Latest Industry News Briefs Courtesy of PMTA

May 2025

Trucking Industry Praises Reopening of GHG3

Washington, DC… Following the announcement that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will reopen the Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas emissions standards and review the federal NOx standard, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear issued this statement:

“We commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental laws and demonstrating bold leadership on this critical issue that affects not only the 8.5 million men and women who work in trucking, but all Americans.

“GHG3 in its current form is unachievable given the state of battery-electric technology and the sheer lack of charging infrastructure. This rule has been an albatross for the trucking industry, threatening to reduce equipment availability, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and cause major supply chain disruptions.

“It is critically important that the federal government set realistic standards with achievable targets and timelines. Prior to the imposition of GHG3, EPA used a collaborate process that served the agency and the trucking industry well and allowed us to make monumental progress to reduce emissions. As a result, sixty trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988.

“The trucking industry welcomes the resumption of this productive partnership with EPA. Crafting a new national rule will prevent states like California from attempting to make an end run around the administration, creating a patchwork of impossible mandates that would jeopardize our economy. ATA looks forward to working with the Trump Administration to develop realistic, technology-neutral federal emissions standards that will benefit our environment, preserve and create jobs, and set our industry and supply chain up for success.”

Trucking Industry Backs Bill Cracking Down on Costly, Dangerous Staged Accidents

The American Trucking Associations applauded Congressmen Mike Collins (R-Georgia) and Brandon Gill (R-Texas) for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act.

The bill would make it a federal crime to engineer a crash with a commercial motor vehicle. This hazardous and increasingly pervasive phenomenon is being used by criminals to manipulate the legal system and extort seven-figure settlements from trucking companies.

“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk. These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and contributing to soaring insurance premiums,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “ATA commends Congressmen Mike Collins and Brandon Gill for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would close legal loopholes that criminals are exploiting to attack America’s hardworking truckers. By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties that apply to all of the conspirators involved in staged collisions, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.”

A wide range of schemes in recent years have targeted trucking companies, and these sophisticated fraudsters often have ties to organized crime. One such criminal ring was exposed in Louisiana for staging accidents with unsuspecting commercial trucks beginning in 2011. To date, 63 people have been indicted in the federal probe into this conspiracy, including plaintiff attorneys who are alleged to have been the masterminds.

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would provide a strong, necessary deterrent to prevent these dangerous and costly schemes from taking root, while offering critical protections to the motor carriers and drivers who tirelessly power our nation’s economy and supply chain.

Specifically, the bill establishes straightforward criminal penalties not just for the drivers who stage these collisions – but also for the attorneys, physicians, and other co-conspirators who knowingly participate in the fraud to extort victimized motor carriers.

Together for Safer Roads Launches TSR Direct Vision Leadership Council

New York, NY… Together for Safer Roads (TSR), a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing road safety through cross-sector collaboration and technological innovation, proudly announces the formation of the TSR Direct Vision Leadership Council.

Making sure that drivers can see what’s happening on the road in front, and to the side of them, is essential to reducing roadway fatalities and injuries. Research shows that driving a conventionally designed truck results in a 23% increase in pedestrian collisions versus trucks optimized for direct vision. In contrast, in London, where trucks have been required to meet a direct vision standard since 2019, the city has recorded a 49% reduction in the number of fatal collisions involving large trucks and a 64% reduction in crashes causing severe injuries where vision was a factor.

“Introducing direct vision vehicles into fleets — especially those operating in urban environments — can help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities,” said Peter Goldwasser, TSR’s Executive Director. “Our new Direct Vision Leadership Council provides an essential forum for key stakeholders — drivers, manufacturers, fleet managers and operators, and insurance and safety experts — to share information about the potential and practicalities of direct vision vehicles and provide their expertise to guide future safety research and development.”

Composed of vehicle OEMs, large and small fleet operators, insurance providers, and other key stakeholders, the formation of the Council follows TSR publishing its foundational ‘Direct Vision Transition Guide: An Operator’s Guide to Transforming Fleets for Safety’ and coincides with a number of pilot programs launched to demonstrate the safety benefits of direct vision vehicles.

