u/ViceroyAutoTransport

The FMCSA is placing increased attention on CDL schools and Entry Level Driver Training providers across the country. The goal isn't simply adding more regulations. It's making sure new commercial drivers receive consistent, high-quality training before entering one of the most demanding professions in transportation.

Stronger CDL Schools Create Stronger Drivers.

Schools are expected to maintain accurate training records, comply with ELDT requirements, and demonstrate they are properly preparing students for commercial driving.

For trucking companies, stronger oversight could mean better-qualified applicants entering the workforce. For students, it reinforces the importance of choosing a reputable training provider instead of simply looking for the cheapest or fastest option.

As the industry continues facing driver shortages and increasing safety expectations, quality education will likely become an even bigger priority.

🧐 Read more → FMCSA Increases Oversight on CDL Schools

Josh B reviewed Viceroy Auto Transport on Transport Reviews.

>From the very beginning, Jonathan Parker exceeded expectations. Clear, and timely communication. A Ridiculously great work ethic. Prompt/quick responses and when things got complicated with my pick up, I knew it was going to be worked out in the best possible outcome. And that's exactly what happened. We had a major delay due to an unexpected DOT raid on new rules for drivers. And Jonathan Parker worked his a** off to keep things on track. Updated me often, and gave me clear options. It was a wonderful experience.

See more:

• https://www.viceroyautotransport.com/reviews/transport-reviews-570686

A lot of people see crude oil prices dropping and assume diesel prices should immediately follow. For truckers, fleet owners, and auto transport carriers, the reality is usually much more complicated.

Falling Oil Prices = Lower Diesel Costs?

While crude oil is the largest component of diesel production costs, several other factors determine what ultimately shows up at the pump.

These include:

• Refinery capacity and operating costs
• Diesel inventory levels
• Distribution and transportation expenses
• Seasonal demand patterns
• Global diesel consumption
• Taxes and regional regulations

One of the biggest reasons diesel can remain expensive during periods of falling oil prices is supply tightness. If inventories are low or refineries are producing less diesel, prices can stay elevated even as crude oil declines.

For transportation companies, this distinction matters because fuel is often one of the largest operating expenses. A significant drop in crude oil prices may create optimism, but the actual savings for diesel users can take weeks or months to materialize.

🧐 Read more → Oil Prices vs Diesel Costs

What are you seeing in your area? Have diesel prices started coming down, or are they still holding steady despite lower oil prices?

Cargo theft remains one of the biggest threats facing trucking, logistics, and supply chain operations in 2026.

Why Food, Electronics, and Auto Parts Are Fueling a Cargo Theft Boom.

While many people think of cargo theft as a trailer disappearing from a truck stop, today's theft operations are often much more sophisticated. Organized groups are increasingly using deceptive pickups, stolen carrier identities, fake paperwork, and cyber-enabled fraud to obtain loads before anyone realizes something is wrong.

Among the most commonly targeted commodities this year are:

• Electronics
• Food and beverages
• Clothing and footwear
• Auto parts (Surprisingly, automobiles do not rank high)
• Consumer goods

References:

• https://www.munichre.com/specialty/en/insights/marine-and-cargo/cargo-theft-report-2026.html
• https://www.foodlogistics.com/safety/cargo-theft/news/22965463/cargonet-impersonationbased-theft-to-reshape-cargo-theft-landscape

These products are attractive because they can be quickly moved and resold through secondary markets. Recent reports show electronics continue to rank among the most frequently stolen categories, while auto parts theft has seen significant growth. At Viceroy, we have developed an extensive policy for vetting, verifying and clearing auto transport carriers for use of service prior to any dispatch being completed to avoid any issues.

🧐 Read more → Most Stolen Freight in 2026

What cargo categories are seeing the most theft attempts in your operation?

Derek Barrs has officially taken the top position at FMCSA, bringing decades of experience in commercial motor vehicle safety and law enforcement.

Derek Barrs is now leading the FMCSA, bringing decades of commercial vehicle enforcement and safety experience to the agency.

