Carrier optimism builds as truckload tightens
New survey data shows freight market optimism growing among carriers, and truckload tightness is already boosting backhaul volumes and revenue for large for-hire fleets like FedEx Freight.
Tightening capacity means the rate trough is likely behind us—lock in lanes and budget for firmer pricing into peak season rather than chasing spot lows.
Energy inflation seen straining the supply chain
An industry analysis warns that rising energy and fuel costs are putting fresh pressure on US supply chains and carrier operating margins.
Watch your fuel surcharge mechanics closely—rising diesel can quietly erode landed-cost budgets, so build escalation clauses and contingency into long-haul and heavy-haul quotes.
Long Beach launches zero-emission corridor to Mexico
The Port of Long Beach and a trucking partner have opened a zero-emission freight corridor connecting to Mexico, targeting cleaner cross-border drayage and long-haul movements.
Cross-border shippers should track ZE corridor incentives now—early adopters can win shipper sustainability mandates and may face fewer access restrictions down the road; ask Lia how it affects your US↔Mexico lanes.
California opens roads to autonomous semi trucks
California has cleared the way for autonomous heavy-duty trucks on public roads, a regulatory milestone widely seen as a win for Tesla Semi and other AV programs.
Driverless long-haul is moving from pilot to policy—shippers should start thinking about how AV capacity could reshape lane economics and on-time reliability over the next few years.
$500K bourbon load stolen via carrier impersonation
A high-value bourbon shipment worth roughly $500,000 was stolen in an alleged carrier impersonation scheme, the latest in a wave of strategic cargo theft.
Impersonation fraud is surging—vet every carrier's identity, confirm contacts through known channels, and add extra scrutiny to high-value and beverage freight before tendering.