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The Doft blog

Stories from the road & the freight market

Trucking essentials for owner-operators and carriers, industry news that affects your rates, and the latest from Doft — with fresh stories published every week.

Dispatcher verifying a CDL license against state DMV records on a laptop at a dispatch deskTrucking Essentials

CDL School Fraud Crackdown: What It Means for Hiring and Your Fleet

DHS and FMCSA are partnering to root out fraudulent CDL training programs. Here's what owner-ops and small fleets need to know about vetting new drivers.

Jul 17, 20264 min read
Owner-operator holding a smartphone with ELD app in the cab of a semi at golden hourTrucking Essentials

ELD Revocation Wave: What the 10 Banned Devices Mean for Your Compliance

The FMCSA just revoked 10 ELD providers. Here's what you need to do in the next 60 days to stay legal and avoid costly downtime.

Jul 16, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing freight loads on a smartphone in the cab at dawn, planning route strategy.Trucking Essentials

How to Protect Your Profit When Capacity Crashes: Deadhead & Empty-Mile Strategy

When freight volumes drop and capacity floods the market, deadhead miles kill margins fast. Here's how owner-ops lock in paying loads and minimize empty returns.

Jul 15, 20263 min read
Owner-operator checking a loadboard on a smartphone in the cab at sunsetTrucking Essentials

Spot Rates at $3.83/Mile: When to Take It, When to Wait for Better

Truckload spot rates hit record highs in June. But peak pricing doesn't mean every load is worth taking. Here's how to read the market and protect your margin.

Jul 14, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing load details on phone in truck cab at sunset truck stopTrucking Essentials

Broker Fraud in a Hot Market: Red Flags Every Owner-Op Should Know

Spot rates are surging and freight is tight—exactly when scammers prey hardest. Learn the warning signs of fraudulent brokers and how to protect your load and your cash.

Jul 13, 20264 min read
Owner-operator at truck stop comparing loads on phone, dry van and intermodal chassis visibleTrucking Essentials

Intermodal vs. Truckload in a Hot Market: Which Pays Better Right Now

Spot rates are up 31%, but intermodal hasn't kept pace. We break down when to chase trucks vs. containers—and what the 2026 data actually shows.

Jul 10, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing loads on smartphone in truck cab at golden hourTrucking Essentials

FMCSA Safety Ratings Under Fire: What Brokers' Vetting Demands Mean for You

A new C.H. Robinson case is forcing brokers to demand stricter FMCSA standards—but the safety ratings themselves are under legal challenge. Here's what owner-ops need to know.

Jul 9, 20263 min read
Inspector checking driver credentials at a weigh station at dawnTrucking Essentials

Illegal Drivers at Weigh Stations: How to Stay Safe and Compliant

Federal agents are ramping up enforcement against unlicensed and unqualified drivers. Here's what owner-ops and dispatchers need to know to avoid the crosshairs.

Jul 8, 20263 min read
Owner-operator reviewing FMCSA vetting requirements at a deskTrucking Essentials

Brokers Demanding New FMCSA Standards: What Owner-Ops Need to Know

Brokers are pushing regulators for tighter carrier vetting rules. Here's what the proposed standards mean for your business and how to stay ahead.

Jul 7, 20263 min read

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