Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Aug. 15, 2025:
NMFTA launches new API standard to improve billing transparency
The Digital LTL Council, a division of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s Digital Standards Development Council (DSDC), has released a new application programming interface (API) aimed at improving industry-wide billing transparency.
The new Preliminary Freight Charges (PFC) API Standard marks a significant step in the council's comprehensive roadmap to digitize the less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment lifecycle from quote to cash, the council noted.
The PFC API is designed to provide proactive notifications and real-time visibility into freight bill charges throughout the shipment process. By alerting stakeholders to potential billing discrepancies – such as reweighs, reclassifications, or accessorial fees – before final invoicing, the API aims to reduce disputes, enhance payment accuracy, and streamline billing operations.
"Our newest API Standard empowers shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers to address billing issues proactively," said Keith Peterson, staff liaison for the DSDC and vice president of operations for NMFTA. "By providing early visibility into potential charge adjustments, we can minimize surprises and foster trust among all parties involved."
The PFC API is part of the Council's broader initiative to establish standardized digital communication protocols across the LTL industry. The roadmap includes seven operational APIs – covering functions from rate quotes to cargo claims – and two administrative APIs for document retrieval and carrier route guides.
Kelly Koller, team lead for the PFC API Standard Development Workshop and product owner for Estes Express Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 11), emphasized the importance of standardization: "API standards allow industry participants to build integrations once and use them across all partners, reducing redundancy and accelerating digital adoption."
The PFC API specifically addresses the need for timely communication of billing changes. By integrating this API, stakeholders can receive immediate alerts about new or updated freight bills, track changes to charges, and maintain accurate records for accounting purposes.
Fleetworthy gets patent for combined weigh station bypass, toll payment service
Fleetworthy on Thursday, Aug. 14, announced it has secured its third patent for its Drivewyze by Fleetworthy weigh station bypass service. The newly awarded Patent 12,327,434 highlights Fleetworthy’s ongoing commitment to advancing fleet technology, the company said, and represents Fleetworthy’s 22nd patent overall.
"Patents validate our leadership in innovation and protect our intellectual property,” said Shay Demmons, Chief Product Officer of Fleetworthy. “Securing patents enables us to confidently advance our technology, providing foundational innovations that tangibly benefit our customers. This latest patent underscores our deep culture of innovation at Fleetworthy.”
The new patent covers several features, including dual-mode logic that allows fleets to manage both weigh station bypass and toll payments through Bestpass by Fleetworthy. Additionally, the patent highlights user-selectable privacy controls, customizable notification formats, and an enhanced interface that allows drivers to easily review past notifications and bypass decisions.
“When Drivewyze by Fleetworthy weigh station bypass first launched, it significantly disrupted traditional bypass methods,” Demmons added. “Our patented cloud-based solution leverages cellular networks, embedding transponder-like functionality directly into ELDs and mobile devices. This eliminates the need for additional hardware and streamlines bypass activation.”
Since its introduction, Drivewyze by Fleetworthy has further enhanced its technology by integrating proactive, in-cab safety alerts that inform drivers of upcoming hazards, such as high rollover areas, sudden slowdowns, low-clearance bridges, and high-citation zones for speeding.
Shell Rotella launches new promotion
Shell Rotella has launched its 2025 Shell Rotella National Promotion in which oil purchasers can receive up to a $40 Mastercard Virtual Reward Card.
Truck owners who purchase Shell Rotella’s T4, T5 or T6 heavy-duty diesel engine oil from participating locations can enter their purchase online by Nov. 30 to receive a reward card. The value of the reward cards varies depending on which oil is purchased and at what amount.
Buyers can request their offer online here by selecting their retailer and following the directions on the site. Once the purchase is validated, buyers will receive an email with a link and instructions to redeem their reward card.
