Uber Freight Hits Breakeven, EPA Probes "Limp Mode" & Military Escorts in Red Sea | The Daily

In this episode, we break down how Uber Freight posted flat Q4 results but finally achieved breakeven profitability through disciplined cost measures. We also discuss the company's pivot toward autonomous trucking as a long-term strategy to drive higher asset utilization. On the asset-based side, we analyze why losses continue at Heartland Express as the carrier navigates costly fleet integrations and a soft market. Despite recording its tenth consecutive net loss, the company’s improving operating margins offer a glimmer of hope for a turnaround. Regulatory news takes center stage as the EPA targets truck engine makers to investigate widespread DEF system failures causing "limp mode" incidents. This major shift aims to treat equipment reliability as a manufacturer quality issue rather than a driver compliance problem. Global instability forces the Gemini Alliance to rely on military forces to secure Red Sea voyages, even as other carriers continue to divert around Africa. Back home, the industry faces a bureaucratic paradox where 65,000 new visas are available but remain inaccessible due to a State Department freeze. Finally, we examine the broader economic fallout as weak freight demand triggers facility closures and layoffs across the logistics and manufacturing sectors. With over 3,000 jobs cut since mid-January, the industry is questioning how much leaner operations can get. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices