News

Explore October 2026 trucking trends, freight rates, diesel costs, and compliance priorities, with practical steps to prepare your fleet for Q4.

As we enter the second half of September, recent announcements from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) put driver qualifications, trucking fraud, and vehicle safety firmly in focus. Newly released inspection results also show how missing or incorrect hazard markings can stop a load.

The trucking industry enters the second half of 2026 facing two pressures at once: inconsistent freight demand and increasingly visible compliance enforcement.

Learn how to display state-issued boat registration numbers correctly, understand the difference between registration and Coast Guard documentation, and complete a practical pre-launch safety check.

Learn which drones must be registered with the FAA, where the registration number must appear and how Remote ID affects recreational and Part 107 pilots.

Applying for a USDOT number changed in 2026. Learn how to use FMCSA’s new Motus registration system, what information to prepare, which common mistakes to avoid and what to do after receiving your number.

FMCSA’s replacement deadline for 12 revoked electronic logging devices has expired. As of July 20, 2026, drivers using these ELDs may be cited for having no record of duty status and placed out of service. Here are the affected devices, California enforcement considerations and the compliance checks carriers should complete before dispatch.

What happens during a Level I DOT inspection? This 2026 guide walks commercial drivers through the complete 37-step CVSA inspection, including driver credentials, hours of service, brakes, tires, cargo securement and vehicle markings. Learn what inspectors check and how to keep your truck inspection-ready.

Not sure if your business needs a USDOT number? Learn who must register, when pickup trucks qualify, FMCSA requirements, intrastate rules, and how to display your DOT number correctly.