His career includes leadership positions focused on truck safety, roadside enforcement, and transportation oversight. Supporters believe his background gives him a strong understanding of both public safety concerns and operational realities within the trucking industry.

• https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/leadership/administrator
• https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/driving-news-trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-and-fmcsa-administrator
• https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15820771/dots-duffy-spot-rates-are-going-to-go-up-as-fmcsa-cracks-down-on-fraud

Chief Derek D Barrs - Florida Highway Patrol.

With FMCSA continuing to address issues like carrier fraud, safety compliance, driver oversight, and industry accountability, it will be interesting to see which initiatives receive the most attention over the next few years.

🧐 Read more → New Era for FMCSA under Derek Barrs

What issues would you like FMCSA to prioritize under Barrs' leadership?

With hurricane season underway, diesel markets are once again paying close attention to the Gulf Coast.

Many of the nation's refineries, fuel terminals, and energy facilities are concentrated in that region. When a major storm develops, traders and transportation companies immediately begin evaluating potential impacts.

The concern is not always direct damage. Sometimes the biggest issue is disruption to fuel production, transportation, or distribution.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 disrupted GOM production and inputs to refineries the most in terms of both volumes taken offline and in duration of impact.

EIA: https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/perspectives/2023/07-hurricanes/article.php

For trucking companies, especially small fleets and owner operators, diesel volatility can create serious challenges. Fuel expenses can rise quickly while freight rates often take longer to adjust.

That mismatch can put significant pressure on transportation businesses already dealing with tight margins.

🧐 Read more → Hurricane Season vs Diesel Fuel Prices

For those working in trucking, logistics, or auto transport, have you noticed hurricane related fuel volatility affecting operations in recent years, or are other market factors having a larger impact today?

The trucking industry already has plenty to worry about:

• Freight fraud
• Cargo theft
• Rising operating costs
• Equipment theft
• Driver shortages

Now fuel theft is becoming another growing threat.

Law Enforcement Says Pump Hacks And Skimmers Were Used to Steal Millions In Fuel.

Transport Topics: Multistate Diesel Fuel Thefts

Criminals are targeting diesel because it's valuable and easy to resell. Trucks parked overnight are obvious targets, but fleet yards and warehouses are being hit too. Some thefts are opportunistic, while others are clearly organized operations.
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/multistate-diesel-fuel-thefts

The financial damage isn't just the fuel that's gone. There are repair costs, delayed shipments, lost driver hours, and insurance headaches.

🧐 Read more → How fuel theft is exploding nationwide

I'm interested to hear from drivers, dispatchers, and fleet owners.

Is fuel theft becoming more common in your area? What preventive measures actually work, and which ones are mostly for peace of mind?

One thing that often gets lost in discussions about the Strait of Hormuz is the ripple effect.

The Strait of Hormuz - Britannica

People hear about oil shipments and assume the impact stops there. In reality, disruptions or uncertainty surrounding this key shipping route can spread through multiple industries.

Potential effects include:

• Higher oil prices
• Higher diesel prices
• Increased freight costs
• Greater supply chain uncertainty
• Rising costs for businesses and consumers

The transportation industry sits right in the middle of this chain reaction.
https://www.iea.org/about/oil-security-and-emergency-reserve/strait-of-hormuz

Carriers, logistics companies, and shippers all rely on stable fuel markets to manage costs effectively. When global energy markets become volatile, transportation companies often feel the effects quickly.
https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/special-topics/world_oil_transit_Chokepoints

Vessels anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam in Oman, May 29, 2026 [Reuters]

That is why a waterway thousands of miles away continues to attract attention from transportation professionals around the world.

🧐 Read more → How the Strait of Hormuz Affects Diesel Fuel Prices

How much influence do you think geopolitical events should have on transportation planning and fuel strategies?

The FMCSA has continued its efforts to identify and remove Electronic Logging Devices that fail to meet federal technical standards.

FMCSA Revokes Non-Compliant ELDs: What Carriers Need to Know.

While many carriers focus on Hours of Service compliance, some may not realize that an ELD can lose its approved status after installation.

