TRUCKING NEWS
Industry updates explained for drivers and trainees
Timely context on regulation, safety, employment, equipment, and operating costs—with links to official sources when rules are involved.
Arkansas Blitz Places 393 Drivers and Vehicles Out of Service in 48 Hours
Operation Highway Shield completed 1,724 commercial-vehicle inspections and reported more than 1,000 motor-carrier safety violations across Arkansas freight corridors.
October 31, 2026 · 6 minFreight Spending Jumps 32.1% as Shipment Growth Stays Near Flat
U.S. Bank's third-quarter freight index shows shipper spending rising far faster than shipment volume as diesel costs, tighter truck capacity, and stronger pricing reshape the market.
October 30, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Renames Complaint Portal and Highlights ELDT and ELD Reporting Paths
The former National Consumer Complaint Database is now the FMCSA Complaint Center, with dedicated complaint categories for ELDT providers, ELD providers, coercion, unsafe equipment, registration fraud, and other industry problems.
October 29, 2026 · 7 minPAM Transport Asks FMCSA to Relax Front-Seat Rule for Post-Test CLP Drivers
FMCSA is taking comments on PAM Transport's request to let certain CLP holders who passed the CDL skills test drive while a qualified CDL holder remains elsewhere in the vehicle.
October 28, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Says Motus Fix Is Still Weeks Away, With No Full Repair Date
FMCSA's deputy administrator says the Motus registration system is improving but still lacks a firm stabilization date, while temporary biennial-update relief and support procedures remain in place.
October 27, 2026 · 7 minJetco Launches Specialized Cargo Division for Gulf Coast Heavy Haul
Houston-based Jetco has launched a specialized cargo division backed by new tractors, high-capacity trailers, and a dedicated team for oversize and overweight projects along the Gulf Coast.
October 26, 2026 · 7 minRain and Mountain Snow Spread Across Southeast Wyoming Freight Routes
The National Weather Service expects widespread rain and mountain snow Sunday into Monday, with locally heavy rain possible in the Nebraska Panhandle and colder conditions across southeast Wyoming.
October 25, 2026 · 7 minNHTSA Proposes Cyan Marker Lights for Fully Automated Vehicles
A new federal proposal would standardize optional cyan lamps that show when an automated driving system is actively controlling a vehicle, while updating lighting rules for vehicles built without manual controls.
October 24, 2026 · 7 minRail Intermodal Gains as High Diesel Costs Pull Freight From Long-Haul Trucks
Third-quarter results show intermodal volume gains at three major U.S. railroads as expensive fuel and tighter truck capacity change the economics of long-distance freight.
October 23, 2026 · 7 minDOE Offers 315,000 Barrels From Northeast Fuel Reserve as Diesel Costs Stay High
The Energy Department authorized a competitive exchange from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, adding a temporary regional supply measure as diesel costs remain elevated.
October 22, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Posts Five Training-Provider Removal Orders in One Day
FMCSA posted five Training Provider Registry removal-review orders on October 20, including two dismissals and three orders requiring responses in emergency-removal cases.
October 21, 2026 · 7 minFreightliner M2 Recall Covers 2,592 Vehicles Over Fuel-Leak and Stall Risk
Certain Freightliner M2 and 108SD trucks and FCCC chassis with Cummins L9 engines are being recalled because a remote fuel-filter hose may separate, leak fuel, and stall the engine.
October 20, 2026 · 7 minKansas City Cattle-Truck Crash Shows How Secondary Hazards Can Spread
A livestock semi left an elevated I-70 curve and landed on I-35, injuring two drivers and releasing cattle across Kansas City. The cause remains unconfirmed, but the response offers important CMV emergency lessons.
October 19, 2026 · 7 minSan Antonio I-10 Closure Sends Trucks onto a Separate Loop 1604 Detour
Eastbound I-10 closes overnight at Loop 1604 through early Monday, and trucks and oversize vehicles have a dedicated detour that differs from the passenger-vehicle route.
October 18, 2026 · 6 minAurora's Driverless Fleet Reaches About 20 Trucks on Texas Freight Routes
A new operating snapshot shows about 20 Aurora driverless trucks hauling freight, while distributor McLane plans to add up to 10 by year-end. The update is meaningful, but it does not signal broad replacement of CDL jobs.
October 17, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Says All States Now Use Three-Stage DataQs Reviews
All 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories have implemented new DataQs requirements with independent review stages and firm response timelines for disputed safety records.
October 16, 2026 · 7 minTexas Count Reaches 6,407 Non-Domiciled CDL Downgrades
A newly reported Texas DPS count shows 6,407 drivers lost commercial privileges after file reviews and tighter federal eligibility rules. Drivers and fleets should verify license status before dispatch—not rely on the card alone.
