In this episode, we break down the bifurcation in global logistics, where carriers look to higher rates, fewer sailings on key Asia-US route while demand on Asia-Europe lanes strengthens. Domestically, a strange market paradox is emerging as the Cass TL Linehaul Index extends a positive run, with rates rising due to tight capacity even as shipment volumes decline.

Structural changes are hitting the workforce hard, evidenced by reports that from factories to fulfillment centers, more layoffs hit U.S. supply chains, including major cuts at Ford and Kroger. These strategic pivots are happening alongside regulatory updates, such as when a new bipartisan caucus targets trucking reform to address CDL integrity and aging infrastructure.

Safety concerns are also driving legislative action, as new legislation tackles truck-bridge crashes caused by inaccurate GPS routing in states like New York. Meanwhile, friction is building in the rail sector as rail unions oppose historic transcontinental rail merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.

Finally, to navigate this volatility, the industry is shifting toward predictive technology, exemplified by Inside Cleo’s vision for an AI-native supply chain that thinks ahead. We discuss how these context-aware tools are becoming essential for maintaining service levels amidst permanent labor and capacity shifts.

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In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we break down the conflicting economic signals heading into 2026 as plummeting operational costs collide with tightening capacity. Benchmark diesel falls again as oil market selloff picks up steam, with crude futures dipping below $60 per barrel even as retail pump prices struggle to catch up to the drop.

Capacity pressures are intensifying from factories to fulfillment centers, as more layoffs hit U.S. supply chain, including over 4,200 recent job cuts at major companies like Ford and Great Dane. These structural reductions highlight a market realignment that goes beyond typical seasonal dips, creating significant capacity constraints across the sector.

New government data reveals that truck transportation jobs last month were the lowest in years, dropping to levels not seen since June 2021. Despite this decline in employment, the capacity squeeze has pushed the average hourly wage for non-supervisory trucking employees to a record high of $31.40.

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In this episode, we examine major structural shifts in the supply chain, starting with how Wagner Logistics has acquired the contract logistics business of Dawson Logistics to expand its national footprint and industrial capabilities. We also discuss Amazon Air Cargo's new money-back guarantee, a move that offers refunds of up to $10,000 for service failures as the retailer commercializes its internal network.

The conversation turns to the southern border, where Uber Freight predicts a freight rebound driven by nearshoring and Mexico's growing role as a top trading partner. We also analyze the political momentum behind the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, which has recently gained bipartisan support from lawmakers in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Finally, we highlight the financial risks of operational negligence, focusing on a $44.1 million nuclear verdict against New Prime stemming from a fatal crash involving a driver with inadequate winter training. This is contrasted with industry-wide reliability, as major parcel carriers achieved a 98% on-time delivery rate during the early holiday peak season.

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In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss the major leadership shuffle as Brad Jacobs steps down as chairman of XPO and GXO to dedicate his full attention to his newest venture. He aims to grow QXO into a $50 billion revenue giant in the building products sector through a strategy of aggressive consolidation and organic growth.

Union Pacific has appointed Tony Will, the retiring CEO of CF Industries, to its board of directors as the company prepares for a historic transformation. This executive move precedes the expected December 19 filing for a merger with Norfolk Southern that aims to establish the nation's first transcontinental railroad.

We also cover how Amazon is offering a money-back guarantee to air cargo shippers to signal its reliability as a third-party logistics partner. This strategic pivot mirrors the AWS model, leveraging internal logistics capacity and a new digital console to offer high-control service to external customers.

Finally, tune in for previews of the latest episodes of Loaded and Rolling and Check Call coming up later today on FreightWaves TV. Don't forget to visit the website to vote for your Favorite Freight Town before the results are revealed in January.

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In this episode of The Daily, we unpack a confusing market signal where domestic trucking capacity is tightening due to carrier attrition despite soft demand. Meanwhile, oversupply in the ocean freight market is causing carriers to lose pricing power as vessels return to the Suez Canal.

We also explore how upcoming 2026 customs reforms in Mexico aim to crack down on duty evasion but will drastically increase liability for customs brokers. These changes represent a significant shift in trade governance that could reshape cross-border manufacturing compliance.

New analysis of FMCSA data reveals a shocking safety gap, showing that midsize trucking fleets have significantly higher crash rates per driver than their larger competitors. This discovery raises critical questions about how shippers should approach carrier vetting to mitigate outsized risk profiles.

In executive news, industry titan Brad Jacobs steps down from XPO and GXO to focus his energy on building his new venture, QXO. Additionally, Ryder System announces a leadership transition as CEO Robert Sanchez prepares to retire after doubling the company's revenue during his tenure.

