Regulation
FMCSA Final Rule: Eliminating Permanent Labeling Requirements for Trailer Rear Impact Guards
FMCSA issued a final rule on February 19, 2026, eliminating the permanent retention requirement for certification labels on trailer rear impact guards. The rule takes effect on March 23, 2026, responding to long-standing industry concerns about label wear, but it does not affect the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety standards that manufacturers must comply with during production and sale.
FMCSA Final Rule: Removal of Permanent Labeling Requirements for Trailer Rear Impact Guards
FMCSA issued a final rule on February 19, eliminating the requirement that certification labels for trailer rear impact guards be permanently retained. The new rule takes effect on March 23, responding to long-standing industry concerns about label wear and difficulty in reading, but it does not overturn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's requirement for manufacturers to meet safety standards at the time of production.
ATRI Annual Report: I-294 and I-290/I-88 Interchange in Chicago's Western Suburbs Becomes the Most Severe Truck Congestion Bottleneck in the U.S.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its 2026 list of the top 100 truck bottlenecks, with the I-294 and I-290/I-88 interchange in Chicago's western suburbs ranking first for the first time, replacing last year's I-95 and New Jersey Route 4 interchange. This interchange handles over 300,000 vehicles daily and is currently undergoing an $800 million reconstruction, expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The Atlanta metropolitan area has four locations in the top ten.
ATRI Annual Report: I-294 and I-290/I-88 Interchange in Chicago's Western Suburbs Named Worst Truck Congestion Bottleneck in the U.S.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its 2026 annual report on the top 100 truck bottlenecks in the U.S., with the I-294 and I-290/I-88 interchange in Chicago's western suburbs ranking first for the first time. This interchange handles over 300,000 vehicles daily and is currently in the midst of a six-year, $800 million reconstruction project, slated for completion by the end of 2027. The report also shows that the average speed of trucks during peak hours nationwide decreased by 2.8% compared to the previous year, and traffic congestion adds $109 billion annually to consumer goods costs.
U.S. Department of Labor Proposes to Relax Independent Contractor Classification Rules, Returning to the 'Economic Realities Test'
The U.S. Department of Labor announced on Friday its proposal to rescind the Biden administration's 2024 independent contractor rule and plans to adopt the 'economic realities test' to determine whether workers are independent contractors. This test primarily considers the degree of control workers have over their work and their opportunities for profit or loss. Major trucking industry groups welcomed this move, believing it helps protect the independent status of owner-operators. The public comment period begins Friday and ends April 28.
U.S. Department of Labor Proposes to Relax Independent Contractor Classification Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor plans to rescind the Biden-era 2024 independent contractor rule and re-adopt the 'economic reality test' to determine worker status, a move supported by trucking associations but sparking debate over workers' rights.
Key Voices in Trucking: 2026 Market May See Modest Recovery, but Upside Limited
Multiple industry analysts and trucking executives point to a possible modest recovery in the freight market in 2026, but the extent of growth may be limited by weak demand and policy uncertainty. Institutions such as FTR and Uber Freight forecast gradual or inflationary growth in freight rates, with tightening supply potentially being a key driver.
Congress may soon overturn California's vehicle emission standards waiver
The U.S. Congress may use the Congressional Review Act to overturn the EPA's waiver granted to California for vehicle emissions, a move that could hinder air quality improvements. The Senate could vote as early as next week, and the House passed the relevant resolution on May 1.
Family-owned A. Duie Pyle celebrates centennial: Chairman reiterates commitment to independent operations
As regional less-than-truckload carrier A. Duie Pyle marks its 100th anniversary, Chairman and CEO Peter Latta said the company has rejected acquisition offers from several national competitors, remains family-owned and independently operated, and plans to invest in employees and technology to usher in the next century.