Rear-view: Your Thursday news retrospective — 10/16/25
The Convoy saga took another dramatic turn this week with a last-minute technology acquisition by Flexport, providing a final chapter to the shocking collapse. Beyond that headline, the industry is grappling with a complex economic forecast. While top economists are predicting a slow and gradual freight recovery, a surprising surge in September trailer orders suggests fleets are already placing bets on a busier 2026.
From the latest data on owner-operator income to key legislative pushback on regulations in D.C., this week's digest covers the crucial stories shaping the road ahead. Get the full breakdown in our complete summary below.
Business and Market Analysis
Flexport to Acquire Convoy's Technology, Hire Small Team
In a dramatic turn, logistics platform Flexport has announced it will acquire the technology and intellectual property of the recently shuttered digital freight brokerage Convoy. Just days after Convoy ceased operations, the deal ensures its technology will live on, with Flexport also hiring a small portion of Convoy's former software and product teams to integrate the platform into its own services.
Read the full story at FreightWaves
ATA Economist Predicts a Slow, Gradual Freight Recovery
Speaking at the American Trucking Associations' annual conference, Chief Economist Bob Costello presented a forecast for a slow and protracted freight market recovery. He stated that while the industry is at or near the bottom of the current cycle, carriers should not expect a sharp rebound, but rather a gradual improvement that will likely extend well into 2026.
Read the full story at Transport Topics
Owner-Operator Income Dips in Third Quarter
According to the latest data from financial services firm ATBS, the average net income for owner-operators saw a slight decline in the third quarter of 2025. The dip is attributed to continued softness in spot market rates and stubbornly high operating costs, though average income levels remain above the five-year historical average for the quarter.
Read the full story on Overdrive
Government and Regulation
Lawmakers Push Back Against Side Underride Guard Mandate
A bipartisan group of 30 members of the U.S. House of Representatives has sent a formal letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, urging the Department of Transportation to reject a proposed rule that would mandate side underride guards on new trailers. The lawmakers argue the mandate would impose excessive costs on the industry for a technology with unproven safety benefits.
Read the full story at Land Line
Technology and Equipment
September Trailer Orders Surge to 10-Month High
Preliminary data shows that net trailer orders in September surged to 29,000 units, a 130% increase from the previous month and the highest level in 10 months, according to industry analyst FTR. This spike in orders is a positive economic indicator, suggesting that large fleets are beginning to open their order books for 2026, signaling renewed confidence in future freight demand.