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TRUCKING

ATA Truck Tonnage Reaches 3-Year High in February

Transport Topics Connor D. Wolf March 26, 2026

The ATA For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.6% sequentially to 116.2 in February from 113.3 in January. The results also marked a 2.1% increase from 2025, which is the largest year-over-year gain since October 2022.

Link: American Trucking Associations Tonnage Reached the Highest Level in Three Years

Freight Cycle Finding a Higher Gear

ACT Research March 26, 2026

“Since there is generally no fuel surcharge in the spot market, it’s remarkable that spot rates have risen about as much as fuel costs in the past few weeks,” said Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s Vice President and Senior Analyst.

“Diesel costs spiked 25¢–30¢ per mile for TL fleets, which typically comes out of the spot market trucker’s pocket. But, with a lot of marginal fleets on the edge, the jump in diesel prices tightened capacity almost immediately, with spot dynamics tightening through March, demonstrating a tight market for the first time in about four years.

Saia names Americold marketing leader as VP

Trucking Dive David Taube March 26, 2026

Saia hired Lisa Silverboard as VP of marketing to lead communications and community affairs work and strengthen the company’s brand, according to a news release last week.

Class 8 Sales in February Hit Eighth Month Below Prior Year

Transport Topics Connor D. Wolf March 26, 2026

U.S. Class 8 retail sales slipped again in February, extending an eight‑month streak of year‑over‑year declines and underscoring the uncertainty clouding the 2026 economic outlook — even as the market posted a modest sequential gain.

Trailer Orders Slow as Fleets Shift Priorities

Transport Topics Connor D. Wolf March 26, 2026

U.S. trailer orders in February came in below prior-year results as the sector began working down peak-season backlogs.

SHIPPERS / 3PLs

Ecommerce Trends: The fastest-growing online retailers in 2026

Digital Commerce 360 Brian Warmoth March 26, 2026

As a merchandise category, Mass Merchants — which include Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco — saw the highest rate of online sales growth year over year. In fact, Amazon’s online sales volume alone in 2025 was greater than the combined totals of the next 52 largest U.S.-based online retailers by annual web sales, based on data tracked by Digital Commerce 360 in the Top 2000 Database.

INDUSTRY

War adding $40-$50 million per week to Hapag-Lloyd's costs: CEO

Journal of Commerce Greg Knowler March 26, 2026 $Subscription Based

The war in the Middle East has raised Hapag-Lloyd’s operating costs by $40 million to $50 million per week, a reality that “is not something that you can sustain for very long,” the carrier’s CEO said Thursday.

Related: FreightWaves Hapag-Lloyd profits tumbled in 2025 despite carrying more cargo

Freightos to trim up to 15% of headcount amid AI adaptation process

Journal of Commerce Eric Johnson March 26, 2026 $Subscription Based

Freightos on Thursday announced it is reducing its workforce by up to 15% in the near future as part of an effort to adapt to the fast-moving impact artificial intelligence is having on software development.

Sizing up the freight transportation and logistics M&A market with Ben Gordon (Podcast 27m)

Logistics Management Jeff Berman March 26, 2026

In this podcast, LM Group News Editor Jeff Berman interviews Ben Gordon, founder and managing partner of Palm Beach, Florida-based Cambridge Capital, and managing partner of Ben Gordon Strategic Advisors.

Topics covered included: the current state of freight transportation and logistics M&A; key trends and themes in the dealmaking space; how things like AI, and e-commerce and last-mile logistics are impacting the market; and a look at what may be in store down the road, among others.

UPS nixes driver buyouts in 13 states

Supply Chain Dive Kelly Stroh March 26, 2026

UPS in January announced its intention to launch its Driver Choice Program as it seeks to improve its bottom line and adjust to handling fewer deliveries for Amazon. Under the latest program, UPS planned to offer a $150,000 separation package for full-time U.S. drivers, with the enrollment window running from Feb. 13 to March 12 and separations beginning April 26.

TECHNOLOGY

CFOs don’t expect large AI labor impact this year: report

CIO Dive Grace Noto March 26, 2026

Though CFOs expect AI to affect their teams’ overall composition, current investments in the technology remain focused on bolstering productivity rather than cost reduction, a survey found.

Link: National Bureau of Economic Research Artificial Intelligence, Productivity, and the Workforce: Evidence from Corporate Executives

Physical AI, part 3: The future of mobility

Bank of America Institute Vanessa Cook and Lynelle Huskey March 26, 2026

Physical AI is transforming mobility, shifting vehicles from software‑defined machines to AI‑defined platforms with reusable intelligence that spans autos, trucks, drones and industrial equipment. This marks a structural transition where anything that moves is becoming autonomous.

Robotaxis, autonomous trucks and drone networks are accelerating toward commercialization, supported by falling hardware costs, maturing regulation and scalable software infrastructure. These advancements are reshaping value chains, enabling new business models and expanding multi‑billion‑dollar addressable markets.

SUSTAINABILITY / SAFETY / SECURITY

Windrose’s First US Deliveries Due in May Through Xos

Transport Topics Keiron Greenhalgh March 26, 2026

R700s will initially be available in two configurations:

• A short-range tractor with a 436-kilowatt-hour battery pack capable of 200-250 miles
• A long-range semi with a 730-kWh battery pack capable of 400-450 miles

New bill aims to roll back diesel truck emissions mandates

Freight Waves Noi Mahoney March 26, 2026

• Stop federal agencies from requiring emissions control devices or onboard diagnostic systems.
• Remove the EPA’s authority to enforce Clean Air Act requirements related to vehicle emissions controls.
• Protect individuals from federal penalties tied to modifying or removing emissions equipment.

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