Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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Congress could soon revoke California’s vehicle emissions standards
State and local authority over air quality will be jeopardized if Congress revokes California’s auto emissions limits, experts say.
Dan Zukowski • May 15, 2025 -
Permission granted by Saia
‘A whirlwind’: Saia sprints toward nationwide ambitions in 100th year
The Georgia-based LTL carrier spent $1 billion and reopened more than 20 former Yellow Corp. terminals in its centennial year.
Colin Campbell • Dec. 17, 2024 -
Permission granted by Philip-Gabriel/A. Duie Pyle
‘Absolutely committed’: A. Duie Pyle celebrates 100th anniversary as a family-owned company
The Pennsylvania-based carrier survived a strike, deregulation and other challenges to grow into a premier Northeast regional LTL provider national competitors want to acquire.
Colin Campbell • Aug. 20, 2024 -
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Port of Baltimore is reopened from the bridge collapse. How much cargo will return?
With wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse removed, leaders are bullish on the port’s ability to retain customers.
Colin Campbell • June 13, 2024 -
David Taube/Trucking Dive
‘A totally different world’: Autonomous trucks prepare to go driverless in Texas
Trucking Dive rode in a heavy-duty AV and toured Aurora and Kodiak sites to experience the developing technology firsthand.
David Taube • June 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Clean Energy Fuels
Low carbon fuels, credit programs help transition toward zero-emission policies
Several state legislatures move toward fostering biogas initiatives.
Jacob Wallace • March 29, 2024 -
DanielIngelhart via Getty Images
How industry leaders are analyzing overcapacity data
Analysts see some rebalancing occurring. But the process appears slow.
David Taube • March 21, 2024 -
cofotoisme via Getty Images
Freight rates could rebound this year: experts
Carrier executives are beginning to show optimism for a rate recovery, which could spell rising costs for customers.
Larry Avila • March 7, 2024 -
Colin Campbell/Trucking Dive
What’s a Yellow terminal worth? It depends on location, and who you ask.
XPO, Estes and Saia spent hundreds of millions of dollars on properties. Old Dominion skipped the auction. Executives shared their reasoning in interviews and earnings calls.
Colin Campbell • Feb. 22, 2024 -
Provided by Trevelino/Keller
Why carriers, shippers use drop and hook in good times and bad
Fleets and brokers see their drop-and-hook programs as a competitive advantage that gives shippers what they want.
Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 16, 2024 -
shaunl via Getty Images
Top trucking trends to monitor in 2024
Rising costs will be a chief concern for carriers as they work to retain labor and integrate technology in a stubbornly soft freight environment this year.
Colin Campbell • Jan. 29, 2024 -
petesphotography via Getty Images
5 tips for cutting property insurance costs amid climate change
Here are ways that CFOs can hold down premiums in the face of more destructive weather and soaring insurance costs.
Jim Tyson • Dec. 13, 2023 -
John Moore via Getty Images
Logistics companies race to adapt to shifting supply chains
Carriers in ocean, air cargo, rail and trucking are launching new services and tweaking their networks amid evolving global trade flows.
Max Garland, Alejandra Carranza, Kelly Stroh and Larry Avila • Dec. 11, 2023 -
Courtesy of ABF Freight
ABF Freight at 100: Investments in workforce, M&A pay off
A local hauler launched in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1923 has blossomed over a century into the nation’s largest unionized LTL carrier.
Colin Campbell • Nov. 10, 2023 -
Colin Campbell/Trucking Dive
‘Win the sale’: Big Trucking’s attention turns to the 2024 election
The economy is the industry’s top concern, but politics took on a new emphasis this year at an annual trade show.
Colin Campbell • Oct. 31, 2023 -
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
California diesel prices soar as higher tax takes effect
West Coast fuel costs continue to put pressure on a rough trucking environment, particularly in the Golden State, where prices linger above $6 per gallon.
David Taube • Oct. 13, 2023 -
Retrieved from Casey's.
Why C-store chains are all-in on travel centers
Traditional players like Casey's, QuikTrip and RaceTrac are testing the truck stop market for higher margins and EV charging.
Brett Dworski • Aug. 7, 2023 -
Jacob Wallace/Trucking Dive
Waste industry braces for ‘bumps and bruises’ in EV rollout as California sets the pace
Haulers and vehicle manufacturers at WasteExpo said they expect a potential collision between regulation-fueled demand and limited supply of battery-electric trucks. Charging infrastructure is also a growing concern.
Jacob Wallace • May 12, 2023 -
Spencer Platt/Trucking Dive, data from Getty Images
Investment firms BlackRock, Vanguard shift stakes across carriers
Top financial juggernauts raised their stakes in carriers such as Knight-Swift but diverged in their investment choices elsewhere. Here's what analysts say matter for the trucking industry in the year ahead.
David Taube • April 7, 2023 -
Permission granted by Estes Express Line
Rooted in Richmond: How Virginia’s capital spawned 3 LTL giants
The often-intertwined histories of Overnite Transportation Co., Old Dominion Freight Line and Estes Express Lines offer lessons to today’s fleet executives.
Colin Campbell and Shaun Lucas • April 4, 2023 -
Colin Campbell/Trucking Dive
Why XPO and its spinoffs expect growth even as Brad Jacobs steps back
The logistics juggernaut has broken up. But incoming executives plan to continue the founder's emphasis on tech integration and creating shareholder value.
Colin Campbell • Nov. 2, 2022 -
Permission granted by Operation BBQ Relief
How the trucking industry is helping feed a million Floridians after Hurricane Ian
Operation BBQ Relief drew volunteer drivers from across the country to deliver much-needed supplies in the storm’s aftermath.
Colin Campbell • Oct. 10, 2022 -
George Frey via Getty Images
Why gas tax breaks could 'do little to nothing' to help trucking companies
Despite temporary relief in some states, truckers worry the International Fuel Tax Agreement will negate any savings.
Colin Campbell • March 28, 2022 -
1933bkk via Getty Images
'A lonely profession': How COVID-19 took a toll on drivers' mental health
Two years into a pandemic that's left many drivers isolated, industry experts urge new support systems and more open dialogue.
Katie Pyzyk • March 16, 2022 -
Courtesy of Johnsonville
High trucking rates prompt food shippers to wade into logistics
A deluge of freight pushed up prices as shortages of tractors, trailers and replacement parts have kept capacity tight.
Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 14, 2022
