“These facilities expand the company’s presence in key markets and enhance its service and reliability nationwide,” Estes said. “Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier.”

Terminal Expansion Across Major Freight Markets

The network updates spanned coast to coast and included both urban freight hubs and regional distribution markets. Estes’ new, relocated, and expanded terminals in 2025 were located in:

• Honolulu, Hawaii
• South Bend, Indiana
• Olive Branch, Mississippi
• Iron Mountain, Michigan
• Eagan, Minnesota
• Portland, Oregon
• Bakersfield, California
• Rockford, Illinois
• Eugene, Oregon
• Tracy, California
• Miami, Florida
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Buffalo, New York
• Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Orange, California
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Huntsville, Alabama
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Fargo, North Dakota
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Phoenix, Arizona

Several of the upgraded terminals now rank among the largest in the Estes system. The Buffalo, New York, facility operates 171 doors, while the Tracy, California, terminal includes 167 doors. California accounted for three newly opened or relocated facilities in 2025, adding a combined 214 doors. Relocated terminals in South Bend, Eugene, Louisville, and Buffalo more than doubled their previous capacities.

Building for Long-Term Freight Demand

“Every new terminal represents progress — more capacity, more reliability, and more opportunities for our people and customers,” said Webb Estes, president and chief operating officer of Estes. “We’re building for the future of freight, ensuring our network can deliver the speed and dependability today’s supply chains demand.”

Alongside terminal expansion, Estes continued investing in fleet equipment to support the growing network. In 2025, the company added 1,170 tractors, 77 straight trucks, and 600 trailers, along with over 246,000 cargo straps, 365,900 airbags, and 54,000 load bars.

Technology Investments Improve Network Efficiency

Estes also emphasized technology upgrades as part of its broader growth strategy. “Estes’ ongoing investments in technology also delivered value in 2025 by lowering overhead operational costs and rendering the best service at the best price,” the company said.

Those investments resulted in reduced shipment handling, fewer returns, fewer miles between stops, improved fleet safety through equipment tracking and analytics, and electronic delivery receipts available within seven minutes for customers who opted in.

Network Growth Drives Customer Value

Estes’ continued focus on capacity, technology, and network efficiency contributed to strong customer feedback in 2025. The carrier earned Mastio’s fourth consecutive recognition as the number one Best Value National Carrier. Mastio cited improvements across 24 of 28 customer needs, an eight-point increase in Net Promoter Score, and top rankings in five key service categories.

By the end of 2025, Estes’ network surpassed 13,200 doors, representing an 8.7 percent increase during the year and a 32 percent gain over the past five years. At its current pace, the carrier said it is on track to exceed 14,000 doors by the end of 2026.

Source: The Trucker

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What Are Doubles?

Doubles mean pulling two trailers connected by a converter dolly behind a tractor. This setup is common in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight, allowing carriers to move more freight per trip. A higher level of skill and attention is demanded because doubles are longer and heavier than single trailers.

CDL Endorsements and Training

To haul doubles legally in the U.S., drivers need a Doubles/Triples endorsement, often called the T endorsement, on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This involves passing a written knowledge test specific to handling doubles and triples, covering safe coupling, air brake systems, and more.

While a formal behind-the-wheel test for doubles is not always required, many companies offer or require specialized training to help drivers get comfortable with the unique demands of doubles.

Benefits of Driving Doubles

• Increased Earning Potential: Due to the added responsibility and complexity, doubles drivers typically earn more than those hauling single trailers. According to recent data, experienced doubles drivers can make upwards of $90,000 annually depending on region and employer.
• Efficiency: Hauling two trailers can mean fewer trips for the same amount of freight, improving fuel efficiency and delivery speed in some operations.
• Skill Development: Mastering doubles improves your overall driving skills, especially with backing, turning, and spatial awareness.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

• Maneuverability: Doubles are longer and less forgiving in tight spaces. Navigating city streets, sharp turns, and parking requires patience and practice.
• Parking and Rest Stops: Finding parking spots that can accommodate doubles can be tough, so planning rest breaks becomes even more critical.
• Weather Sensitivity: Because doubles have a larger surface area, they can be more affected by wind and slippery conditions.

Driving doubles isn’t for every trucker, but for those looking to advance their career and increase earnings, it’s a valuable skill set. If you’re considering this path, focus on getting the proper T endorsement and seek out quality training. Always prioritize safety, plan your routes carefully, and take your time mastering the maneuvering challenges doubles bring.

The post What Every CDL Driver Should Know Before Hauling Double Trailers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Changes to NMFC and Public Meeting Announcement

To discuss the proposals laid out in Docket 2025-1, the Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025, coinciding with the NMFTA Spring Meeting in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Stakeholders—including shippers, carriers, and 3PLs—are encouraged to participate and contribute feedback ahead of the meeting. Submitted insights should address the transportation characteristics (such as density, handling, stowability, and liability) or consider relevant packaging methods tied to proposed updates.

Feedback can be submitted through the following options:

• Online form on the NMFTA website

• Email: fcdc@nmfta.org

• Postal mail: Freight Classification Development Council, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314

• Meeting attendance: Complete the “Intent to Attend” form at least three business days prior to the meeting.

Submission Deadline: All feedback must be received by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Expert Commitment to Simplicity and Efficiency

“After consulting with NMFTA’s membership and NMFC users, our primary goal throughout this process is to make the logistics process smoother for supply chain professionals. To do so, we determined the current LTL freight classification system must be simplified,” said Keith Peterson, director of operations for NMFTA. “Of the 7,000 NMFC commodities, we’ve altered nearly one-third of the listings.”

NMFTA has prepared several resources to help NMFC users understand the updates before the changes go live, including:

• “NMFC Changes: What to Expect” video

• 2025 NMFC Changes List (PDF)

• List of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Recordings of LTL-specific listening sessions

Visit nmfcchanges.com for access to these materials and more insights about the upcoming adjustments.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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