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July 15, 2026 / By / Transport • Trucking /

By Mark Fiorini, President of Westgate Global Logistics

Those of us who have spent years in freight understand that change is the industry’s only constant. Advances in technology have increased visibility and efficiency, yet evolving regulations, court decisions, and security threats continue to reshape the operating environment. The good news is that transportation professionals need not be passive observers. By engaging with industry associations, monitoring policy developments, and collaborating with peers, we can help shape the future of logistics.

 

Advocacy Matters

Active advocacy remains essential. Organizations such as the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) provide a unified voice for third-party logistics providers and brokers, promoting ethical business practices and representing the industry before lawmakers and regulators. Their efforts are particularly important today as cargo theft reaches record levels. Several bipartisan bills moving through Congress would establish a national cargo-theft task force, strengthen reporting requirements, and encourage greater coordination among federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies. Additional proposals would facilitate data sharing between industry and law enforcement and provide resources to disrupt organized theft rings that increasingly target high-value and easily resold goods. These measures reflect growing recognition that cargo crime threatens supply-chain resilience and imposes significant costs on shippers, carriers, and consumers alike.

Each year, TIA members gather in Washington, D.C., at the Annual 3PL Policy Forum, where we meet with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss ongoing issues and concerns while offering constructive alternatives and practical solutions. The 2026 3PL Policy Forum is scheduled for September 14–16, and I strongly encourage every TIA member to take part in the effort.

 

Stay Informed on Legal and Regulatory Developments

We are very disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision in Montgomery v. Caribe. For decades, federal law and legal precedent have placed responsibility for establishing and enforcing motor carrier safety standards with the federal government. In contrast, carriers—not brokers—have been responsible for complying with those standards.

Although brokers remain committed to safety and work with federally licensed motor carriers in good standing, this decision places an unreasonable burden on brokers by expecting them to independently assess carrier safety despite lacking direct access to drivers, maintenance records, and other operational data. We are working with our members to evaluate the decision’s impact and identify appropriate next steps.

At the same time, brokers will continue to vigorously defend against negligent selection claims, as plaintiffs must still prove both causation and that a broker failed to meet the applicable standard of care. Continued dialogue with policymakers in Congress will also be critical to ensuring a regulatory framework that promotes both safety and clarity for the transportation industry.

 

The Value of Networking

Equally valuable is the power of professional relationships. Conferences, traffic clubs, and supply-chain organizations foster the exchange of ideas and best practices that no company can develop in isolation. Collaboration strengthens our ability to address shared challenges, from cargo security to workforce development, and ensures that the industry speaks with a stronger, more effective voice.

 

Looking Ahead

Freight transportation has always adapted to change, and the years ahead will be no different. By advocating, staying informed, and working together, logistics professionals can help ensure that the industry remains safe, efficient, and innovative while playing an active role in shaping the policies that govern it.

 

Join us in September to make your voice heard!

2026 TIA Policy Forum information: https://www.tianet.org/TIAnetOrg/Meetings/3-Policy-Forum.aspx

May 28, 2026 / By / Logistic • Transport /

Federal regulators are moving forward with a broad modernization effort aimed at improving trucking oversight, reducing fraud, and tightening enforcement against unsafe carriers. A newly announced $217 million initiative will fund major upgrades to registration systems, identity verification tools, and enforcement infrastructure across the trucking industry. Officials say the effort is intended to prevent “bad actors” from exploiting outdated systems that have allowed some companies to evade penalties, conceal safety histories, or continue operating under new identities after enforcement actions.

 

The modernization push comes as regulators work to strengthen oversight while also streamlining how carriers interact with federal agencies. Transportation officials believe current systems are fragmented and outdated, making it difficult to track carrier histories and detect fraudulent activity efficiently. The investment will support new technology and expanded coordination between agencies in an effort to improve data-sharing capabilities and identify unsafe operators more quickly.

 

FMCSA’s New Platform Motus

At the center of the transition is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new registration platform, known as Motus. The system is designed to replace older registration infrastructure with a centralized platform that allows carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to manage registration and compliance activities through a single interface. Carriers are now being encouraged to claim their profiles within the system and verify that their FMCSA Portal accounts are connected to the correct Login.gov credentials before the broader rollout continues.