Finally, we discuss how Orderful’s new AI-powered platform, Mosaic, aims to eliminate the decades-old headache of manual EDI mapping. This innovation promises to cut integration times from months to weeks for global supply chains.

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In this episode, we discuss how the House approval of digital financial disclosures would impact USPS mail by eliminating the requirement for hardcopy delivery of investor documents. This legislation could further reduce mail volume and revenue for the financially struggling Postal Service, which recently reported a $2.8 billion operating loss.

Next, we cover the news that Maersk tabs new CFO, North American chief in global leadership shakeup as the shipping giant attempts to regain ground after losing its top global ranking. Robert Erni joins as the new Chief Financial Officer alongside other regional leadership changes intended to address an evolving market and increased competition.

Finally, we look at the data showing Mexico’s heavy-truck exports plunges 22% as light-vehicle demand also dips amid ongoing trade uncertainties and local disruptions. Industry leaders point to U.S. tariffs and road blockades as key factors driving significant declines in production and exports across the automotive sector.

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In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we break down PACCAR’s strategic push into zero-emission vehicles with new medium-duty models from Peterbilt and Kenworth. The parent company is doubling down on scalability by building out the necessary charging infrastructure to support these electric fleets.

Next, we discuss a historic labor victory as Teamsters locals in Northern California and Nevada secure a groundbreaking regional deal with Sysco. This four-year contract establishes a new industry standard with a 34% wage increase and strong protections against automation.

Finally, we look at the monumental filing by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to create the nation's first freight-only transcontinental railroad. This move initiates a critical review period that serves as the first real test of the Surface Transportation Board’s tougher consolidation rules.

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In today’s episode, we analyze the Department of Transportation’s recent move to sideline 9,500 truck drivers for English-language violations. Critics warn that this crackdown may be distracting from larger problems regarding fraudulent CDLs and foreign labor exploitation.

We also discuss a pivotal Supreme Court case where a bipartisan group of attorneys general is challenging protections for freight brokers. If successful, this push could force brokers to face state liability claims for negligent carrier selection.

In corporate news, Enterprise Mobility is expanding into the heavy-duty market by acquiring Hogan, while Heartland Express integrates CFI’s operations to improve profitability. We also cover CSX's decision to ground its entire corporate jet fleet as the railroad faces financial headwinds.

Market volatility remains high as Laredo carrier Texas International Enterprises files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. To help you navigate these shifts, we preview the upcoming FreightWaves Roadshow, designed to equip logistics professionals with strategies for resilience.

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The Federal Highway Administration is calling on the private sector to provide funding for the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which is currently costing the industry an estimated $43 million in congestion delays. For more details on the agency's request to address this major infrastructure challenge, read how the DOT wants private sector to end $43M freight bottleneck.

DHL Supply Chain has officially added its first Tesla Semi to its fleet following a successful pilot program in California that saw the vehicle average 1.72 kWh per mile. You can learn more about the vehicle's specs and route performance as DHL Supply Chain deploys first Tesla Semi in net zero carbon push.

A Laredo-based cross-border carrier with 600 drivers has filed for bankruptcy protection, reporting up to $50 million in liabilities and over 200 creditors. Details regarding the filing and fleet operations are available in the report: Laredo carrier Texas International Enterprises files for Chapter 11.

Finally, tune in to FreightWaves TV for new episodes of The Long Haul and Freightonomics airing later this morning. Don't forget to visit vote.freightwaves.com to cast your ballot for America's favorite freight town before the results are revealed at the end of the year.

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This episode explores the high-stakes balancing act logistics companies face as they navigate internal optimization against a backdrop of external chaos. We begin by analyzing the sharp drop in benchmark diesel prices as domestic refineries ramp up production, though experts warn of a potential oil super glut by 2026.

In the cold chain sector, Lineage is combatting excess capacity by rolling out its LinOS system to generate $110 million in efficiency gains through automation. Meanwhile, the automotive logistics space sees strategic consolidation as RPM acquires PARS to create a comprehensive vehicle lifecycle platform that includes driveaway and titling services.

Technological advancements continue as Daimler Truck and Torc Robotics integrate short-range LiDAR to bring autonomous freightliners to the North American market. However, carriers must remain vigilant on compliance, as the FMCSA has revoked 62% more ELDs this year, threatening immediate shutdowns for fleets using banned devices.

Corporate governance takes center stage with the affirmed 20-year sentence for Slync.io's founder, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of fiduciary trust in freight tech. Finally, we examine the supply chain risks emerging from threatened tariffs on Mexico tied to a dispute over water deliveries that is already impacting Texas agriculture.

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