Morning Minute | TN Targets Undocumented Drivers, STB Rejects Rail Merger, & January Market Strength

Host Alex Quarles opens the show with a look at a new Tennessee bill imposing strict penalties on carriers that employ undocumented drivers. The legislation mandates automatic notifications to federal immigration authorities and establishes a $1 million minimum in damages for accidents involving unlawful operators. Federal regulators have halted consolidation plans as the Surface Transportation Board rejected the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger application for being incomplete. While rival railroads have praised the decision, the companies now have until February 17 to notify the board of their plans to submit the missing market share data. Defying the usual post-holiday slump, the trucking market is holding steady in January with tender rejection rates hitting nearly 10%, the highest level since 2022. Spot rates remain elevated at $2.62 per mile as capacity tightens in key hubs like Chicago, signaling a strong start to 2026 for the industry. Tune in this afternoon at 2 p.m. for a new episode of Loaded and Rolling with Thomas Wasson. Later today, catch the latest Freight Expectations featuring founder Craig Fuller and Armchair Attorney Matthew Leffler for more industry commentary. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices