Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Sept. 19, 2025:
DOT calls for industry input on how to address cargo theft
The U.S. Department of Transportation is turning its attention toward cargo theft, which has seen unprecedented surges in recent years.
In a Federal Register notice publishing Friday, Sept. 19, the DOT is calling for information from carriers, shippers, law enforcement agencies and others “to aid in the development of strategies and potential programs to reduce cargo theft, strengthen supply chain security, and create a safe operating environment for freight stakeholders and the traveling public.”
In the notice, DOT noted that cargo theft includes both “straight thefts” of trailers, containers and loads at truck stops and distribution hubs, as well as “highly coordinated operations conducted by organized criminal networks.” The latter of those tactics includes “fraudulent carriers, staged diversions, cyber-enabled thefts, and insider collusion,” DOT added.
The department said that while law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders track cargo theft incidents, “reporting is fragmented and inconsistent, and national-level visibility is limited,” DOT said. “DOT is uniquely positioned to improve coordination across modes, support data collection, and strengthen resilience by working with law enforcement, industry, industry and Federal partners.”
In the Request for Information publishing Friday, DOT invites comment and data from stakeholders on a number of questions, which can be found here. There are sets of questions for different groups of stakeholders, including general questions for all stakeholders, questions for law enforcement, industry stakeholders like motor carriers and shippers, and more.
Comments can be filed here through Oct. 20. Following the comment period, DOT said it will review responses and may use them to:
- Coordinate with law enforcement and regulatory partners to identify and close loopholes that allow carriers or transporters removed from service to re-enter operations under different names or affiliations.
- Improve cargo security risk assessment methodologies and strengthen decision support capabilities by leveraging data shared through existing Federal, State, and industry partnerships.
- Enhance interagency coordination amongst DOT, DHS, FBI, CBP, and state/local partners.
- Guide DOT in formatting an appropriate response, including the design of future initiatives in partnership with industry and law enforcement.
[Related: Cargo theft reaches record highs, costing businesses millions]
New Mack Anthem added to Mack’s online truck spec’ing tool
Mack Trucks this week announced that its all-new Anthem, which has been completely redesigned for enhanced maneuverability and efficiency, is now available for customization through the Mack Truck Builder digital platform. The free online tool allows prospective buyers to explore and configure every aspect of the Anthem to meet their specific operational needs.
“Making the all-new Anthem available on our Truck Builder platform gives customers the ability to explore and customize this game-changing truck at their convenience,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president of global brand and marketing. “This tool provides a comprehensive and intuitive way for fleet managers and owner-operators to build their ideal Anthem configuration, whether they need a day cab or sleeper, before connecting with their local dealer.”
[Related: 'Brand new' Anthem reintroduced as Mack's regional haul truck]
Truck Builder offers customers complete control over their Anthem configuration, Mack said, featuring full 3D renderings of both the truck exterior and cab interior. Users can explore the Anthem’s three available configurations -- day cab, 44-inch sleeper and 64-inch sleeper -- each designed to excel in its respective application while delivering exceptional driver comfort and operational efficiency.
Through the platform, customers can:
- Select from an expanded exterior color palette
- Choose interior trim options and premium features
- Configure powertrain specifications, including engine and transmission options
- Customize axles, suspension and chassis components
- Specify safety features, including the optional digital mirror system
- Add connectivity features, including the Mack Connect telematics platform
Once a configuration is complete within Truck Builder, the platform then connects customers directly with their local Mack dealer to finalize their order. Users can save, share and modify their build as needed.
Serial production of the new Anthem is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
[Related: Mack now taking orders for new regional-haul Anthem]
Fleet Services, FleetNet America to combine into one company
Cox Automotive has announced that effective Jan. 1, Fleet Services and FleetNet America will become one, unified fleet organization. This strategic alignment represents a major step forward in Cox Automotive's long-term commitment to the fleet industry, the company said.
Cox said it “remains steadfast in its mission to keep America moving by connecting roadside, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and managed care through both its Fleet Services technicians and FleetNet's nationwide network of more than 65,000 service providers.”
"Cox Enterprises has a 127-year legacy of innovation, transforming fragmented markets into thriving ecosystems," said Patrick Brennan, senior vice president of Fleet Services. "Through Cox Automotive, we turned scattered car lots into Manheim, the world's largest auto auction marketplace. We connected car buyers and sellers through Autotrader, revolutionizing how America shops for vehicles. With this move, our goal is to bring that same organizing power to the fleet ecosystem."
Acquiring Fleet Services and FleetNet America in the last five years marked major milestones to forge the future expansion of Cox Automotive. Since then, Fleet Services has more than doubled in size with 1500+ technicians across the nation, and FleetNet America has had record-breaking volume to the tune of 2.5 million calls and 800,000 emergency roadside events per year.
Recently, Cox Automotive appointed Kyle Ballinger as the vice president of Fleet Sales to lead the company's go-to-market strategy for Fleet Services and FleetNet, with a focus on expanding client relationships and growing new business.
"Cox Automotive is uniquely positioned to be the organizer, connector, and best-in-class provider in the fleet industry," said Ballinger. "We're bringing the transparency and foundation our clients need to run and grow their businesses—transforming total cost of ownership and reducing the many points of friction that come with operating a fleet."
Cox said combining the companies will offer:
- Expanded service coverage across North America, including mobile, shop, and captive capabilities
- Enhanced data visibility to better manage uptime and control costs
- Streamlined operations through a single point of contact and integrated systems
- A stronger partnership with a provider that understands fleet maintenance needs nationwide
- Simplified processes via one platform and one relationship, offering complete visibility and allowing clients to focus on their core business
Cox Automotive is still in the early stages of bringing its fleet teams together and will announce its new brand in the coming months.