 

Regulators say the new platform will improve security and reduce opportunities for fraud by strengthening identity verification procedures and simplifying account management. Authorized company officials will initially control access to carrier profiles, making accurate account information especially important during the transition process. FMCSA has warned that outdated or inactive portal accounts could create complications for carriers attempting to access the new system.

 

The broader overhaul reflects growing concern within the trucking industry over fraudulent operators and regulatory loopholes that place legitimate carriers at a disadvantage. Industry stakeholders have increasingly called for stronger enforcement measures and more modern systems capable of identifying repeat offenders and suspicious registration activity. Federal officials view the combined technology upgrades and registration reforms as a long-term investment in both highway safety and regulatory efficiency.

 

While some features of the new registration platform may be phased in gradually, the modernization effort represents one of the most significant changes to federal trucking oversight in years. Carriers throughout the industry are expected to spend much of 2026 adapting to the updated systems, procedures, and compliance requirements as regulators continue implementing the overhaul.

 

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April 28, 2026 / By / Logistic • Tracking • Transport /

By Mark Fiorini, President of Westgate Global Logistics

Since the one constant in life is change, it is important to stay informed on the many fluctuations and challenges that happen in the transportation industry. Without new information, ideas, and solutions, you can get left behind as our industry evolves. One way we stay plugged in to the freight industry trends is by attending the TIA’s Capital Ideas conference. Logistics experts from across North America gather for three days of learning, connecting, and seeing what’s new in the world of freight. Here are some of the highlights from the conference.

Liability and Fraud Issues

Many of the speakers spoke about how liability and fraud issues will impact our future. There is a case in the Supreme court right now which will impact our industry. The case will decide whether State negligent laws are preempted by Federal laws. Depending on the decision, risk could go up and insurance costs could rise. It is important to be prepared for either outcome.

Fraud is something that we have been discussing for years. The TIA continues to provide education and resources to help fight against bad actors and to protect honest brokers. The TIA has backed legislative efforts aimed at enhancing the FMCSA’s authority to assess penalties and crack down on fraud. A speaker from the FMCSA attended the conference and said, “we are ramping up enforcement and some of those fronts aren’t areas FMCSA has been focused on in the past.” He pointed out that while cargo theft is a criminal issue, the FMCSA can work to modernize the registration system and they are working on better technology and processes.

Celebrating the Good

One of the most meaningful parts of the conference is the honor of presenting the TIA’s Heritage Award in honor of my dad, Westgate founder, Tom Fiorini. This year the award went to Rob Robinson, who is the founder of J.H. Rose Logistics. Rob has set an example for many of us and gave generously over his career by serving on a wide variety of associations and boards to help build up our industry. Honesty and integrity are core values that Rob exemplifies, and he is so deserving of this award which recognizes him for his impact on his employees, customers, and colleagues.

Shaping Our Industry

Being actively involved in the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has been a vital way to advocate for my business and our industry. TIA sets the ethical standards for the 3PL industry, represents our interests before government bodies, and advocates for regulations that promote fair competition, safety, and efficiency in the transportation sector.  It is an honor to serve on the board as the TIA develops policy initiatives and strategies for important issues we all face. I look forward to our next gathering.

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January 16, 2026 / By / Logistic • Transport /

As we move deeper into 2026, the economic landscape for the logistics industry is being shaped by both familiar pressures and longer-term structural shifts. While uncertainty remains around trade policy, inflation, and freight demand, the overall outlook points to a period that rewards adaptability, disciplined planning, and a clear focus on the future.

 

Tariff Impacts

One of the most significant forces affecting logistics in 2026 continues to be tariffs. Ongoing changes in U.S. trade policy have altered global shipping patterns and introduced volatility into import and export volumes. Many businesses are still adjusting after earlier tariff-driven inventory surges, while others remain cautious about long-term commitments until there is greater policy clarity. This environment has encouraged companies to rethink sourcing strategies, diversify suppliers, and build more flexible supply chains that can better withstand sudden policy shifts.