October 15, 2026 · 7 minU.S. Invokes Defense Production Act to Expand a Texas Refinery
The administration says Delek's Tyler refinery will add commercial- and military-grade fuel output, but the funding, capacity increase, construction schedule, and completion date have not been disclosed.
October 14, 2026 · 7 minRussia Diesel Release Is Less Than One Day of U.S. Transport Demand
A newly announced 300,000-metric-ton diesel release equals about 2.25 million barrels—less than one day of U.S. transport-sector use—so carriers should not assume immediate relief at the pump.
October 13, 2026 · 7 minPaper Medical-Certificate Proof Ends Nationwide; Alaska Gets a One-Year Extension
Beginning October 12, CDL and CLP holders licensed outside Alaska—and their carriers—may no longer rely on a paper medical examiner's certificate as proof of medical qualification for any period of time.
October 12, 2026 · 8 minRachel Puts Southern California Freight Routes Under Flood and Wind Alerts
NWS San Diego kept multiple flood, coastal, wind, and marine alerts in effect late October 10 as Rachel's impacts approached Southern California, requiring commercial drivers to recheck routes, passes, parking, and delivery access before moving.
October 11, 2026 · 7 minHurricane Isaias Crosses the Florida Panhandle With Damaging Winds and Flash-Flood Risk
Hurricane Isaias moved over the western Florida Panhandle late October 9 with 90 mph sustained winds as damaging wind and flash-flood threats spread inland, requiring commercial drivers to recheck routes before dispatch.
October 10, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Registry Shows Nearly 10,000 ELDT Training Locations Removed
FMCSA's live Training Provider Registry listed 9,967 removed training locations on October 9, underscoring why CDL applicants should verify the exact provider, location, and curriculum before paying or starting ELDT.
October 9, 2026 · 8 minFMCSA Grants Five-Year Warning-Beacon Exemption for Level 4 Trucks
FMCSA has approved a five-year exemption allowing eligible Level 4 autonomous commercial trucks to use high-visibility cab-mounted warning beacons instead of requiring a person to place warning triangles around a stopped vehicle.
October 8, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Opens Comment Period on a 14-Hour Driving-Window Pause Study
FMCSA is seeking public input through December 7 on data collection for a 2027 pilot that would let about 256 participating property-carrying CMV drivers pause the 14-hour window for up to three hours.
October 7, 2026 · 7 minFord Recalls 28,450 Super Duty Trucks Over Possible Headlamp Failure
NHTSA recall 26V606 covers selected 2026 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks whose contaminated LED chips may cause exterior lights to become dim or inoperative.
October 6, 2026 · 7 minConnecticut Raises the Fine for Violating Weather Travel Orders to $250
Connecticut now allows a fine of up to $250 for violating a governor-issued travel restriction order, making the exact order, covered roads, vehicle classes, exceptions, and end time essential pre-dispatch checks.
October 5, 2026 · 7 minIndependent Truckers Park Rigs as Diesel Cash-Flow Squeeze Deepens
Fresh reporting shows some small carriers parking trucks or rejecting freight that no longer covers fuel, even as national diesel averages have eased from September's record.
October 4, 2026 · 7 minTruck Transportation Payrolls Edge Above Last Year After September Gain
BLS estimates that truck-transportation payrolls added 2,600 jobs in September, bringing seasonally adjusted employment to 1.4731 million—slightly above its year-earlier level.
October 3, 2026 · 7 min2027 UCR Registration Opens With Higher Fees for Interstate Carriers
The 2027 Unified Carrier Registration portal opened October 1 with higher annual fees in every fleet-size bracket, giving interstate operators a new compliance cost to budget before January 1.
October 2, 2026 · 7 minFour-State Night Inspection Sweep Puts 78 CMV Drivers Out of Service
A coordinated overnight enforcement operation across South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia completed 552 inspections and placed 78 drivers and 25 vehicles out of service.
October 1, 2026 · 7 minTexas Opens Dyed-Diesel Use and 95,000-Pound Relief for Key Truck Loads
Texas temporarily expanded dyed-diesel use on public roads and weight relief for eligible fuel, agricultural, and timber loads, but the order does not waive the underlying fuel tax or federal rules.
September 30, 2026 · 7 minConnecticut I-95 Worker Death Renews Move-Over Warning for Commercial Drivers
After a CTDOT worker was struck and killed while clearing debris from I-95, commercial drivers should refresh move-over, speed, spacing, and roadside-work safety practices.
