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Fresh trucking news explained through rates, fuel, tolls, fines, insurance, downtime, repairs, regulations, and cash flow.

MONEY WATCH

Florida Destroyed 16,960 Pounds of Seafood After It Was Rejected Twice

Florida inspectors destroyed 16,960 pounds of seafood after a shipment was rejected for unsafe temperatures, then allegedly returned the next day frozen and presented as a different load. The case is a strong reminder for truckers about reefer temperature records, rejected-load documentation, written instructions, and the financial risk that comes with temperature-sensitive freight.

MONEY WATCH

Could a One-Truck Owner-Operator Actually Own a Driverless Truck?

Aurora plans to put more than 30,000 driverless trucks on U.S. highways by 2030, with carriers owning most of the equipment and paying for the autonomous “driver” by the mile. We run the numbers for Marcus, a one-truck owner-operator, to see when someone like him could realistically buy one, what it might cost, and whether the economics actually work.

MONEY WATCH

FleetCor to Pay $100M Over Hidden Fuel-Card Fees. Here's How to Check Yours

The FTC says Corpay, formerly FleetCor, and its CEO agreed to pay $100 million to resolve a fuel-card case involving alleged hidden fees, misleading fuel-savings claims, improper late fees, and other charges. The case is especially relevant to owner-operators and small trucking companies because recurring fuel-card fees can quietly increase operating costs.

MONEY WATCH

5 Reasons Diesel Prices Surged to a Record $5.85

Diesel prices surged to a record $5.85 a gallon as the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruptions, higher crude oil prices, renewed fighting, and tight diesel supply pushed fuel costs sharply higher. For owner-operators, the increase can add nearly 30 cents per mile in fuel expense compared with pre-war prices.

MONEY WATCH

Amazon Drones Are Coming to 500 Cities. Should Truckers Be Worried?

Amazon plans to expand Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026. The drones can carry packages weighing up to five pounds, so they are not replacing tractor-trailers. But they could reduce last-mile delivery stops, miles, and eventually some local delivery work. This breakdown explains what the expansion actually means for truck drivers.

MONEY WATCH

Progressive Says Truck, Trailer and Driver Were Not Covered After Texas Crash

Progressive is asking a federal judge to rule that it does not have to defend or pay claims tied to a 2023 Texas truck crash. The insurer says the Volvo tractor, Utility trailer, and driver involved were not listed on MMT Carriers’ policy, creating a potentially expensive coverage fight for the trucking company.

MONEY WATCH

Tyson Plant Closure Could Send Cattle Hauls 400 Miles Away

Tyson's sudden closure of its Joslin, Illinois beef plant could force some cattle producers to haul animals hundreds of miles farther while also facing bids that may be $200 to $300 lower per head. For truckers, the big question is who pays for all those extra miles.

MONEY WATCH

26 Truckers Thought Their Taxes Were Paid. Prosecutors Say the Money Never Reached the IRS

Federal prosecutors say a Georgia tax preparer serving primarily self-employed truck drivers accepted money meant for taxes but allegedly failed to send some of it to the IRS. At least 26 people were allegedly affected.

FINE WATCH

A $300 Permit Problem Just Turned Into $23,452 in Trucking Fines

A Louisiana trucking company is appealing $23,452 in overweight fines after four trucks hauling generators allegedly traveled on Bossier Parish roads without required local permits. The permits reportedly cost about $300 per truck, turning roughly $1,200 in paperwork into a potential $23,452 bill.

MONEY WATCH

California Opens Door to Self-Driving Trucks and Teamsters Say 200,000 Jobs Could Be at Risk

California is allowing companies to move toward testing and deploying heavy-duty self-driving trucks, but Teamsters California is suing the DMV, arguing the state failed to properly account for the potential economic impact on more than 200,000 truck driving jobs.

MONEY WATCH

Truck Driver Admits to $510,465 Fuel Card Scam - Without Buying the Fuel

A West Virginia truck driver admitted running more than $510,000 in fraudulent fuel-card charges through fake service stations - even though prosecutors say the fuel was never actually purchased.

REGULATION WATCH

FMCSA Just Banned 5 ELDs - And Your Replacement Could Cost $125 Per Truck

FMCSA removed five ELDs from its registered-device list, giving affected carriers until October 6, 2026, to replace them. Using a current $125 hardware price as an example, replacement costs could reach $1,250 for 10 trucks or $6,250 for 50 trucks - while ignoring the deadline could lead to citations and drivers being placed out of service.

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