 

Cost Concerns

At the same time, cost pressures remain a central concern. Transportation producer price index (PPI) numbers have been trending higher, driven by labor costs, fuel expenses, insurance, and equipment prices. Even in periods of softer freight demand, these elevated costs compress margins for carriers and put pressure on shippers and logistics providers to manage pricing carefully. While inflation has moderated from prior peaks, transportation costs have not fully normalized, making efficiency and cost control critical priorities in 2026.

 

Cautious Optimism

Despite these headwinds, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Infrastructure investments made over the past several years are beginning to deliver tangible benefits. Improvements to ports, highways, rail networks, and intermodal facilities are helping reduce bottlenecks and improve transit reliability. Over time, these upgrades should support smoother freight flows and create opportunities for more efficient routing and capacity utilization.

 

Regulatory Shifts

Another key theme shaping the outlook is a push toward deregulation in certain areas of transportation and business operations. Efforts to streamline regulatory requirements could reduce compliance burdens and improve operational flexibility for logistics companies. However, regulatory shifts are rarely uniform. Some changes may lower costs, while others—particularly those tied to labor availability or safety standards—could tighten capacity or raise operational challenges. Companies that stay informed and proactive will be better positioned to adapt as the regulatory environment evolves.

 

Landscape Shifts

Looking ahead, broader supply chain strategies are also changing. Nearshoring and regionalization continue to gain traction as companies seek to reduce risk and improve resilience. This trend may lead to shorter, more regional freight lanes and increased demand for domestic transportation and warehousing services. For logistics providers, this shift creates opportunities to support customers with flexible, end-to-end solutions tailored to evolving networks.

 

Dedication to Vigilance

Amid all these changes, one priority remains constant: protecting the integrity of the supply chain. Freight fraud continues to be a serious threat to shippers, carriers, and brokers alike. As economic pressures fluctuate, bad actors often become more active, making vigilance essential. We remain dedicated to continuing the fight against freight fraud through strong vetting practices, secure processes, technology investments, and close collaboration with trusted partners across the industry.

 

Ultimately, the economic outlook for 2026 is neither purely pessimistic nor overly optimistic. It is defined by transition. Companies that focus on long-term strategy rather than short-term noise, invest in efficiency and relationships, and remain committed to transparency and security will be best positioned to succeed. While challenges will persist, the logistics industry has repeatedly shown its ability to adapt—and 2026 will be another opportunity to do just that.

December 22, 2025 / By / Logistic • Transport /

In a major enforcement action aimed at improving safety and compliance in the trucking industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced that it has removed nearly 3,000 commercial driver’s license (CDL) training providers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) for failing to meet basic standards. Another 4,500 providers received warning notices for potential noncompliance, marking one of the most significant regulatory purges in recent years.

The FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry is the federal database of organizations authorized to provide entry-level driver training—a crucial first step toward earning a CDL. In its review of the roughly 16,000 registered training programs nationwide, the DOT found widespread issues such as:

  • Falsified or manipulated training data
  • Failure to meet required curriculum standards or instructor qualifications
  • Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
  • Refusal to provide records during federal audits

 

Training providers that fail to rectify these shortcomings have now been scrubbed from the registry, meaning their graduates can no longer use their certificates to take state CDL tests. Those on notice have 30 days to demonstrate compliance or risk removal.

This enforcement push comes from a broader effort to strengthen driver quality and road safety by eliminating “CDL mills” These programs rush students through training without ensuring they are competent behind the wheel. While the immediate effect may mean fewer training slots and some short-term capacity challenges, the long-term goal is to protect public safety and elevate industry standards.

 

Freight Fraud: The Industry’s Persistent and Growing Threat

 

While the crackdown on substandard training providers addresses one issue, freight fraud remains the logistics industry’s most critical ongoing challenge. Unlike training compliance issues, which are largely administrative, freight fraud is actively harming companies’ bottom lines and reputations.

