Matt ColeMatt Cole is the Senior Editor for Overdrive and CCJ. Reach him at [email protected].BusinessFuel surges back above $5/gallon as rates continue post-July 4 declineDiesel's national average jumped back to $5.13/gallon, while broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system fell by nearly 5 cents per mile after falling by 14 cents the prior week.July 22, 2026LifeTony Justice leads independent artists in AI copyright fightTrucker and country music singer Justice is suing AI music generation companies for allegedly using his music to train AI and creating "AI-soundalike music" based on his songs.July 21, 2026Pride & Polish'Piggy Bank' 1998 PayStar custom dump for breast cancer awarenessVirginia-based, coal-hauling small fleet Topher Trucking's second show-quality PayStar features a pink paint scheme and plenty custom touches.July 16, 2026BusinessTrucking's 2025 operating costs hit all-time highThe American Transporation Research Institute reported overall trucking costs increased by 3.4% in 2025 over 2024. Excluding fuel, costs rose by 4.2% to $1.854 per mile. More-recent analysis by ATBS shows profitability gains, too, with rates growth in 2026.July 16, 2026BusinessDiesel prices, spot rates reverse courseVan and reefer spot rates during the most recent week gave back all of the gains from the week of July 4, while flatbed had its second-worst one-week decline ever. Diesel prices, meanwhile, shot up more than 20 cents with renewed conflict in Iran.July 14, 2026RegulationsOOIDA wary of new EPA proposal as fleet, OEM groups applaudWhat's your view of EPA's emissions moves? OOIDA raised concerns over the EPA's decision to remove extended warranty requirements while keeping NOx-reduction requirements the same. Meanwhile, the ATA and manufacturer groups themselves applauded the move.July 13, 2026RegulationsThe 19 trucking regs expected by year endIndependent contractor classification, updates to the ELD regs, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse updates and more regs updates are expected over the next few months.July 10, 2026EquipmentEPA to end DEF derates, roll back emissions warranty regInstead of the truck derating toward shutdown in steps with a DEF fault, the rule proposes that the driver or machine operator would receive an audible or visible alert. The engine would operate normally. At once, longer required manufacturer warranties of emissions equipment will be eliminated, too.July 9, 2026Small Fleet ChampClifford C. Hay Inc., up from ashes, with new hurdles after crashes: Small Fleet Champ updateAfter taking over the family biz in 1999 with one truck, Clifford Hay II built well beyond a single unit, showing plenty resiliency and commitment to customers. Hay was a 2025 Small Fleet Champ finalist, and with the 2026 July 31 entry deadline fast approaching, the owner's regrouping after another big hit.July 9, 2026Pride & Polish'Mint Condition': 2010 Pete 389 built with old-school touchCustom truck builder Beger Industries out of Manitoba, Canada, took home some extra hardware from MATS 2026 after capturing Best of Show in the Limited Mileage -- Bobtail with Miles class.July 9, 2026Page 1 of 198Next PageTop StoriesBusinessFuel surges back above $5/gallon as rates continue post-July 4 declineDiesel's national average jumped back to $5.13/gallon, while broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system fell by nearly 5 cents per mile after falling by 14 cents the prior week.Overdrive RadioHedge against bad brokers: Trucker of the Month insists on cash before unloadBusinessHighway doubles down on ELD connections for carrier ID checksSmall Fleet ChampJust one week left to compete for Small Fleet Champ: Enter herePride & Polish'Piggy Bank' 1998 PayStar custom dump for breast cancer awareness
