49 Years on the Road. A Reputation Built Mile by Mile.

Medallion Transport & Logistics is proud to recognize Jim Johns, a veteran driver for one of our longtime freight agents, whose professionalism, expertise and reliability have earned him tremendous respect throughout his 49 years on the road.

Jim has built a reputation that extends far beyond safely delivering freight. On a recent delivery, a customer surprised Jim with a special plaque recognizing his years of outstanding service, knowledge and dedication.

The recognition was something the customer had never done before for any driver.

Knowing Jim would be arriving that morning, members of the shipping and loading teams gathered to surprise him. Three plaques were created—one for Jim, one to remain in the shipping office and another for the loading department—a lasting tribute to the impact he has made at their facility.

Over the years, Jim has become their go-to driver for specialized and important loads. His decades of experience mean he often knows the equipment he transports as well as the people loading it. When the customer expanded into new technology and equipment, Jim’s expertise was even called upon to provide insight into crating, loading and transportation requirements.

Today, he is regarded as a leader and a trusted set of “eyes and ears” at the facility—someone whose knowledge and experience are respected throughout the operation.

That same professionalism is reflected in the way Jim runs his business. He regularly updates his truck and equipment, maintaining everything to an exceptional standard and keeping his equipment show-ready. For Jim, professionalism isn’t just about getting a load from Point A to Point B. It’s reflected in everything he does.

Medallion Transport & Logistics CEO Gary Weilheimer shared:

“We want to recognize Jim for his value, expertise and reliability. He knows what he is doing as both an operator and a businessman, and he has earned that respect from major companies he serves.”

This recognition represents something special—not only for Jim, but for everyone at Medallion.

Jim is a role model for the professional men and women who represent our company every day. His 49-year career demonstrates what can be achieved through experience, consistency, pride in your equipment and an unwavering commitment to doing the job right.

Jim is truly a legend, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him representing Medallion.

Congratulations, Jim, on an honor very well deserved.

Spot market transportation rates remain elevated heading into late August, despite some softening throughout July and early August. While this recent decline may provide temporary relief, several key economic and transportation indicators suggest the trend could be short-lived.

Positive manufacturing momentum, historically strong freight volumes, elevated fuel prices and reduced truckload capacity continue to create an environment where shippers should remain prepared for higher transportation costs and tighter capacity.

Manufacturing Indicators Show Positive Momentum

Several key economic indicators strengthened in July:

• July ISM rose to 55.6%.
• New manufacturing orders increased from 56% to 56.7%, indicating continued demand momentum despite tariff and trade concerns and uncertainty surrounding interest rates.
• Production climbed to 58.5%, increasing 6.3% month over month. This represented the strongest increase since late 2021.

These indicators point toward continued manufacturing activity and freight demand as we move toward the final months of 2026.

Spot Market Rates Remain Historically High

Spot transportation rates declined approximately 2–3% month over month, but rates remain at or near historic levels across dry van, flatbed and refrigerated transportation.

Across these market segments, spot rates are currently up an average of approximately 42% year over year.

Available truckload capacity also continues to be affected by FMCSA enforcement involving non-domiciled CDLs. Reduced capacity, combined with sustained freight demand, has the potential to place additional upward pressure on rates.

Flatbed Contract Rates Approach $4.00 Per Mile

Contract flatbed pricing has increased substantially.

Average flatbed contract rates have risen from approximately $3.00 per mile in March 2025 to nearly $4.00 per mile in August 2026, representing a significant year-over-year increase.

Dry van and refrigerated transportation have experienced similar year-over-year pricing pressure.

In August, flatbed contract rates remain approximately $0.34 per mile higher than flatbed spot market rates.

Diesel Fuel Prices Continue to Impact Transportation Costs

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), national diesel fuel prices remain elevated at approximately $4.454 per gallon, an increase of approximately $0.20 per gallon from the previous week and $1.74 per gallon year over year.

Higher diesel costs directly affect both spot and contract transportation pricing. They can also influence how drivers evaluate available freight.

With fuel prices elevated, carriers may:

• Favor lighter loads when possible to reduce fuel consumption.
• Be less willing to deadhead significant distances to pick up freight.
• Become increasingly selective about destinations.
• Avoid markets with particularly high fuel and operating costs, including California, Illinois/Chicagoland and portions of the East Coast.

These considerations should be factored into transportation planning and quoting.

Freight Volumes Remain Strong

Spot market load volumes have remained relatively flat week over week as the traditional summer slowdown continues. However, overall load activity remains around five-year highs and well above 2025 levels.

Strong freight availability gives drivers and carriers more choices. When capacity is limited, carriers can naturally gravitate toward freight offering stronger rates, favorable destinations and more efficient operating conditions.

Flatbed Market

Flatbed demand remains particularly strong, with areas throughout the Southeast and West into Texas, the Rust Belt and Pacific Northwest reflecting more than 100 loads per posted truck.

