Morning Minute | December 26, 2025

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we investigate a major class-action filing aimed at stopping the California DMV from canceling nearly 20,000 commercial driver's licenses due to administrative errors. The Lawsuit Targets California DMV Over Administrative Failures Affecting 20,000 CDL Drivers argues that these cancellations disproportionately affect the Sikh community and pose an immediate risk to the stability of the supply chain.

We also break down critical leadership updates in maritime governance, including the Senate confirmation of former Maersk executive Stephen Carmel as the administrator of the Maritime Administration. As the Marad chief, FMC nominee confirmed, these new appointees are set to fill vital gaps in the agencies that regulate U.S. ocean and port logistics.

Finally, we discuss the rejection of an ambitious rail initiative after Amtrak turns down the ‘Transcontinental Chief’ proposal, citing a lack of a fundamental business case for the 72-hour transcontinental service. AmeriStarRail now plans to lobby Congress to force negotiations for the drive-aboard train service in hopes of launching by the 2028 Olympics.

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