September 29, 2026 · 7 minIRS Keeps the Special Trucking Per Diem at $80 for the New Fiscal Year
IRS Notice 2026-60 keeps the transportation-industry meal and incidental expense rate at $80 in the continental U.S. and $86 outside it for qualifying travel beginning October 1.
September 28, 2026 · 7 minHurricane Nolo Brings 75-mph Wind Risk to Hawaii's High-Profile Vehicles
A High Wind Warning tied to Hurricane Nolo calls for gusts up to 75 mph across parts of Maui County and the Big Island, creating a serious crosswind and route-planning risk for commercial vehicles.
September 27, 2026 · 7 minFlash Flood Emergency Hits New Mexico's I-25 Corridor Near Socorro
An overnight flash flood emergency covered I-25 mile markers 139–158 near Socorro after spotters reported up to six inches of rain, requiring commercial drivers to verify the corridor before travel.
September 26, 2026 · 7 minTesla Begins New Semi Deliveries From Its Nevada Factory
Tesla says it is delivering Semi trucks to a first group of customers from its Sparks, Nevada plant, while leaving current production volume and pricing undisclosed.
September 25, 2026 · 7 minMid-Atlantic Coastal Storm Brings Flooded Roads and 45–50 mph Gusts
A strengthening offshore low is producing repeated tidal flooding and strong northeast winds along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts, requiring fresh route, bridge, and parking checks for commercial drivers.
September 24, 2026 · 7 minAmazon Delivery Partner Plans 230 San Antonio-Area Layoffs
4XH Logistics told Texas officials that 230 layoffs are scheduled from November 6 through November 19 as the Amazon delivery partner ramps down operations, creating a near-term job transition for drivers and other workers.
September 23, 2026 · 7 minU.S. Diesel Breaks $6.50, Setting a New National Record
AAA put the national diesel average at a record $6.5107 per gallon on September 21—up 28.1 cents in a week and nearly 93.5 cents in a month—adding immediate pressure to trucking cash flow and fuel-surcharge planning.
September 22, 2026 · 7 minEastern Iowa Flash Flooding Reaches the I-380 Corridor: A CMV Route Check
A National Weather Service warning covered six eastern Iowa counties and I-380 between mile markers 8 and 36 after heavy overnight rain, while local flooding continued to affect Cedar Rapids and Marion.
September 21, 2026 · 7 minSevere Storms Put Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle Freight Routes on Alert
NWS Amarillo warned that storms could bring large hail and damaging winds to the eastern Panhandles, with additional thunderstorm and possible flooding concerns extending into the new week.
September 20, 2026 · 7 minWyoming Rest-Area Attack Raises Personal-Safety Concerns for Truck Drivers
A truck driver survived a violent attack at the Bitter Creek rest area on Interstate 80, prompting renewed attention to personal security during remote stops and respectful treatment of Sikh drivers.
September 19, 2026 · 7 minFour California Electric-Truck Depots Will Add 30 MW of Charging Capacity
Forum Mobility announced four new heavy-duty charging depots on September 17, with Tesla set to operate public Megacharging sites at three locations in Ontario and Oakland.
September 18, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Grants a 90-Day HOS Waiver for Gasoline and Diesel Haulers
A new federal waiver allows qualifying fuel-hauling drivers to operate within a 16-hour window during a 24-hour period, while preserving required rest and excluding carriers with conditional safety ratings.
September 17, 2026 · 7 minCharlotte County Restricts Roadside Truck Parking for Large Commercial Vehicles
Charlotte County commissioners voted to restrict large commercial vehicles and equipment from parking in county-maintained rights-of-way, with citations and possible towing for repeat violations.
September 16, 2026 · 7 minFMCSA Schedules a One-Hour CDL Verification Outage for September 17
Clearinghouse users will be unable to verify driver CDL information from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17 while the CDLIS Gateway undergoes maintenance.
September 15, 2026 · 6 minFlash Flooding Hits the Northeast I-95 Corridor: What Commercial Drivers Should Check
Sunday's flash flooding caused road closures and vehicle rescues across coastal Connecticut, Westchester County and northern New Jersey, making a fresh official route check essential before dispatch.
September 14, 2026 · 6 minNational Truck Driver Appreciation Week Begins Across the U.S.
The September 13–19 observance recognizes more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers—and gives fleets a timely reason to turn thanks into safer, more supportive working conditions.
September 13, 2026 · 5 minFMCSA Extends Nebraska Wildfire HOS Relief Through October 11
A September 11 extension gives qualifying property-carrying drivers supporting Nebraska wildfire and drought relief a limited break from federal maximum-driving-time rules—not a blanket safety waiver.
