssentialsCapacity Shortage Meets Diesel Surge: The Real Math on 2026 Margins
Tight trucking capacity should mean high rates—but diesel costs are eating profits faster than rates are rising. Here's how to model your actual margin and adjust now.
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