Transportation news and information for our St. Louis, Missouri, transportation industry

St. Louis Transportation and Mobility Plan Draft Revealed:

The City of St. Louis is unveiling its Transportation and Mobility Plan draft at public events in July 2025, focusing on improving urban and regional transportation infrastructure. This includes enhancements to freight routes and urban navigation in St. Louis, which could benefit trucking efficiency. Your organization can  attend open house events or the bike network workshop to provide input and stay informed on changes impacting local freight movement.(https://stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/news/transportation-mobility-plan-draft.cfm)

Illinois trucking Index Report for week of July 14th, 2025:

FLASH INDEX From Illinois Trucking Assoc.

• The weekly Flash Index for July 14 is 104.57 on a scale where 100 is considered a flat economy. Readings above 100 indicate a growing economy; below 100 indicates a shrinking economy.
• This is an increase of 1.04 points from last week.
• One year ago, the index was 95.14.

MoDOT Bridge Repair Impacts I-270 Trucking Routes:

On July 9, 2025, a tractor-trailer damaged a bridge girder on I-270 over I-44 in St. Louis County, leading to a right lane closure on northbound I-270. This closure, reported by MoDOT, may delay maintenance schedules and deliveries for local fleets. Truckers should ensure vehicles are in top condition to avoid breakdowns in detour traffic and check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map (http://traveler.modot.org/) for real-time updates to plan routes and maintain compliance with local traffic regulations.

Brake Inspection Initiative Highlights Maintenance Needs:

A recent FMCSA brake inspection initiative, reported on X, found 8.7% of inspected trucks and buses out of service due to brake-related violations. Proper brake maintenance is critical to avoid penalties and ensure safety. Encourage your customers to prioritize regular brake inspections and maintenance, especially given Missouri’s weigh-in-motion systems and strict compliance checks, to stay road-ready and avoid out-of-service orders.(https://fleetequipmentmag.com/strict-trucking-laws-states-commercial-truck-trader)

I-255 Improvements Complete Good news for St. Louis routes:

Upgrades to I-255 finished ahead of schedule, meaning smoother, safer travel for your crews and less risk of breakdowns or vehicle damage due to rough pavement. Remember, weekend lane restrictions remain in effect on nearby interstates for ongoing lighting improvement projects. (link here)

Freight Market Stalls, but Fuel Costs Offer Relief:

The trucking market has stalled in the first half of 2025, with spot rates for dry vans at $1.60 per mile (excluding fuel), slightly up from $1.54 a year ago, but no significant growth is expected due to trade policy uncertainties. However, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts declining diesel prices in 2025, potentially lowering fuel costs below 45 cents per mile. Review new accessories and maintenance programs to optimize fuel efficiency and monitor market trends for cost-saving opportunities.

FMCSA’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Enforcement Tightens Compliance:

The FMCSA’s stricter enforcement of English Language Proficiency rules under 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2), effective June 2025, requires drivers to demonstrate adequate English skills during inspections. Non-compliance can result in immediate out-of-service orders, disrupting operations. CarriersEdge’s new ELP assessment tool, launched in June 2025, helps fleets evaluate drivers using audio-visual tests. Recommend your customers train drivers and document compliance to avoid costly downtime and fines up to $4,473 per violation.

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