September 12, 2026 · 6 minTruck Freight Transportation Prices Rose 2.0% in August, BLS Reports
New federal producer-price data show truck-freight transportation prices increased in August, but the index should not be read as a universal rate increase or proof of higher carrier margins.
September 11, 2026 · 6 minEIA Raises Its 2027 Diesel Forecast to $4.40 as Inventories Stay Tight
The September 9 federal outlook raised next year’s U.S. retail diesel forecast by 33 cents per gallon and expects distillate inventories to remain unusually low through much of 2027.
September 10, 2026 · 6 minFMCSA’s September 8 Deadline Is Here for 10 Revoked ELDs
Drivers still using any of 10 revoked electronic logging devices may now be cited for operating without an ELD and placed out of service.
September 9, 2026 · 6 minExtreme Heat Warnings Cover South-Central Freight Regions: A CMV Readiness Check
National Weather Service alerts issued and extended on September 7 forecast dangerous heat across parts of the Plains and Mississippi Valley, requiring extra attention to drivers, equipment, and temperature-sensitive loads.
September 8, 2026 · 6 minHurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii Routes: What Commercial Drivers Should Check Before Dispatch
A Tropical Storm Warning for Kauai and Niihau, statewide flood risk, and damaging surf make route verification and conservative go/no-go decisions essential through Tuesday.
September 7, 2026 · 6 minNational Diesel Average Climbs to $5.88, Raising the Cost of Every Trucking Mile
AAA's September 5 update put the U.S. diesel average at $5.8819 per gallon, extending a record-price period and increasing the need for careful fuel and surcharge planning.
September 6, 2026 · 6 minTruck Transportation Added 4,800 Jobs in August, New BLS Data Shows
The latest federal employment report shows a monthly gain in truck-transportation payrolls, while the sector remained below its August 2025 level.
September 5, 2026 · 6 minSeptember CMV Safety Review: Five Checks Drivers Should Refresh
A new-month review of brakes, tires, lights, coupling equipment, and emergency gear before fall driving conditions arrive.
September 4, 2026 · 5 minELDT Completion Records: What Trainees Should Verify Before Testing
A practical check of provider registration, completed curriculum, and electronic reporting before a state appointment.
September 3, 2026 · 5 minRoadside Inspection Readiness Begins Before the Driver Leaves the Yard
Documents, vehicle condition, cargo securement, and calm communication remain the foundation of an efficient inspection.
September 2, 2026 · 5 minLabor Day Freight Travel: Why Commercial Trip Planning Needs Extra Margin
Holiday traffic, parking pressure, work zones, and changing delivery hours can turn a routine dispatch into a higher-risk trip.
September 1, 2026 · 4 minAfter Brake Safety Week: Turn Inspection Lessons Into Daily Habits
Brake-system attention should continue after an enforcement campaign ends, with defects routed promptly to qualified maintenance personnel.
August 31, 2026 · 5 minFall CDL Training Planning: Compare Schedules, Equipment, and Total Cost
Prospective students should evaluate the complete program rather than choosing from an advertised tuition number alone.
August 30, 2026 · 5 minCargo Securement Rechecks: The Safety Step Drivers Cannot Treat as Optional
Early and periodic load checks help drivers detect movement, loosened devices, or distribution problems before they become emergencies.
August 29, 2026 · 5 minHours-of-Service Planning: Legal Time Is Not the Same as a Safe Schedule
Drivers and dispatchers should account for delays, parking, fatigue, weather, and loading time before the trip begins.
August 28, 2026 · 5 minCDL Medical Status: Why Drivers Should Check the State Record, Not Only the Card
Self-certification category, examiner reporting, and state processing can affect commercial privileges even when a paper document looks current.
August 27, 2026 · 5 minBack-to-School Traffic Raises the Need for Wider Commercial-Vehicle Awareness
School buses, crossing activity, changing speed zones, and unpredictable family traffic require earlier observation and smoother decisions.
August 26, 2026 · 4 minWhat New Drivers Should Watch in Federal Compliance Updates
A plain-language checklist for reviewing official FMCSA notices without relying on social-media summaries.
August 25, 2026 · 5 minWhy Fuel-Cost Planning Still Matters for Driver Earnings
How changing fuel and surcharge conditions affect owner-operators and the job offers company drivers compare.
August 24, 2026 · 4 minEntry-Level Trucking Hiring: Skills Employers Evaluate First
Safety awareness, documentation, communication, and equipment care remain central to a strong application.
August 23, 2026 · 5 minBUILD YOUR CDL KNOWLEDGE
Prepare with a plan, not guesswork.
Use clear learning paths, practical tools, and focused practice for your next step.