The Morning Mile — Monday, Oct. 5

Good morning, drivers. Here is what you need to know to start Monday, October 5.

Blockbuster brokerage deal: C.H. Robinson is acquiring RXO — $17.25 a share in cash plus 0.856 CHRW shares per RXO share, a $30.25-a-share valuation. RXO jumped 21.86% in premarket trading while C.H. Robinson slid 4.89%.

New front in freight fraud: Mexican trade officials warn identity thieves are impersonating importers and customs brokers to steal customs payments. Attempted identity fraud in U.S. cargo operations is up 213% since 2023, per IDScan.net — always verify banking-change requests through a second channel.

Tougher contractor test in New Jersey: The ABC test for independent contractor status took effect Oct. 1 with no industry carve-outs. The "outside the usual course of business" prong is the one that puts carrier-contractor relationships at risk.