Today I Learned – July 2026

NACFE does most of its work in the field at industry events and staff members hear a lot of interesting things each month. Here are some things we learned recently. Contact us if you want to ask questions about where and how we learned what we share here.

U.S. truckload spot rates hit a historic peak of $3.83 per mile in June 2026, officially overtaking contract rates for the first time since 2021. This sudden flip has sent national tender rejections soaring past 17%.

— Dean Bushey, Director of Programs

CATL has indicated that mining is now the bottleneck in the production of batteries. At one time, it was believed to be processing of materials. CATL is addressing this by forming its own mining unit.

— Jeff Seger, Clean Energy Consultant

The California Air Resources Board is launching what officials say will become the nation’s largest utility-administered electric truck rebate program. The state environmental agency said that more than $1 billion in incentives are expected to be available to fleets through 2030.

— Mike McHorse, Director of Industry Engagement

The Bickner Trucking Ltd. fleet in Canada is racking up impressive 7.62 MPGs driving four Volvo VNL D13 trucks pulling aerodynamic double tank trailers hauling up to 140,000 lbs. GVW, highlighting what well-driven and well-equipped long-combination vehicles can do. 

— Rick Mihelic, Director of Emerging Technologies

While the Surface Transportation Board procedurally accepted the application for a massive $85 billion UP-NS rail merger, it immediately paused proceedings for a full environmental review, leaving the ultimate shift of 2.1 million truckloads off U.S. highways on hold until a final mid-2027 decision.

— Dean Bushey, Director of Programs