Morning Minute | June 9, 2025

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking and transportation jobs have surged above last year's figures for the first time since April of 2023. However, an independent economist is wary, suggesting this number might be "more noise than signal" amid ongoing policy uncertainties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is rolling out a significant $89.4 million in grants aimed at boosting commercial driver's license programs. The application requirements have been streamlined by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates, refocusing funds squarely on safety improvements and compliance with federal regulations. In ocean freight news, rates have soared by an astonishing 88% on trans-Pacific routes as shippers respond to a temporary freeze in US-China tariffs. Analysts anticipate this surge to be short-lived, primarily driven by businesses rushing to capitalize on the tariff hiatus before capacity normalizes. Looking ahead, make sure to catch What the Truck?!? live at noon on FreightWaves TV for updates with Tim Dooner, with a replay available on SiriusXM channel 146. Also, mark your calendars for the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., with free registration available online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices