Regulation
Supreme Court ruling may reshape freight brokers and small carriers landscape
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, a case concerning whether freight brokers should be liable under state tort law for carriers' safety negligence. The ruling could reshape industry rules, affect the survival of small carriers, and trigger changes in supply chain efficiency and costs.
Paccar Recalls Nearly 6,000 Peterbilt and Kenworth Models Over Potential Oil Contamination Risk
Paccar announced a recall of 5,919 2027 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks because the power distribution box may be contaminated by oil, potentially causing failures in drive power, ABS, exterior lighting, wipers, or defogging systems, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles will have the power distribution box replaced free of charge at dealerships.
US-Canada talks collapse, Trump's 50% tariff on Canadian goods takes effect
The United States and Canada failed to reach an agreement on Friday to avoid the 50% tariff promised by President Trump, further deteriorating bilateral trade relations. Canadian Prime Minister Carney announced the suspension of negotiations and instructed negotiators to return home, while vowing reciprocal retaliation. The 50% tariff has officially taken effect, involving $20 billion in Canadian imports.
Trump’s 50% tariff on many Canada imports in effect as talks stall
US-Canada trade negotiations broke down at the last minute, and Trump's previously announced 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports have taken effect. Canadian Prime Minister Carney announced the suspension of negotiations and plans to implement reciprocal retaliatory tariffs starting September 8.
Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations, Departs Effective Immediately
Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), officially departed on Friday, August 7, effective immediately. The association did not disclose the reason for his departure, and the board will establish a search committee to find a successor. Spear had led the association since 2016, achieving multiple policy victories during his tenure.
American Trucking Associations’ CEO Chris Spear leaves position
Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), officially stepped down on Friday (August 7), with the organization not citing a specific reason. The board will form a selection committee to find a successor, but no timeline has been announced.
Hub Group financial error fallout causes Q2 reporting delay
Hub Group has notified federal regulators that it will delay its Q2 2026 earnings filing due to ongoing accounting missteps, marking the third consecutive missed quarterly deadline. The company is working to restate financial statements from 2023 onward and has taken corrective actions, including appointing an interim CFO.
6 industry executives weigh in on Supreme Court’s freight broker aftermath
In the wake of the Supreme Court's June ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, which allows state tort claims against freight brokers under a safety exception, major carriers and brokers are positioning their safety records and infrastructure as advantages. Executives from Knight-Swift, Schneider, Landstar, J.B. Hunt, and RXO shared insights on Q2 earnings calls, highlighting potential market tightening, increased insurance costs, and a shift toward higher-quality carriers.
FMCSA Proposes Codifying English Proficiency Enforcement Exemption Procedures in Border Areas
FMCSA has issued a proposed rule to codify the exemption policy for English proficiency enforcement in commercial zones along the U.S.-Mexico border, as outlined in an April 2026 memorandum. The rule clarifies that drivers operating solely within border commercial zones will not be placed out of service for English proficiency violations, but the exemption does not apply if trips involve transportation outside the zone. The agency estimates this measure could save the industry approximately $14 million annually.
FMCSA moves to codify English language proficiency process at border areas
FMCSA has issued a proposed rule to formally codify the exemption procedures for English proficiency enforcement in the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zone. Based on the April 2026 policy memorandum, the rule clarifies that drivers operating solely within the border commercial zone will not be subject to out-of-service penalties, but the exemption does not apply if trips involve operations outside the zone. The agency estimates this could save the industry approximately $14 million annually.