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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 reviewing freight rates on loadboard app in semi cab at truck stopTrucking Essentials

When High Rates Hide a Weak Market: Reading the Freight Signals Correctly

Spot rates are surging, but volumes are tightening. Learn how to spot the difference between a genuine freight boom and a market correction waiting to happen.

Jul 24, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing a load on a smartphone in the cab of a semi at a truck stop.Trucking Essentials

High Rates, High Risk: Spot Market Fraud Tactics Owner-Ops Must Watch

When spot rates surge, so do scams. Learn the latest fraud schemes targeting owner-operators in hot freight markets—and how to verify loads before you roll.

Jul 23, 20264 min read
Owner-operator reviewing load calculations and fuel costs on a smartphone in the cab of a semi truckTrucking Essentials

Diesel Spikes & Margin Squeeze: Real Math on Fuel Costs in July 2026

Fuel costs are eating deeper into owner-op margins than ever. Here's how to calculate your true cost per mile and know when a load doesn't pencil.

Jul 22, 20264 min read
Owner-operator reviewing factoring terms on phone in truck cab at dawnTrucking Essentials

Factoring Fees in a Hot Market: Why Your Rate Matters More Now

Spot rates are surging, but factoring fees can quietly erode your gains. Here's how to negotiate better terms when cash flow pressure is highest.

Jul 21, 20264 min read
Owner-operator checking logistics app at warehouse loading dock at dawnTrucking Essentials

Yard Moves and Log Book Gray Areas: What Owner-Ops Need to Know

A recent FMCSA petition highlights confusion around short-haul yard moves and HOS exemptions. Here's how to stay compliant when the rules aren't crystal clear.

Jul 20, 20264 min read
Dispatcher verifying a CDL license against state DMV records on a laptop at a dispatch deskTrucking Essentials

CDL School Fraud Crackdown: What It Means for Hiring and Your Fleet

DHS and FMCSA are partnering to root out fraudulent CDL training programs. Here's what owner-ops and small fleets need to know about vetting new drivers.

Jul 17, 20264 min read
Owner-operator holding a smartphone with ELD app in the cab of a semi at golden hourTrucking Essentials

ELD Revocation Wave: What the 10 Banned Devices Mean for Your Compliance

The FMCSA just revoked 10 ELD providers. Here's what you need to do in the next 60 days to stay legal and avoid costly downtime.

Jul 16, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing freight loads on a smartphone in the cab at dawn, planning route strategy.Trucking Essentials

How to Protect Your Profit When Capacity Crashes: Deadhead & Empty-Mile Strategy

When freight volumes drop and capacity floods the market, deadhead miles kill margins fast. Here's how owner-ops lock in paying loads and minimize empty returns.

Jul 15, 20263 min read
Owner-operator checking a loadboard on a smartphone in the cab at sunsetTrucking Essentials

Spot 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.

Jul 14, 20263 min read

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