One key goal of the Leadership Council’s work will be to identify barriers and address challenges that can hinder widespread adoption of direct vision vehicles in North American fleets. Challenges include lack of awareness about the benefits of direct vision; procurement policies restricting what types of vehicles municipal governments can buy; and perceptions that direct vision vehicles are only applicable in the waste/recycling space. In addition, the Leadership Council will help TSR and supporting researchers gather information on financial, road safety, and workplace safety benefits that can come from deploying direct vision vehicles.

To overcome these hurdles and expand the market for high-vision trucks in North America, TSR’s Direct Vision Leadership Council will:

* Identify misconceptions and answer questions about direct vision vehicles and support TSR in the development of key messaging materials;

* Provide data on crashes to develop empirical analyses of direct vision benefits, such as safety as well as claims and insurance costs;

* Identify procurement barriers and suggest opportunities to address them; and

* Leverage internal resources to spread information about direct vision vehicles to primary and secondary market purchasers.

“Safer, high vision fleet vehicles are a long-term priority at Dennis Eagle and we look forward to working with our colleagues across the industry to increase access to this life-saving equipment,” said Geoff Rigg of refuse collection vehicle manufacturer Dennis Eagle Inc., who will serve as a co-chair of the Leadership Council. “The TSR Direct Vision Leadership Council will harness the power of collaboration as we all work toward the shared goal of safer fleets and roads.”

“We are excited to chart the course with TSR and other Council members to make high vision the norm in all fleets large and small,” said Bryan Fenster of refuse vehicle innovator McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., who will also co-chair the Council. “There’s significant potential to protect vulnerable road users through safety-focused truck design and collaborating with other innovators is the key to accelerating this process.”

“As the nation’s largest municipal fleet in one of the most densely populated urban areas, we know that driver visibility in trucks is crucial to safety. Just last year, the City issued a critical new policy, Executive Order 39, directly addressing this issue, by mandating that all city fleet and contractor trucks meet minimum vision standards or be equipped with surround cameras to address blind zone issues,” said Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer, Deputy Commissioner the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). “Through the TSR Direct Vision Leadership Council, we will have an opportunity to share these experiences and guide other cities to develop safer fleets.”

“With pedestrian deaths at their highest level in 40 years, this type of collaboration on solutions is urgently needed,” said Becky Mueller, a senior research engineer at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) who is joined on the Council by IIHS Senior Research Scientist David Kidd. “We are excited to contribute to this important group and help develop new insights for commercial vehicle safety.”

“Partnering with experts, local agencies, and local communities enhances road safety. We believe that continuously improving commercial vehicle design and advancing safety technology are key to making roads safer — with the new TSR Council providing strategic direction for this effort,” said Andres Peñate, Global VP of Corporate Affairs at AB InBev and Board Chair of TSR.

“The implementation of more stringent direct vision requirements for operating a heavy goods vehicle in Greater London has proven to reduce serious injury and death on the roads,” said Christina Calderato of Transport for London. “We are proud to contribute our relevant insights from London to help increase awareness of direct vision vehicles in North America and hope that efforts like TSR’s new Direct Vision Standard will further build awareness and utilization”

“We pride ourselves on creating a strong safety culture at UPS and look forward to collaborating on TSR’s Direct Vision Leadership Council,” said Cormac Gilligan, Global Head, Environment, Health & Safety at UPS and board member of TSR. “By working together and sharing our expertise, we can help improve road safety for everyone.”

“As the leading national nonprofit safety advocate focused on eliminating preventable deaths and injuries in workplaces and on roadways, we know there is still a lot to be done to improve fleet truck safety,” said Mark Chung, Executive Vice President, Safety Leadership & Advocacy, National Safety Council. “With more trucks on the road than ever, the work that TSR’s Direct Vision Leadership Council will be doing to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities is urgent, and we look forward to participating and supporting these efforts.”

“As an international philanthropy dedicated to safe and sustainable mobility, we focus on direct vision because we know that the sheer size and weight of trucks leave little chance for vulnerable road users to survive crashes,” said Natalie Draisin, Director, North America Office & United Nations Representative, FIA Foundation. “We believe this new initiative will give us a forum for conversations about how to encourage private and public sector companies to select safer fleet trucks to address blind spots and safety standards.”

“At Interstate Waste Services, we’ve used direct-vision trucks in New York City and the tri-state area for years because they help make our operations safer — for our drivers and for the communities we serve. We’re glad to support Together for Safer Roads in sharing what we’ve learned and exploring new ways to integrate direct-vision vehicles to improve safety for everyone on the road,” said Sal Mastriani, Vice President of Risk Management.

