Rear-view: Your Monday news retrospective — 10/20/25
A final verdict in a long-running corporate saga brought a significant chapter to a close this week, as Nikola founder Trevor Milton received his prison sentence for fraud. While that story ends, new data suggests the industry may be at a turning point, with the latest Cass Freight Index showing signs of a potential market bottom.
This cautious optimism is bolstered by a fifth straight week of falling diesel prices. From drivers making their voices heard in Washington D.C. to fleets adopting new maintenance strategies, this week's digest covers the crucial stories defining the industry today. Get the full breakdown in our complete summary below.
Business and Market Analysis
Cass Freight Index Declines in September, but Data May Signal a Market Bottom
The Cass Freight Index for September showed continued year-over-year declines in both shipment volumes and expenditures. However, the report's author noted that the rate of decline has slowed significantly, suggesting the prolonged freight market downturn may have finally reached a bottom, though a strong recovery is not yet imminent.
Read the full story at Transport Topics
Diesel Prices Fall for Fifth Consecutive Week
The national average price for a gallon of on-highway diesel has decreased for the fifth straight week, falling 3.2 cents to $4.447, according to the Energy Information Administration. The continued decline is providing significant and welcome cost relief for carriers as fuel prices trend down from their late-summer peak.
Read the full story at Transport Topics
Legal and Regulatory
Nikola Founder Trevor Milton Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Fraud
Trevor Milton, the founder and former executive chairman of Nikola Corp., was sentenced to four years in federal prison. The sentence comes after he was convicted by a jury last year on multiple counts of fraud for deceiving investors about the electric truck maker's technology and business prospects, bringing a close to a high-profile saga in the EV sector.
Read the full story at Heavy Duty Trucking
Government and Regulation
Truckers Protest Speed Limiter Mandate in Washington D.C.
Hundreds of professional truck drivers participated in a rally and slow roll protest in Washington, D.C., late last week to demonstrate their opposition to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's proposed speed limiter mandate. Organizers aimed to raise awareness among lawmakers and the public about what they see as the negative safety and operational impacts of the potential rule.
Read the full story at Land Line
Safety and Operations
Fleets Shift to Predictive Maintenance to Maximize Uptime
In an effort to control costs and keep trucks on the road, many fleets are shifting away from traditional preventative maintenance schedules in favor of a more dynamic, predictive model. Using advanced telematics and AI-powered analytics, maintenance managers can now monitor component health in real-time and address potential failures before they lead to costly, unscheduled downtime.