Freight fraud occurs when bad actors impersonate legitimate carriers, brokers, or 3PLs to steal freight, divert payments, or otherwise disrupt supply chains. Reports of fraudulent schemes—particularly unlawful brokerage and identity spoofing—have surged, with hundreds of millions of dollars lost each year.

In unlawful brokerage scams, fraudsters operate as if they are a legitimate broker or carrier, taking control of a load and either never paying the carrier or stealing the freight outright. Identity spoofing adds a layer of complexity, where criminal actors pose as trusted logistics partners by mimicking their names, MC numbers, or contact information. This kind of fraud not only leads to financial losses, but also damages trust, disrupts operations, and creates cascading inefficiencies throughout the supply chain.

 

Westgate and TIA: Advocating for Change

 

As these threats grow, industry collaboration has become essential. Westgate Global Logistics has taken a proactive role against freight fraud by partnering with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) to bring these issues directly to policymakers.

At the 2025 TIA Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., Westgate’s leadership joined other 3PL members to meet with lawmakers and advocate on several fronts:

  • Increasing federal enforcement against unauthorized brokerage activities
  • Modernizing outdated regulations that do not reflect today’s freight market realities
  • Promoting uniform safety and carrier-selection standards across the industry

 

TIA has also backed legislative efforts aimed at enhancing the FMCSA’s authority to assess penalties and crack down on fraud. By focusing on both regulatory modernization and enforcement tools, Westgate and TIA are pushing for systemic change that protects carriers, brokers, and shippers alike.

The DOT’s action against noncompliant CDL training providers represents a vital step toward improving industry safety and professionalism. But unless the logistics sector also aggressively tackles freight fraud with stronger regulations, better technology, and united advocacy, the economic and operational risks will persist.

Westgate’s active engagement with TIA highlights a path forward: industry players must work together to elevate standards, protect stakeholders, and ensure a safer, more trustworthy freight ecosystem for all.

October 28, 2025 / By / Logistic • Transport • Trucking /

In the United States, consumer spending remains under pressure from elevated interest rates, higher borrowing costs, and lingering inflation, even as employment remains relatively stable. These headwinds point to a moderate growth path rather than a robust expansion.

 

Boiling it down, the economy is still giving logistics companies a bit of everything—some good, some bad. On the positive side, the global logistics market is projected to grow steadily over the next several years, driven by globalization, e-commerce expansion, and increasingly complex supply chains. However, near-term freight demand is more ambiguous. The freight market remains volatile, with capacity rebalancing, softer manufacturing indices, and trade headwinds creating an environment that calls for caution.

 

One particular dimension of the outlook drawing attention is the softening of import flows into the U.S. and other major economies. Analysts have pointed out that import traffic is not expanding as quickly as it once did, reflecting weaker consumer demand, inventory corrections, and broader trade uncertainty. Tariffs have also had an impact on imports as many companies are actively deferring imports as they wait to see how the tariff situation unfolds. Recent forecasts suggest that market demand may grow only modestly, while container volumes have shown mild declines in recent months.

 

The Impact of ICE

Beyond demand trends, regulatory and enforcement pressures are increasingly shaping the logistics landscape—particularly through their impact on labor and compliance. A notable trend has been an uptick in workplace enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which are having ripple effects across warehousing, transportation, and distribution sectors.

 

ICE crackdowns are subtly reshaping the freight market. As drivers and warehouse staff face legal uncertainty, some carriers have reported staffing shortages, delays, and higher turnover. In some regions, capacity has been temporarily reduced as companies adjust hiring practices or reroute operations to mitigate exposure. For carriers, brokers, and logistics providers, the implications are clear: Labor disruptions and compliance risk now represent tangible cost factors. Absenteeism rises, hiring becomes more difficult, and service reliability can suffer unless firms strengthen workforce verification systems and improve flexibility in deployment.

 

Cautious Optimism

Bottom line: we’re cautiously optimistic about the logistics industry. The long-term growth prospects still look really strong, and the basic structure of global logistics is solid. But in the short and medium term, we will navigate a softer import environment, moderate GDP growth, and elevated operational risks stemming from regulatory enforcement and labor volatility. Success in this environment will depend on agility—a mindset focused on service innovation, labor resilience, routing flexibility, and regulatory readiness. Westgate anticipates these dynamics and proactively adapts so we may turn uncertainty into opportunity for our customers.

