Phuzion: Your Monday rear-view — 9/22/25
Last week brought a welcome sign of relief for carriers as diesel prices saw their first significant drop in over two months. While fuel costs dip, the conversation around industry regulation continues, with the FMCSA extending the comment period on its highly debated broker transparency rule.
From big fleets making moves on electric trucks to critical new warnings on cybersecurity, the industry isn't slowing down. Here is your Monday digest of the essential news shaping the road ahead.
Regulations and Safety
FMCSA Extends Comment Period on Broker Transparency Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed rule on broker transparency. The proposal, which would require brokers to provide carriers with an electronic copy of transaction records within 48 hours, has generated significant industry debate. Stakeholders now have until October 21 to submit their feedback on the potential impacts of this rule.
Truck Safety Advocates Push for Mandatory AEB in Wake of New NTSB Report
Following a new report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) analyzing rear-end crashes, safety advocacy groups are renewing their call for mandatory automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on all new heavy-duty trucks. The report highlighted the effectiveness of collision avoidance systems, putting further pressure on regulators to accelerate the adoption of this technology.
Business and Market Analysis
Diesel Prices See First Major Drop in 10 Weeks
After a prolonged period of increases, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel fell by 4.2 cents last week to $4.598, according to the Energy Information Administration. This is the first significant price drop in over two months, offering a slight reprieve for carriers and owner-operators who have been battling rising fuel costs.
XPO Finalizes Sale of European Business
LTL carrier XPO has officially completed the sale of its European transportation business to its French subsidiary, GXO Logistics. This move finalizes XPO's strategy to divest its European operations and focus entirely on its North American less-than-truckload network, a significant restructuring for one of the industry's largest players.
Technology and Equipment
Major Fleets Begin Placing Orders for 2026 Electric Trucks
Despite being over a year away, major carriers like Schneider and Knight-Swift are already placing significant pre-orders for 2026 model-year electric trucks from manufacturers such as Daimler Truck and Volvo. This signals a strategic commitment by large fleets to begin the transition to zero-emission vehicles and secure production slots amid anticipated high demand.
Cybersecurity in Trucking: The Growing Threat of 'Smishing'
A new cybersecurity threat known as "smishing" (SMS phishing) is increasingly targeting trucking companies. Attackers send deceptive text messages to drivers and administrative staff to steal credentials and gain access to sensitive company data, including load information and financial systems. This editorial serves as a critical warning for fleets to bolster their security protocols and employee training.