Transport Topics

• AI alerts help win over skeptical drivers, fleet execs say

  Werner executive Austin Henderson recalled a meeting in which a truck driver who once was skeptical of AI admitted that an AI-enabled distracted-driving alert saved his life.

• Trump expands tariff exemptions for Canadian goods

  The Trump administration is expanding tariff exemptions to more Canadian products, including paper, plastic, machinery and seaweed products.

• Volvo limits 2027 truck order slots in North America

  Volvo Group posted a profit of $1.06 billion in Q3, a 42% increase compared with $748.4 million in the third quarter of 2025. The company’s revenue rose 8% to $11.86 billion. 

• USDOT makes disaster repair aid available to 34 states

  USDOT made $1.6 billion in funds available to 34 states to repair roads and bridges after major storms, severe rainfall and other natural disasters.

• Mack adds 270 staff at production plant in Pennsylvania

  The production line additions are the latest example of an industrywide trend predicated on rising demand for trucks and the ongoing freight market recovery.

• Business activity expands, prices surge by most since 2022

  Supplier delivery times lengthened the most since 2022, with S&P Global citing material and labor shortages as well as overloaded suppliers and shipping delays. 

• ATA’s Colson aims to foster trust to achieve collective goals

  “If we’re not united on the issues, then we’re not going to be successful,” Colson said Oct. 20 during the closing press briefing at ATA’s MCE 2026.

• Oil prices hit levels not seen since March

  Brent crude rose 2.7% to $116.24  a barrel, and the national average for a gallon of regular gas rose 2 cents to $4.29 on Oct. 23, compared with $3.07 a year ago.

• VW awaits Ford decision on new truck platform

  CEO Oliver Blume has identified North America as one of VW’s biggest remaining growth opportunities, particularly in rugged SUVs and pickups where the group has little presence.

• Ryder to boost tractor rental fleet by 10% in Q4

  Ryder is increasing its tractor rental fleet by 10% in the fourth quarter of 2026 compared with the third quarter as a result of the freight market upturn.