September 19, 2025 / By / Logistic • Transport /

ADVOCATING FOR OUR INDUSTRY IN THE CAPITAL

By Mark Fiorini, President of Westgate Global Logistics

 

Congressional site visits are a highly effective advocacy tool by helping to establish vital relationships while raising awareness of 3PL issues we face. I was privileged to represent Westgate and other TIA members as we gathered in Washington, D.C. at the TIA 2025 Policy Forum this month. We participated in an important day of meetings where we met with PA state representatives and their staff to ask for support with ongoing issues and concerns, while offering suggestions for improvement.

It was a successful effort in bringing attention to three major issues we face – freight fraud, modernizing outdated regulations and promoting safety by establishing a uniform standard for carrier selection.

 

Fighting Fraud In The Supply Chain

Being bipartisan, the freight fraud topic received a lot of attention and support because everyone can agree on preventing fraud and theft. There has been a 1,500% increase in fraud since 2021 and an estimated $35 billion in losses each year.

H.R. 880 / S. 337 also known as the “Household Goods Bill” aims to combat fraud and theft in the household goods moving industry by enhancing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) authority and providing tools to increase accountability.

Key provisions are:

  • Reinstate the FMCSA’s authority to administer civil penalties for violations of unauthorized brokerage activities.
  • Establish a principal place of business requirement.
  • Identify fraud commonalities to strengthen enforcement.

 

Modernizing Outdated Regulations & Promoting Safety

The Surface Transportation Reauthorization is a congressional bill to fund and set the rules for freight safety and supply chain policy. We asked for support on the inclusion of these provisions in the bill text.

Broker Modernization Act

  • Repeal 371.3(c) which was an antiquated regulation on broker rate transparency prior to deregulation, and no longer needed.
  • Finalize MAP-21 broker certification which has not been enforced after being put in place nearly a dozen years ago.
  • Clarify ‘Dispatch Services’ which in many cases today are being operated very similar to brokerages, but without the proper authority or insurance.

 

Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act (MCSSSA)

  • Establish a uniform federal standard for carrier selection: regulatory clarity, reduces legal risks, and strengthens safety.

 

Ways to Advocate For Our Industry

Being an active member of Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has been a vital way to advocate for my business and our industry. If we aren’t the ones lobbying for the 3PL industry, who is?  All of us work hard every day to provide great service to our customers, while attempting to build new customer relationships with the goal of establishing a reputation that will provide success for years to come. TIA sets the ethical standards for the 3PL industry, represents our interests before government bodies, and advocates for regulations that promote fair competition, safety, and efficiency in the transportation sector. I would highly recommend joining the TIA if you haven’t already or contributing to their PAC that raises funds to help build relationships with Members of Congress who can support our goals and initiatives.

August 28, 2025 / By / Logistic • Transport /

A recent Senate subcommittee hearing, “Shifting Gears: Issues Impacting the Trucking and Commercial Bus Industries in the U.S.,” indicates an effort to do just that. The hearing, which will help shape the next major highway bill, laid bare a list of industry concerns that have long been at the top of the agenda.

 

Here are the themes that resonated throughout the meeting.

 

    • Safety Enhancements: The discussion emphasized the need for enhancing safety, including the use of advanced safety technologies, post-crash drug and substance testing, and ensuring driver compliance with safety regulations. There was also a call for modernizing the safety measurement system for buses.

 

    • Reduce Regulatory Burden: There was a strong emphasis on examining and potentially eliminating outdated or unnecessary federal regulations that do not contribute to safety but impose significant costs on the industry. An example given was the rule requiring manual placement of safety triangles during emergency stops.

 

    • Workforce Challenges: The discussion delved into issues related to driver retention, high turnover rates, and the need for fair wages and benefits to support the long-term health of the workforce.

 

    • Infrastructure Needs: There was a consensus on the need for infrastructure improvements, particularly the chronic shortage of safe truck parking and public access to federally funded facilities for commercial buses.

