Phuzion: Your Thursday rear-view — 9/18/25
As we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, the industry landscape continues to shift. This week's top stories focus on potential changes that could directly impact life on the road, with the FMCSA proposing new pilot programs for hours-of-service flexibility. Meanwhile, economic headwinds persist as both freight volumes and spot market rates continue their downward trend.
From regulatory updates to key market analysis, Phuzion is your semi-weekly digest of the news and insights you need to stay ahead.
Regulations and Policy
FMCSA Proposes Pilot Programs for HOS Flexibility
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced two new pilot programs to explore increased flexibility in hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. One program will test a "Split Duty Period," allowing drivers to pause their 14-hour clock for 30 minutes to three hours. The other, a "Flexible Sleeper Berth" program, will examine more options for splitting the 10-hour off-duty period, such as 6/4 and 5/5 splits. These initiatives, announced during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, aim to improve driver quality of life and safety.
DOT Cracks Down on Cargo Theft
The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking information from the public and industry stakeholders on the challenges of cargo theft and potential solutions. This initiative is a response to the growing problem of freight theft, which has a significant financial impact on the trucking industry and the economy as a whole.
Industry Trends and Market Analysis
Spot Rates Continue to Decline
Spot market rates for dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed freight all saw declines in the past week, continuing a recent downward trend. While total load activity has increased since the Labor Day holiday, the excess capacity in the market is keeping rates low.
Freight Shipments Fall Faster in August
The Cass Freight Index, a measure of North American freight volumes, showed a year-over-year decline that widened in August. This indicates a continued softening in freight demand, which is impacting both shipment volumes and expenditures.
Business and Operations
Werner Sees Market Inching Closer to Recovery
Despite the current soft freight market, executives at Werner Enterprises have expressed optimism, citing "positive momentum" in their dedicated and logistics business segments. They believe the market is slowly moving towards a recovery, although the timing remains uncertain.
Yellow Corp. Sells Baltimore Terminal
As part of its ongoing liquidation, Yellow Corp. has sold its Baltimore terminal for $4.7 million. This is one of many property sales the bankrupt LTL carrier is undertaking to pay back its creditors.
For Drivers
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Full Swing
This week, the trucking industry and the nation celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Events are being held across the country to recognize the hard work and dedication of the 3.6 million professional truck drivers who keep America's economy moving.
Sikh Truckers in the Crossfire After Deadly Florida Crash
Following a fatal crash in Florida involving a Sikh truck driver, members of the Sikh trucking community in California have reported an increase in harassment and negative attention. This incident has sparked a national conversation about driver training, licensing, and English proficiency in the trucking industry.