When an ELD is revoked, carriers are typically required to transition to a compliant device within a specific timeframe. Failing to do so can create issues during roadside inspections and potentially result in violations.

Here are a few recent links on ELDs removed from approved list:

• https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-removes-nine-devices-list-registered-electronic-logging-devices
• https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-removes-safe-eld-ios-and-android-and-mylogs-eld-list-registered-electronic-logging
• https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-removes-12-devices-list-registered-electronic-logging-devices

For fleets, owner-operators, and transportation professionals, this serves as a reminder that compliance is an ongoing process. It's not enough to install an ELD once and forget about it. Regularly checking FMCSA updates and verifying device status can help avoid unexpected disruptions.

Has anyone had to replace a revoked ELD? What was your experience?

🧐 Read more → FMCSA Cracks Down on Non-Compliant ELDs

Cargo theft isn't always the result of dramatic highway hijackings like you see in movies. Much of it happens when trucks are parked.

Transport trucks parked at a rest stop late at night.

Truck stops naturally attract freight because thousands of drivers stop there every day for mandatory breaks, meals, and overnight parking. Criminals know this and often focus their efforts on locations where valuable cargo is concentrated.
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/transnational-organized-crime/cargo-theft

Common crimes include cargo theft, fuel theft, trailer tampering, theft of personal belongings, and organized fraud schemes. Some theft groups spend significant time studying freight patterns before selecting targets.

The challenge is that drivers need places to rest. Federal regulations require them to stop. That makes security awareness incredibly important.
https://rmstruckers.com/blog/truck-stop-safety-guide/

Whether you're a driver, carrier, broker, or shipper, understanding how these crimes occur can help reduce risk and improve overall freight security.

🧐 Read more → Truck Stop Crime After Dark

Have you ever experienced or witnessed truck stop crime firsthand?

One of the ongoing challenges in transportation is balancing accessibility to the market with accountability. The FMCSA's current focus on financial responsibility enforcement aims to address part of that challenge.

The bigger question is whether stronger enforcement will significantly reduce fraud and improve payment reliability.

By requiring brokers and freight forwarders to continuously maintain required bond or trust fund coverage, regulators hope to improve payment security and reduce risks for carriers.

Many carriers have long argued that stronger oversight is necessary to discourage irresponsible operators and protect legitimate businesses. Others are watching to see how enforcement affects market participation and competition.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/broker-and-freight-forwarder-financial-responsibility-rule-overview-and-compliance

Either way, compliance is becoming a bigger conversation across the industry.

🧐 Read more → FMCSA Financial Responsibility Enforcement

There is a common misconception that diesel prices only matter to trucking companies. In reality, diesel affects almost every consumer. The reason is simple.

Gas prices at a Sunoco station in Saco, ME on May 29, 2026

Most goods move through diesel powered transportation networks before reaching their final destination.

That includes:

• Fresh produce
• Meat and dairy products
• Packaged foods
• Household supplies
• Building materials

For trucking companies, fuel is one of the largest operating expenses. When diesel prices increase significantly, carriers, distributors, farmers, and retailers all feel the effects. Those pressures can eventually influence the prices consumers pay for everyday goods.
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/diesel-fuel/factors-affecting-diesel-prices.php

Many people watch gasoline prices because they drive passenger vehicles. But diesel is often the fuel that quietly powers the broader economy. https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/diesel-gas-prices-economy

The next time grocery prices rise, it may be worth looking at diesel prices too. The connection is often stronger than people realize.

🧐 Read more → Diesel Fuel Prices and How it affects your grocery cost

I’ve been digging into cargo theft trends and one thing stands out repeatedly: freight crime clusters around major logistics regions.

Top 7 U.S. cities for cargo theft in 2026 by WEX Inc.

https://www.wexinc.com/resources/blog/how-to-protect-your-fleet-from-cargo-theft/

Southern California remains a major concern because of ports, warehouses, and outbound freight volume. Texas freight corridors also show up often due to massive interstate movement and distribution activity.

https://www.driverfirst.com/2026/02/18/california-texas-drive-nearly-60-of-u-s-cargo-theft-in-2025/

Cargo theft today isn’t always someone cutting locks off trailers.

