On The Horizon - January 28, 2026

Montana Trucking Facts

English Language Proficiencey Tip Line

Please share the English Language Proficiency Tip Line below with your company and drivers.

406-444-1234

2026 ATA Driver Compensation Survey

ATA's 2026 Driver Compensation Survey is one of the most important benchmarking tools in our industry, delivering valuable insights on driver pay, benefits, and incentives. The updated survey is faster and easier than ever to complete, and your participation is key to making the data as strong as possible.

Participant benefits include:

•  An option to purchase the full study for just $100 (more than 90% off!)•  A free executive summary ahead of the full report release•  An invitation to an exclusive participant-only webinar with ATA Chief Economist, Bob Costello, to review findings and answer questionsWhy your data matters: 

•  Improve the accuracy of the industry’s leading driver compensation benchmarking tool•  Enable detailed comparisons by carrier type, trailer type, region, and driver classification•  Expand insight into pay structures, incentives, bonuses, and benefits for both employee drivers and independent contractorsTake the confidential survey today, and thank you for participating in this year's study.

Montana Property Taxes

Montana Chamber of Commerce provides the following:

Property tax issues were the number one issue during the 2025 legislative session. In an attempt to provide property tax relief for Montana homeowners, lawmakers passed legislation that affected the property taxes businesses pay. 

With 2025 property tax bills delivered, the debate is raging over the effectiveness of property tax legislation. With drafting errors in recently passed legislation and unintended consequences emerging, property tax is certain to be the top issue in the 2027 legislative session.   

Another change to the Montana property tax code is coming in the fall of 2026. Impacts to Montana businesses are likely to be more dramatic.

How will legislators address remaining challenges with Montana’s property tax system? Who will see increased taxes so other taxpayers can have tax reductions? Will Montana business leaders be forced to pay higher property tax bills? Read More

Federal Agents Take Aim at 'Cabotage' in Arizona

Federal law enforcement is taking sharper aim at the long-simmering issue of cabotage.

In December, agents from the Department of Homeland Security raided an Arizona trucking company suspected of participating in cabotage, the term used when foreign-registered commercial truck drivers operating with valid visas for delivery of cross-border freight instead remain in the U.S. to haul domestic loads. Cabotage is a violation of federal law. Read More

US Diesel Futures Surge After Storm Disrupts Refineries

U.S. diesel futures are surging ahead of benchmark European contracts as a winter storm, followed by continued frigid temperatures, piles pressure on the country’s fuel market.

New York Harbor diesel’s premium to European futures surpassed 40 cents a gallon on Jan. 26, the highest level in over three years and continues to hover around that marker, according to fair value data compiled by Bloomberg. The huge storm has impacted some U.S. refinery operations as the icy temperatures support demand for heating oil, a diesel-type fuel.

“It’s the cold weather in the U.S. northeast which has triggered a spike in prices in New York,” said Natalia Losada, an oil products analyst at Energy Aspects. Once the cold snap is over, “there’s room for this spread to correct a little,” she said.  Read More

Driver of the Month Applications!

We are accepting Driver of the Month applications!

Applications are accepted every month for the previous month. This is a great way to recognize professional drivers who promote safety in the industry! If you know of a driver who deserves recognition, please let us know!

Click Here for application, send completed applications to mwilliams@mttrucking.org