Trucking
Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
Reduced driver supply may increase freight costs this season.
Fewer DEF-related shutdowns could mean more uptime during planting and harvest seasons.
Lower shipping costs alone will not restore export competitiveness.
Lower costs improve competitiveness, but demand remains uncertain.
New CDL Rule Limits Eligibility for Certain Immigrant Truckers, Potentially Driving Up Freight Costs
The Trump Administration’s new rule limiting CDL renewals for immigrant truckers is seeing mixed reactions in agriculture. While some support the change, it is raising concerns about higher freight costs and impacts on U.S. grain export competitiveness.
Strong exports and production support ongoing corn demand.