The Supreme Court just heard arguments in the broker liability case we’ve been tracking. Plus: oil shipping costs explode, trucking insurance is stuck in 1980, regulators brace for a carrier crackdown, and more.
Optimize freight broker operations by fixing payment workflows in Q1. Streamline carrier pay before capacity shifts compress your margins.
Tucker Carlson’s nicotine brand loses 378,000 tins in a cargo theft. Plus: produce rates reset, diesel climbs, and a bill that could pull hundreds of thousands of drivers off the road.
Plus, American Backhaulers reunion, Amazon fraud indictment, B-1 visa driver backlash, and more in today’s top freight headlines.
Happy Monday. The U.S. and China just hit pause on their tariff war. Today’s feature breaks down what the 90-day rollback means for freight before the clock runs out.
Plus:
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🐔 WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN FREIGHT
🥳 25 Years Later, American Backhaulers Reunite! Two and a half decades after its landmark sale to C.H. Robinson, founder Paul Loeb recently celebrated with former colleagues the legacy they built. “American Backhaulers is still talked about and considered the gold standard,” Loeb wrote in a message shared in connection with the reunion. Known for its bold culture and flat hierarchy, ABH transformed brokerage operations and catalyzed C.H. Robinson’s rise. FreightCaviar’s own Krystian Gebis was also in attendance for the event! ABH’s influence continues to echo throughout an industry that now includes 27,000 brokers and generates $135 billion. Loeb’s parting words still resonate as many continue ABH’s legacy: “Treat every load like it’s your first.”
🚨 Connecticut Trucking Company Owner Indicted for $3 Million Amazon Fraud Scheme. Ameer Nasir, 24, has been indicted on 13 counts of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding Amazon Logistics of over $3 million through a complex scheme involving fake trucking accounts. Federal prosecutors allege Nasir used his company, Pak Express Transport, along with 22 fraudulently registered businesses, to falsely claim over 1,000 completed Amazon freight moves between 2019 and 2021. Authorities say he manipulated Amazon’s transportation system and submitted bogus invoices. Nasir was arrested May 8 and released on a $300,000 bond. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The FBI and Amazon are jointly investigating the case.
📃 Illegal Use of B-1 Visa Drivers Undercutting U.S. Trucking. A report from FreightWaves highlights concerns over B-1 visa misuse, with foreign drivers—mainly from Mexico and Canada—allegedly hauling U.S. domestic freight illegally. One anonymous South Texas carrier told FreightWaves, “There was no reason to try and keep up with the B-1 drivers’ nonsense” after closing his business. The ATA warns that this practice violates cabotage laws and depresses rates. Chief Economist Bob Costello called it “another reason why the market has been bad,” while ATA President Chris Spear has urged DOT and ICE to take enforcement action.
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After months of trade chaos, the U.S. and China have struck a deal—at least, a temporary one.
From Geneva, Switzerland, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced a 90-day tariff rollback. As of May 14:
“We’re confident the deal we struck will help work toward resolving the national emergency.”
— Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative
Markets rallied on the news:
Analysts warn freight recovery trails ocean bookings by 4–6 weeks, so June-July will be key for truckload rebound timing.
“This pause cold also inspire a surge in ordering activity… a rebound that may cause a disruptive demand shock.”
— Axios
According to the joint statement:
“We had very robust discussions. Both sides showed great respect to what was a very positive process.”
— Scott Bessent
China emphasized its long-term priorities.
“Any possible deal reached will definitely be in China’s interest, specifically China’s development interest.”
— Li Chenggang, Vice Minister of Commerce
While details remain thin, some speculate that Beijing is aiming to restore access to U.S. markets without giving up economic leverage.
Takeaway?
This doesn't appear to be a reset, but perhaps a temporary ceasefire while the U.S. and China establish open dialogue for the road forward.
Now, with the clock ticking on a 90-day window, shippers are likely to restock, but not everyone is rushing in.
“There will be a complete briefing tomorrow [Monday] morning.”
— Scott Bessent
More information to be announced today.
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🌎 AROUND THE FREIGHT WEB
🛑 Texas CDL Fraud & Reform. Texas has become a central player in addressing widespread fraudulent CDL schemes originating from Mexico and Canada. Maj. Omar Villarreal of the Texas Highway Patrol Division is working with state legislators to craft a bill targeting fake Mexican CDLs.
⚖️ Alabama Crash Lawsuit. Following a fatal crash in Alabama, Andrii Dmyterko’s work visa has been revoked. The first lawsuit, filed by Nancy Calvert, describes her being left “hanging upside down” in the wreckage.
🐣 Chicks Left in Trailer. Approximately 10,000 baby chicks were discovered abandoned in a tractor-trailer left parked at a distribution center for three days without food or water. Roughly 3,000 chicks died due to the shipping error. The Delaware Department of Agriculture says the surviving chicks will be put up for adoption.
📢 Triumph x Greenscreens. Triumph has officially closed its acquisition of Greenscreens.ai, signaling full integration of their pricing tech into Triumph’s freight network. “A new standard is coming,” said CEO Aaron Graft.
🚑 Driver Rescued from Fire. A truck driver was rescued after striking a power line, suffering cardiac arrest from electrocution, and becoming trapped in a burning semi. Emergency crews responded quickly and were able to save his life. He is currently in stable condition.
👚 TJ Maxx Boom. Craig Fuller posted on X that TJ Maxx has one of the “best-managed” logistics systems in retail. With a market cap of $143 billion and steadily growing shares over the past five years, the company appears to be thriving despite a turbulent market.
🎣 THE FREIGHT CAVIAR CORNER
FREIGHT HUMOR
The Supreme Court just heard arguments in the broker liability case we’ve been tracking. Plus: oil shipping costs explode, trucking insurance is stuck in 1980, regulators brace for a carrier crackdown, and more.
Tucker Carlson’s nicotine brand loses 378,000 tins in a cargo theft. Plus: produce rates reset, diesel climbs, and a bill that could pull hundreds of thousands of drivers off the road.
The Middle East crisis is already hitting carriers. Plus: Florida lost $3B in crops, flatbed rates posted a fifth straight weekly increase, a $5B brokerage was just acquired, and more.
Plus: autonomous trucking just raised $113M, California is fighting to keep 20,000 drivers, Arrive's 2026 truckload freight forecast, and more.
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