 

    • Technology and Automation: The role of new technology, especially autonomous vehicles, was a significant topic. Lawmakers and industry leaders discussed the need for a clear federal framework for regulation while also addressing labor concerns about potential job displacement.

 

    • Freight Theft and Security: The hearing addressed the growing problem of cargo theft and fraud, with calls for greater federal coordination to address the issue.

 

The goal of the hearing was to help inform and guide upcoming legislation. The hearing was specifically held “in the context of the next surface transportation reauthorization,” which is a major, multi-year bill that authorizes funding and policy for the nation’s surface transportation systems.

 

How to Advocate For Our Industry

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has been a vital way to advocate for our industry and they help to get issues in front of members of Congress. Attending the TIA’s Annual Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. is a great way to actively advocate for your business and the needs of our industry. Learn more about the TIA’s Policy Forum here: https://tianet.org/policyforum

June 24, 2025 / By / Logistic • Transport • Trucking /

Inflation continues to impact the transportation industry in 2025, though the picture is nuanced and evolving. The broader economy is showing signs of moderation, with consumer spending cooling and industrial production facing headwinds. While overall transportation CPI has seen some moderation or even declines in recent months due to factors like falling gasoline prices and airline fares, several key areas continue to experience significant inflationary pressure.

 

Producer Price Index Signals Industry Pressure

On June 12, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released a key update on transportation industry cost pressures. It revealed that the Producer Price Index (PPI)—a measure of inflation from the perspective of producers of goods and services—showed an overall rise in freight transportation and equipment costs.

From May 2024 to May 2025, the transportation services PPI changed, by mode:

  • Air: +1.9%
  • Rail: +2.1%
  • Truck: +1.8%
  • Water: -2.9%
  • Arrangement of freight and cargo: -0.1%

Air transportation services saw a 1.9% rise in producer prices over the year, while rail transport led with a 2.1% increase. Truck transportation followed closely with a 1.8% uptick. In contrast, water transportation recorded a significant drop of 2.9%, and arrangement of freight and cargo dipped slightly by 0.1%. Taken together, these changes reveal rising costs across most shipping modes, particularly in high-demand sectors such as air, rail, and truck, foreshadowing elevated prices throughout logistics chains.

 

On the equipment side, rising PPIs translate to higher capital outlays for carriers. In a period of supply chain realignment, driven by reshoring, just-in-time rebalancing, and decarbonization investments, such cost pressures compound operational stress. Fleets upgrading to meet sustainability mandates or replacing aging assets now face steeper price increases for vehicles, locomotives, containers, and aircraft parts. In an industry already grappling with port strain, and demand volatility, higher input costs squeeze margins and risk passing inflation onto consumers.

 

Fuel Instability

While diesel fuel prices were notably low at the start of June, a recent geopolitical flare-up in the Middle East may reverse that trend. On June 3, the Department of Energy reported retail diesel at just $3.451 per gallon, the lowest weekly average since September 2021, marking an 18.8¢ drop from early April levels. However, tensions between Israel and Iran since mid‑June have triggered a sharp reversal. U.S. ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel futures surged 8% on June 13, hitting their highest mark since February, as markets priced in the risk of supply disruptions and strain on refining capacity. European diesel prices rose nearly 15%, outpacing crude, underscoring the sensitivity of diesel markets to Middle East instability. While U.S. diesel inventories remain 15% below the five‑year average, fresh geopolitical risks could drive further rallying, forcing transport providers to prepare for renewed fuel volatility.

 

About Westgate

You can always count on Westgate Global Logistics to keep you up-to-date on industry news. Our passion for delivering exceptional logistics services continues to be at our core and is why we have thrived in this constantly changing industry. CONTACT US today to experience how we can improve your shipping efficiencies.

 

 

May 23, 2025 / By / Logistic • Transport /

Welcome to Industry Insights Q3 — your go-to source for the latest developments shaping the transportation and trade landscape. In this edition, we’re tracking major tariff shifts shaking global markets and unpacking the proposed 2026 DOT budget, with key impacts on infrastructure, air travel, and the future of green transportation. Let’s dive in.