Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, July 9, 2026:
Trucking market conditions hit new all-time high in May: FTR
Market conditions for trucking companies hit an all-time high in May, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence.
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index in May jumped to 20.4 – its strongest level ever due mostly to highly favorable freight rates for carriers. The April index reading had been 11.6.FTR
Prior to May, the most favorable TCI reading for carriers had been 16.8 in February 2021. FTR expects the index to settle in the coming months but to remain solidly positive.
“A record high for the TCI obviously is notable, but it is also a good occasion for us to acknowledge the obvious: Robust market conditions have developed recently and rapidly after several years of tough going for most of the trucking industry,” said Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking. “Many carriers have a long way to go to repair their finances and return to consistent and acceptable margins.”
Vise added that outside of a “few pockets of freight strength due largely to massive investment in artificial intelligence,” freight rates’ sharp recovery “is principally a function of already-tight capacity followed by a series of disruptions, including pressure on foreign drivers and, more recently, the need for fuel cost recovery.”
Vise said he expects the market rebound to “hit a ceiling soon, unless freight demand strengthens considerably” as “broad-based volume growth remains elusive.”
Quantix names new CEO
Quantix (CCJ Top 250, No. 61) has announced the appointment of Nate Gesse as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 20.
The leadership transition follows the successful completion of the company's lender restructuring, which strengthens Quantix's long-term financial foundation and positions the company for continued growth and investment, the company said.
Gesse succeeds John Labrie, who returned from retirement in 2024 to lead Quantix through a planned period of transformation. With the completion of the restructuring, Labrie will retire from day-to-day leadership and transition to serve as Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.
"Nate has been preparing for this role since joining Quantix as Chief Operating Officer," said Labrie. "He demonstrates exceptional leadership, builds strong relationships across the organization, and plays a significant role in improving operational execution and organizational alignment. The Board has complete confidence that Nate is the right leader to guide Quantix into its next chapter."
Gesse boasts more than 25 years of transportation and logistics leadership experience spanning operations, sales, and technology. Prior to joining Quantix, he held executive leadership positions across multiple transportation organizations and most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Quantix, where he led enterprise-wide operational improvement initiatives and strategic simplification efforts.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Quantix," said Gesse. "We have an outstanding team, exceptional customer relationships, and a strong foundation for the future. I look forward to building on the progress we've made while continuing to invest in safety, operational excellence, innovation, and customer service."
Kentucky cracking down on speeding this month
If you’re hauling through the Bluegrass State this month, keep an eye on your speed, as law enforcement officials are focusing enforcement on speeders through July 31.
In 2025, approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in Kentucky involve a speeding or aggressive driver, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) said. In response, KYTC’s Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies statewide to implement the “Not So Fast, Kentucky” speed awareness campaign through July 31. With funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, KOHS distributes full-year grants to law enforcement agencies that applied.
“Speed limits are in place to protect everyone on the road,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “We’re asking drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially as more workers are out in construction work zones improving roads and bridges for travelers.”
To further increase safety in work zones for Kentucky drivers and construction crews, KYTC began using automated speed enforcement devices in select active highway work zones in late fall of 2025.
KYTC urges drivers to stay alert and use extra caution in work zones as construction season rolls on.
Truck busted hauling cocaine in Tennessee
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) on July 3 identified a tractor-trailer allegedly hauling cocaine from Texas to Nashville, resulting in three arrests.
The operation and investigation, which also included the execution of multiple search warrants in Nashville, led to the seizure of 68 kilograms of cocaine, 36 firearms, three sets of body armor, one kilogram press, and U.S. currency.TBI
As a result of the operation, agents arrested the following individuals with the noted charges:
- Perry White, of Nashville: One count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine (over 300 grams); bond set at $100,000.
- Jesus Garza, of Donna, Texas. One count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine (over 300 grams); bond set at $100,000.
- Antonio Diaz, of Texas City, Texas. One count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine (over 300 grams); bond set at $100,000.
TBI made the discovery in a joint investigation with the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force and with assistance from multiple federal and local agencies.