"NWRA is honored to serve on the Direct Vision Leadership Council, recognizing the critical role our drivers and helpers play as both operators of heavy trucks and vulnerable road users when they exit their vehicles to collect waste and recycling containers,” said Kirk Sander, Senior Vice President, Chief Safety and Standards, National Waste & Recycling Association. “With TSR’s leadership, we are advancing safety innovations that will make heavy trucks safer and protect all road users. We are committed to working alongside TSR and fellow Council members to drive meaningful change and enhance roadway safety."

"Raising awareness of what makes a vehicle safe for people outside the vehicle is essential for us to meet our goal of eliminating traffic deaths,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets for Boston. “TSR's recent collaboration with the City of Boston contributed to large vehicle safety recommendations that can benefit our entire fleet and make City streets safer. We look forward to working with the council on advancing road safety."

Learn more at www.togetherforsaferroads.org.

Five Professional Drivers Recognized as 2025 TCA Drivers of the Year

On the evening of March 18, during the Annual Closing Banquet at the Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, TCA, alongside sponsors Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops, proudly announced and celebrated the five winners of the 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year. Chosen from a competitive group of nominees, these drivers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the trucking industry, their unwavering commitment to safety, and their exceptional leadership both on and off the road. Each driver received $20,000 and was greeted with a standing ovation during the awards ceremony.

The 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year are:

* Perry Carter, Cargo Transporters

* Scott Lindsey, Cheema Freightlines

* Toby Wallis, Freymiller

* Walter Jackson, Landstar

* Gerald Rhoden, Stevens Transport

These drivers have made significant impacts within the trucking industry and their communities. Their stories of resilience, dedication to safety, and service to their local areas serve as inspiration to others in the profession. To learn more about their individual journeys, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com/Stories.

“Receiving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and hard work these drivers show every day,” said Jon Archard, Vice President of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. “These drivers embody the core values that we at Love’s hold dear, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to motivate and inspire others in the trucking community.”

José Samperio, Vice President and General Manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “We are honored to sponsor this recognition and highlight these exceptional drivers who are the backbone of our industry. Their commitment to excellence on the road and their impact on their local communities are truly lasting.”

Nominations for the 2026 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

Federal Lawsuits Seek To Block California’s Heavy Diesel Regulations

By Rebecca Oyler, PMTA

Recently filed petitions aim to put the breaks on CARB's Omnibus Low-NOx regulation

Multiple coalitions of industry groups have recently filed lawsuits seeking to block California’s new “Omnibus” Low-NOx regulation, which affects businesses across the country that use heavy-duty diesel trucks. The suits, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, challenge the EPA’s decision to rubber stamp the regulation, which sets record-low thresholds for emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles and engines.

The Clean Air Act generally gives the EPA the power to set vehicle emissions standards for the country, while forbidding states from creating their own alternative standards. But the Act exempts California (and only California) from that prohibition, allowing it to craft its own vehicle emission standards. Once the EPA approves California’s standards, every state must choose either the EPA’s standards or California’s standards. To date, 17 states (including Pennsylvania) and D.C. have implemented standards created by California under this federal regime.

Many of PMTA’s members are all too familiar with California’s burdensome emissions regulations, since Pennsylvania adopts California’s standards for emissions for heavy diesel engines on a rolling basis. PMTA is a named plaintiff in a separate lawsuit, filed in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, challenging the state regulations that purportedly permit this rolling incorporation of California law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

ATA Urges Congress to Revoke California Emissions Waivers

Washington, DC… American Trucking Associations sent a letter to Republican leaders in the House and Senate, calling on them to take the regulatory keys away from California and prevent the Golden State from setting de facto national emissions policies in the future.

Specifically, in his letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear urged Congress to:

* Use the Congressional Review Act to immediately revoke the Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus NOx waivers granted to California by the Biden Administration and adopted by 10 other states.

* Amend the Clean Air Act to revoke the statute’s waiver authority, preserving federal purview over interstate commerce.