It increasingly involves:

• Fake carriers
• Identity theft
• Deceptive pickups
• Broker scams
• Organized networks exploiting logistics systems

Questions: Are freight companies adapting fast enough?

https://crossdockinsights.com/p/8-us-cargo-theft-hotspots

What regions have people in trucking noticed becoming higher risk?

🧐 Read more → Inside America's Cargo Theft Crisis

The FMCSA’s latest focus on English Language Proficiency enforcement is creating major discussion among carriers, drivers, brokers, and dispatchers.

English Proficiency being enforced by DOT at weigh stations and check points.

During roadside inspections, drivers may now face increased scrutiny regarding communication ability, understanding roadway signage, and responding to officers in English.

49 CFR §391.11(b)(2):
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391/subpart-B/section-391.11

CDL Driver overview:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers

The regulation has technically existed for decades, but many in the industry believe enforcement activity is now increasing substantially.

For carriers, this means another area where compliance preparation matters. Between fraud crackdowns, safety audits, broker oversight, and roadside inspections, the industry is clearly seeing tighter federal enforcement overall.

🧐 Read more → English Proficiency Enforcement

The freight market has already spent years dealing with soft rates, lower freight volumes, and too much capacity. Now rising diesel prices are creating another major problem for small auto transport carriers and independent owner operators.

WLNS News: Diesel Fuel at $5.98 per gallon in East Lansing, MI on May 20, 2026.

https://www.wlns.com/top-stories/rising-gas-prices-put-strain-on-memorial-day-travel-budgets/

A lot of people outside the industry do not realize how thin margins already are for many small trucking companies.

Big fleets usually have:

• Fuel discount programs
• Dedicated contracts
• Better financial cushions

Smaller operators often pay full market price for fuel while trying to compete in the same freight environment.

Fuel Surcharge Rates:
https://otrucking.com/resources/guides/fuel-surcharge-rates-2026/

That becomes dangerous when:

1. Diesel rises quickly
2. Freight rates stay soft
3. Maintenance costs continue climbing
4. Insurance premiums increase

One bad week at the pump can wipe out profits entirely.

Transportation tends to reflect economic pressure early because nearly every product moves through freight at some point. If diesel keeps climbing while freight remains unstable, the pressure spreads through supply chains fast.

🧐 Read more → Freight Recession Meets Fuel Crisis

Curious what others in trucking and auto transport are seeing lately with rates and dispatch activity.

One of the biggest issues currently impacting trucking and auto transport is illegal double brokering. Most customers have never heard of it until something goes wrong with their shipment.

Double Brokering is a Fraudulent Crime.

In simple terms, double brokering happens when a load is accepted by one broker or carrier and then secretly reposted or reassigned to another company without authorization from the customer or original broker.

The risks are serious:

• Freight or vehicle theft
• Unvetted carriers handling shipments
• Insurance disputes
• Delayed deliveries
• Drivers not getting paid
• Fake MC numbers and stolen identities

A lot of these scams involve newly created brokerage accounts, hacked carrier profiles, or fraudulent dispatch operations using stolen credentials. In some cases, customers never even realize the carrier who delivered their vehicle was not the originally assigned company.

Information from the FMCSA:

FMCSA issues final guidance:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-issues-final-guidance-clarifying-broker-and-bona-fide-agents-definitions

FMCSA federal regulations:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2023-13080

Movers vs Brokers
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/movers-vs-brokers

This is one reason many legitimate brokers and carriers are increasing verification procedures and conducting stricter FMCSA and insurance checks before dispatching shipments.

Some major red flags:

• Rates that seem unrealistically low
• Last minute carrier swaps
• Mismatched MC and company names
• Poor communication
• Pressure to move quickly without proper paperwork

The industry has become much more aggressive about vetting because these scams are affecting everyone from owner operators to customers shipping personal vehicles.

🧐 Read more → Explaining the High Risk of Double Brokering

A lot of people outside the trucking industry assume fuel surcharges fully protect carriers whenever diesel prices spike. But many truckers will tell you that is not reality.

