These are the major headlines in trucking, as of January 8:

• DOT cut more of California's funding
• USPS is trimming its use of non-domiciled CDLs
• Autonomous trucking announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show
• Truck orders reached a three-year high

Lawsuit abuse is the second-highest concern among fleet executives in 2025, second only to the economy. When thermonuclear verdicts against carriers are stretching beyond $100 million, they may be getting out of hand.

According to new research form the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), those lawsuits against carriers are hindering the U.S. economy. If states reduced commercial auto tort costs over 10 years, it could increase annual GDP by $52.3 billion and create 5.7 million additional jobs.

John Hitch, editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, shines a light on the study with help from Nick Lucas, executive director for research and data analytics at the ILR.

Timestamps:

• 5:11 - Overview of the commercial auto tort cost study
• 7:00 - How litigation impacts everyday prices
• 18:45 - Reducing tort costs have economic benefits
• 24:00 - Third-party litigation funding and transparency
• 30:15 - The need for systemic safeguards

These are the major headlines in trucking, as of December 30:

• DOT targeting Colorado over non-domiciled CDLs
• Standard Forwarding Freight ceased operations
• Advocacy group sues California's CDL cancellation
• Spot rates up, fuel prices down

Have a happy new year!