“As the primary mover of more than three quarters of the nation’s freight, the trucking industry requires uniform, national rules and standards to facilitate interstate commerce and deliver for American businesses and families safely and efficiently,” Spear wrote. “When the Biden Administration granted waivers to California under the Clean Air Act, establishing technically unachievable emission standards along unrealistic timelines, it created a cascade of consequences that are now reverberating across the country, setting the trucking industry up for failure, and threatening to upend the supply chain for consumers.”

With purchase cycles already underway, fleets face difficult decisions that will impact their operations and costs for years to come. Beginning with the 2024 model year, ACT mandates that manufacturers progressively increase zero-emission vehicle sales.

“As you look at various legislative vehicles to expedite a range of policy priorities this year, we ask that you consider any and all legislative means to address this issue, which affects every consumer and business across the country,” Spear continued.

Trucks today produce 99% fewer nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions than those on the road decades ago, and new trucks cut carbon emissions by over 40 percent compared to a truck manufactured in 2010. As a result, 60 of today’s trucks emit what just one truck did in 1988.

This progress was made possible through a collaborative relationship between the Environmental Protection Agency and the trucking industry. By repealing California’s waivers, EPA will be empowered to develop realistic, technology-neutral federal emissions standards that will benefit our environment, preserve and create jobs, and set the trucking industry and supply chain up for success

ATA Truck Tonnage Index Jumped 3% in February

Washington , DC… Trucking activity in the United States surged 3% in February, marking the largest sequential increase in several years. February’s gains followed a slight decline in January, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.

“After a scant 0.1% decline in January, which wasn’t bad considering the harsh winter weather and California wildfires, truck tonnage had a robust gain in February” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “This outcome fits well with our growing optimism for the truck freight market after a two-year recession. Some of the gain in February was due to accelerated imports early in the year as shippers rushed to bring products into the U.S. before tariffs hit. Even accounting for this, the first two months of the year were positive, all things considered, indicating that the freight recovery has indeed begun.”

In February, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 115.2, up from 111.9 in January. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was up 0.6% from the same month last year, the second straight year-over-year increase, which hasn’t happened since early 2023.

The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 104.8 in February, 4.7% below January’s reading of 110.0. s

ATA Backs Bipartisan Effort to Eliminate Truck and Trailer Tax

Washington, DC… The American Trucking Associations applauded congressional leaders for introducing legislation to repeal the antiquated federal excise tax on the purchase of new trucks and trailers.

“First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs. Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”

The FET began in 1917 to help finance World War I. Today, it is the highest percentage federal excise tax – at 12 percent – levied on any product, amounting to a $6 billion annual burden on the trucking industry. In many cases, this exorbitant additional expense simply puts new trucks out of reach, and small businesses with less access to capital are disproportionately harmed. 96% of U.S. trucking companies are small businesses operating 10 trucks or fewer. Keeping this tax on the books decreases orders for trucks and trailers, consequently reducing manufacturing jobs. It also delays the deployment of new trucks and trailers, which have greater environmental and safety benefits compared to older models still on the road.

The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025 was introduced in the House by a bipartisan coalition of Congressmen led by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-California), Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire), Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), Salud Carbajal (D-California), and Max Miller (R-Ohio).

ATA Applauds Introduction of Bills to Roll Back California’s Waiver Authority

Washington, DC… The American Trucking Associations recognized Members of Congress for introducing resolutions in the House of Representatives to immediately revoke the Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus NOx waivers granted to California. Earlier this week, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear sent a letter to Republican leaders in the House and Senate urging them to move this legislation forward quickly.

The measures of disapproval were introduced by Reps. John Joyce (R-Pennsylvania), John James (R-Michigan), Jay Obernolte (R-California), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Doug LaMalfa (R-California), Kevin Kiley (R-California), and Lisa McClain (R-Michigan).

“The trucking industry commends our congressional champions for introducing these resolutions, which would take the regulatory keys away from unelected CARB bureaucrats whose mad dash to zero poses a grave threat to the supply chain and our economy,” Spear said. “The patchwork of unachievable EV mandates enabled by EPA’s waivers to California threatened to significantly raise costs for American consumers without delivering the promised environmental benefits.”

“Thanks to the leadership of these lawmakers, Congress can restore EPA’s authority to set commonsense, achievable national standards that promote innovation and put us back on the path to lowering emissions while accounting for the operational realities of our essential industry,” Spear continued. “We look forward to working with Members of Congress in both chambers to pass these resolutions expeditiously and send them to President Trump’s desk where they can be signed into law.”