Rear-view: Your Monday news retrospective — 10/6/25
A landmark regulatory decision took center stage this week as the Department of Labor finalized its new rule on independent contractor status, a move that will have profound implications for the entire industry. This major policy shift arrives as carriers continue to navigate a complex market, with the latest jobs report showing further declines in trucking employment.
However, there was welcome news at the pump, as diesel prices continued their downward slide, offering some relief on the cost front. From major federal rules to timely advice on winter preparations, get the full breakdown in our complete digest below.
Government and Regulatory
Department of Labor Finalizes Independent Contractor Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued its final rule redefining how workers are classified as either employees or independent contractors. The new rule replaces a 2021 standard with a more complex "economic reality" test, which considers multiple factors with no single one being decisive. This change is expected to make it more challenging for motor carriers to classify their drivers as independent contractors, with significant implications for the owner-operator business model.
Read more at Heavy Duty Trucking
Market and Economic Trends
For-Hire Trucking Shed Another 3,000 Jobs in September
According to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the for-hire trucking sector continued to shrink, losing an estimated 3,000 payroll jobs in September. This marks another month of employment decline, reflecting the ongoing freight recession and efforts by carriers to right-size their operations in response to lower demand.
Diesel Prices Continue to Fall, Dropping 6 Cents
The national average price for a gallon of on-highway diesel has fallen for the third consecutive week, dropping 6.1 cents to $4.537, according to the Energy Information Administration. This continued downward trend offers carriers and owner-operators further relief from one of their largest variable operating costs.
FMCSA Data Shows Uptick in New Carrier Registrations
Despite the soft freight market and declining industry employment, recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates a slight increase in the number of new trucking authorities being granted. This trend suggests that even in a downturn, some company drivers and owner-operators are choosing to take the entrepreneurial step of starting their own small carrier businesses.
Fleet Operations and Driver News
As Temperatures Drop, Fleets Begin Winter Weather Preparations
With the arrival of October, fleet maintenance managers are shifting their focus to preparing equipment for harsh winter conditions. This operational guide outlines the essential steps for winterization, including inspecting engine block heaters, checking tire quality, stocking trucks with emergency supplies and chains, and ensuring cooling systems have the proper antifreeze levels.
TCA Names Driver a 'Highway Angel' for Heroic Roadside Rescue
The Truckload Carriers Association has recognized a professional truck driver as a "Highway Angel" for his bravery in rescuing a family from a burning vehicle. The driver is credited with pulling two adults and their two young children from their car after it was involved in a major accident, getting them to safety just before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.