Trucker Today

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

🚛 Split Sleeper Berth Made Simple: 7/3 vs. 8/2 Split

Understanding the Split Sleeper Berth rule can help professional drivers maximize flexibility without violating Hours of Service regulations. According to FMCSA guidelines, drivers can split their required 10-hour break into either a 7/3 or 8/2 combination, allowing them to better manage delays, appointments, and downtime while staying compliant.

✅ 7/3 Split • 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth • 3 consecutive hours off-duty or sleeper berth

✅ 8/2 Split • 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth • 2 consecutive hours off-duty or sleeper berth

The biggest advantage? Properly paired split rest periods pause the 14-hour clock calculation, giving drivers more flexibility throughout the day. Just remember: split sleeper rules do not increase your 11-hour driving limit.

Smart trip planning and accurate ELD records can make all the difference.

💬 Do you use the 7/3 or 8/2 split more often? Tell us what works best for your route.

10/12/2026

Is trucking hiring back? The latest numbers show signs of recovery.

According to Truck Driver News, the U.S. trucking industry has added jobs for three consecutive months. But is this the start of a real recovery?

📊 Here are 4 numbers worth watching:

🔹 2,600 jobs added across truck transportation in September 2026.
🔹 2,700 jobs added in long-distance general freight trucking in August.
🔹 1,473,100 jobs in total U.S. truck transportation employment in September.
🔹 800 more jobs than a year earlier — the first year-over-year increase since April 2023.

So, is the industry finally turning a corner? The numbers are encouraging, but stronger employment doesn't automatically mean better freight rates, more miles, or higher driver pay.

💬 Drivers, what are you seeing out there? Are opportunities improving, or does the market still feel slow?

10/09/2026

📈 SPOT MARKET RATES SURGE TO A 9-WEEK HIGH!

The freight market is showing new signs of strength as spot market rates climbed across Dry Van, Re**er, and Flatbed freight last week. Total load activity increased while truck availability tightened, creating better conditions for carriers.

✅ Total Spot Rate: $3.27/mile
✅ Dry Van: $2.68/mile (+7.6¢)
✅ Re**er: $3.54/mile (+5.4¢)
✅ Flatbed: $3.35/mile (+3¢)
✅ Load Activity: +2.6% Weekly Increase
✅ Market Demand at its highest level since July

While rising diesel prices continue to pressure margins, increasing freight demand and shrinking truck availability are giving carriers more negotiating power.

Is this the beginning of a stronger Q4 freight market? 📦🚚

**er

10/06/2026

📈 SPOT MARKET SURGE: CARRIERS SEE STRONGEST MOMENTUM IN WEEKS

The freight market is showing signs of strength.

✅ Spot rates increased across Dry Van, Re**er & Flatbed
✅ Load activity climbed 2.6%
✅ Truck postings dropped 4.6%
✅ Market Demand Index reached its highest level since July
✅ Average spot rate rose to $3.27 per mile

While higher diesel prices continue to impact profitability, growing demand combined with tighter capacity is creating more favorable conditions for carriers.

🚛 If this trend continues, carriers could see stronger negotiating power heading into the coming weeks.

**er

10/05/2026

The FMCSA is bringing back **30-day HOS relief** for certain drivers helping during declared regional emergencies.

Here’s what changed:

➡️ **Before: 14 days**
➡️ **Now: 30 days**

The longer relief period can apply when drivers are providing **direct assistance** during a qualifying emergency — such as moving essential supplies, fuel, food, power or other emergency-related freight.

But there’s an important catch:

**This does NOT mean every truck driver gets 30 days of HOS relief.**

The exemption is tied to the emergency response, and the relief can end when the emergency ends — even if 30 days haven't passed.

This could matter during major hurricanes, floods, wildfires, winter storms and other emergencies where truck drivers are helping keep critical supplies moving.

**Know the rules before you roll.**

Follow Four Ways Cargo for more trucking news, driver updates and industry information.

10/02/2026

A major four-state commercial vehicle enforcement operation along the I-95 corridor led to 78 drivers and 25 trucks being placed out of service.

Inspectors conducted 552 roadside inspections, checking for: ✅ Driver credentials
✅ ELD compliance
✅ Fatigue violations
✅ Distracted driving
✅ Cargo securement
✅ English-language proficiency

The operation involved law enforcement agencies from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and federal partners working together to improve highway safety.

Whether you're behind the wheel or managing a fleet, it's a reminder that compliance matters every mile of the journey.