This level of demand continues to create significant competition for available flatbed capacity.

Dry Van Market

The dry van market is not experiencing the same level of strength as flatbed, but capacity remains tight in several important regions.

Areas throughout the Rust Belt and much of the Southeast are reflecting more than 100 loads per posted truck, signaling continued competition for available van capacity.

Planning Ahead in a Tight Transportation Market

Despite the modest month-over-month decline in spot pricing, the broader transportation market continues to reflect strong freight demand, elevated fuel costs and reduced available capacity.

Shippers should remain proactive when planning upcoming freight. Providing adequate lead time, maintaining flexibility with pickup and delivery schedules, considering load weight and understanding regional capacity conditions can help improve carrier availability and manage transportation costs.

Medallion Transport & Logistics provides dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, LTL, specialized, expedited and logistics management services throughout North America. Contact our team to discuss upcoming freight requirements and transportation solutions.

Brake Safety Week 2026 will take place August 23–29, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to improve commercial vehicle brake safety.

Key Details

• Dates: August 23–29, 2026
• Primary Focus: Brake drum and rotor condition
• Vehicles Inspected: Commercial motor vehicles, including large trucks and buses.
• Inspection Locations: Weigh stations, roadside inspection sites, and other enforcement locations
• Enforcement Action: Vehicles found with brake-related out-of-service (OOS) violations may be removed from service until repairs are completed.

Focus Area: Brake Drums and Rotors

Inspectors will place special emphasis on the condition of brake drums and rotors, looking for issues that can compromise braking performance, including:

• Cracks
• Missing or damaged sections
• Excessive wear
• Heavy rust or corrosion
• Deep grooves indicating metal-to-metal contact.
• Exposed center vents showing rotor wear beyond acceptable limits.

Defective drums and rotors can lead to reduced braking efficiency, component failure, and increased crash risk.

Why Brake Safety Week Matters

Brake violations remain one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle out-of-service orders during roadside inspections.

Key industry findings show:

• Brake-related defects account for a significant percentage of OOS violations.
• Many brake violations are preventable through routine inspections and maintenance.
• CVSA also conducts an unannounced Brake Safety Day during the year, emphasizing the need for continuous compliance rather than seasonal preparation.

What Inspectors Look For

During inspections, enforcement personnel may assess:

• Brake drum and rotor condition.
• Brake adjustment.
• Air brake system operation
• Missing, damaged, or improperly installed components
• Evidence of excessive wear or unsafe modifications

All repairs should meet the manufacturer’s specifications and applicable regulatory requirements.

Preparation Tips for Fleets and Drivers

To reduce the risk of violations and out-of-service orders:

1. Conduct Thorough Vehicle Inspections

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections consistently.
• Pay close attention to drums, rotors, pads, linings, and air brake components.

2. Address Defects Immediately

• Repair brake issues as soon as they are identified.
• Do not defer safety-critical maintenance.

3. Maintain Accurate Records

• Keep maintenance and inspection documentation current.
• Ensure Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) are completed and retained as required.

4. Focus on Year-Round Compliance

• Treat Brake Safety Week as a benchmark rather than a deadline.
• Establish ongoing preventive maintenance programs.

Medallion Transport & Logistics is proud to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America Tour through the efforts of its long-time agent, Freedom Transport, a preferred carrier helping transport a historic piece of steel from the World Trade Center across the country in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Medallion Transport & Logistics is proud to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America Tour through the efforts of its long-time agent, Freedom Transport, a preferred carrier helping transport a historic piece of steel from the World Trade Center across the country in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11.

It’s that time of year again. The midwest, northeast, mountain areas in the west and more are already experiencing winter weather, including snow, sleet and hail which make driving conditions challenging, especially for truck drivers.

Medallion Transport & Logistics put together some tips to help keep truck drivers and owner-operators prepared and safe on the road.

Pre Trip Inspections are Crucial

It is always important to do a proper pre trip inspection, especially tire inflation due to constant changing temperatures during wintry conditions. Slow down and give yourself plenty of space.

Brake and accelerate slowly, most equipment is outfitted with ABS brakes but in the event you have equipment that does not have ABS- pump and release brakes lightly until you slow to a manageable speed.

Black ice can be one of the most dangerous winter conditions you may encounter.

Things you may notice when encountering black ice:

• Ice build-up on mirrors, antennas, or windshield wipers
• The spray from tires on others will stop

If the road conditions get too bad sometimes the best thing to do is to get off the road and take a break.

Don’t Leave Without These

When traveling in colder climates you never know what you may encounter.
Here are some things to remember/bring:

• Carry and wear proper clothing
• Bring an extra flashlight (or two)
• Extra food and water
• A bag of salt or sand
• Jumper cables
• Tire chains (especially if running in the northwest)
• Try to keep your fuel tanks full

More Tips

Here are more winter trucking tips from our COO, Jesse.

Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support and safety, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460 or send us an email to info@medalliontrans.com.