Diesel fuel prices over $8 a gallon are displayed at a Mobil station on May 4 in Los Angeles, California.

The biggest issue is timing.

Fuel prices at the pump can jump immediately, but surcharge calculations often lag behind by days or weeks. During that gap, carriers absorb the extra fuel costs themselves.

There are also other problems:

• Deadhead miles usually are not covered
• Small fleets pay retail diesel prices
• Maintenance costs rise alongside fuel inflation
• Freight rates do not always adjust upward

Check out these reference links:

U.S. Energy Information Administration Diesel Fuel Surcharges
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/diesel-fuel/diesel-fuel-surcharges.php

EIA FAQ on Diesel Fuel Surcharge Calculations
https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=2&t=73

For owner operators and small carriers running tight margins, even a short diesel spike can become a serious financial hit. Fuel surcharges may help somewhat, but they are far from a perfect shield against rising operating costs.

🧐 Read more → Why Truckers Lose Money When Diesel Spikes

The auto transport industry is starting to feel the full weight of rising diesel prices, especially among small car hauling companies and independent owner operators.

Small Car Haulers Are Getting Squeezed Hard by Rising Diesel Prices.

Large carriers usually have fuel contracts, surcharge systems, or enough financial cushion to survive temporary spikes. Smaller operators often do not. They are paying full market price while trying to compete on rates against companies with far more leverage.

A lot of people outside the industry do not realize how quickly fuel costs can destroy margins in vehicle transport. One expensive week at the pump combined with soft load pricing can wipe out profits entirely.

Now drivers are making difficult decisions about routes, maintenance, and whether certain loads are even worth taking. Some are driving farther for smaller payouts just to keep cash flow moving.

Fuel prices are no longer just another operating expense. They are becoming one of the biggest factors deciding who survives in auto transport and who disappears.

Read more: https://www.viceroyautotransport.com/fuel-updates/how-long-can-small-car-haulers-survive

The FMCSA is ramping up enforcement efforts against “chameleon carriers,” which are trucking companies that shut down after safety violations or enforcement actions and then reopen under new names, DOT numbers, or ownership structures.

DOT Agents inspecting transport trucks at checkpoints.

According to recent industry discussions and federal updates, regulators are focusing heavily on fraud prevention, registration modernization, and carrier verification. Officials say these companies often continue operating with the same equipment, personnel, and business practices while attempting to appear as entirely new carriers.

This matters because it impacts brokers, shippers, insurance providers, drivers, and consumers alike. Unsafe carriers can create major liability and safety risks while undercutting legitimate transportation businesses that follow compliance standards.

The FMCSA has also announced new registration modernization initiatives and anti-fraud systems aimed at identifying suspicious activity more quickly. Many in the industry believe enforcement efforts will continue increasing throughout 2026.

For brokers and customers, carrier vetting is becoming more important than ever. Checking FMCSA authority, insurance status, safety history, and operational records before booking shipments can help reduce exposure to fraud and unsafe operators.

Article here:
https://www.viceroyautotransport.com/fmcsa-updates/fmcsas-crackdown-on-chameleon-carriers

Every year, truck drivers across North America brace for one of the industry’s most intense enforcement events: DOT Blitz Week.

Possible Delays due to DOT Blitz Week by CVSA International Road check.

Officially known as the CVSA International Roadcheck, the 72-hour inspection campaign places thousands of commercial vehicles and drivers under heavy scrutiny. With inspectors focusing on everything from brake systems to logbooks and cargo securement, even minor violations can sideline trucks and disrupt freight operations across the country. This will take place May 12-14, 2026.

Here are a few links that can better explain the event:

• https://cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/
• https://cvsa.org/news/2026-roadcheck/
• https://otrsolutions.com/blog/dot-blitz-week
• https://www.transporterdigest.com/news/what-is-dot-blitz-week
• https://cdllife.com/2025/cvsa-releases-dates-for-2026-commercial-vehicle-inspection-campaigns-including-roadcheck/
• https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/truck-driving-jobs-news/ready-or-not-cvsas-2026-international-roadcheck-inspection-blitz-is-next-week