Latest industry News Briefs Courtesy of PMTA
Survey: Canada = Some Concern Over US EN Language Proficiency Rules as Out-of-Service Begins
TORONTO, CANADA… One-in-five trucking companies indicated some of their drivers might struggle to comply with English language proficiency (ELP) requirements in the US, according to about 100 carriers who responded to Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) survey since May.
An average of 15 percent of the combined fleet of surveyed indicated drivers could negatively affected by the change in enforcement.
Under the new guidance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) longstanding English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements - FMCSR 391.11 (b)(2) - will be given added attention with new non-compliance consequences. The industry was notified May 20 commercial motor vehicle drivers who fail to comply with will be issued a citation and placed out-of-service when the CVSA driver out-of-service ( OOS) criteria go into effect June 25; and could potentially have their drivers’ licenses disqualified when warranted.
The policy announcement was prompted by a Presidential Executive Order issued in April of this year.
“The heightened enforcement attention on this issue has been in place since late May. We will be continuing to monitor the situation closely once the OOS goes active mid-next week and will be comparing it to the survey results,” says Geoff Wood, Sr Vice President, Policy, of the CTA. “While this appears manageable right now, the trucking industry is experiencing the worst freight recession in 40 years. The full impact to Canada-US trade would likely increase as economies improve and demand for freight transportation rises.”
Other than what has been published by FMCSA, there are no additional details from U.S. law enforcement on how drivers will be tested for language proficiency or exactly how enforcement will be applied in various jurisdictions. However, it is understood FMCSA’s intent is to ensure drivers can communicate effectively with enforcement officials and understand highway signage for the safe operation of their commercial vehicle on US roads and highways.
CTA will communicate any additional official details as they emerge and will continue to work with the carrier and enforcement communities to ensure communication and enforcement expectations are understood by all parties. FMCSA also posted FAQs that carriers are strongly encouraged to review. Click here for details.
CTA will be monitoring the application of the out-of-service criteria as it rolls out.
CTA members experiencing enforcement activity are asked to email [email protected] with details of the inspection and associated documentation.
What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Pennsylvania’s Trucking Industry
By Kammi Bredbenner, PMTA
On July 4, 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill—a sweeping tax and energy package with major implications for small businesses, familyowned companies, and the transportation sector. President Donald J. Trump signed the bill into law that same day, during a Fourth of July ceremony at the White House. For PMTA members, this legislation brings both significant opportunities and a few looming deadlines. Whether you’re an owner–operator looking to modernize your truck, a multigenerational family business planning for the future, or a small fleet wrestling with rising costs, this bill touches your operation. Here’s what it means for you:
Small Business Truckers Get Permanent Tax Relief
One of the most immediate wins for small carriers and owner-operators is that the bill made permanent the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) tax deduction under section 199A for pass-through businesses, which was originally introduced under the 2017 tax reform.
This provision gives small trucking companies more stability to invest, hire, or save. By preventing what would have been a significant tax increase, this is quiet game-changer for the countless independent contractors and family-owned operations that form the backbone of Pennsylvania’s trucking industry.
Equipment Investments Now Fully Deductible
The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers a powerful one-two punch for trucking companies investing in new equipment: a higher Section 179 expensing limit and the return of 100% bonus depreciation—both allowing full write-offs in the year purchases are made.
Under the updated law, the Section 179 deduction limit is now $2.5 million, with a phase-out starting at $4 million in total equipment purchases. That’s a substantial increase from 2024’s limits of $1.22 million and $3.05 million. And beginning in 2026, both thresholds will rise annually with inflation—ensuring the benefit keeps pace with rising costs for trucks, trailers, shop tools, and other assets.
Section 179 is especially useful for small and mid-sized fleets. It allows businesses to immediately expense the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year it’s placed into service—rather than spreading deductions over several years. For example, a company that buys two new trucks for $400,000 could deduct the entire amount that same year, reducing taxable income and freeing up cash for other priorities like safety equipment and workforce investments.
But the bill doesn’t stop there. It also restores 100% bonus depreciation until 2029. That means any qualified equipment—new or used—can be fully written off in the year it’s put into service, with no cap on the total amount.
Bonus depreciation is particularly helpful for larger carriers making investments above the Section 179 limit, or for companies that want to deduct all qualifying purchases without having to select individual assets. Together, these provisions create a massive incentive for trucking businesses to upgrade their fleets, add safety and fuel-efficiency features, or modernize shop operations.
Whether you're a one-truck owner-operator or a multi-generational fleet, these tax tools provide immediate, bottom-line savings and more flexibility to reinvest in your business.
Protecting Generational Trucking Businesses
Trucking has always been a family business. Many PMTA members can trace their company’s origins back two, three, or even four generations. The estate tax exemption made permanent in this bill ensures these companies can stay in the family without facing devastating tax burdens.
The bill locks in the higher federal estate and gift tax exemption from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—currently over $15 million per individual. Starting in 2026, the exemption will be indexed to inflation. That means family-owned fleets won’t be forced to sell off trucks, property, or business equity just to pay a tax bill when ownership passes from one generation to the next.
For rural and family-rooted firms, this provision safeguards the legacy they’ve built.
CDL Training Gets a Boost Through Education Savings
Attracting new drivers continues to be one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. The One Big Beautiful Bill expands the use of 529 education savings plans to cover vocational and technical training—including Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) programs.
That means families can use tax-free savings to send a son, daughter, spouse, or even themselves through a CDL course. This provision doesn’t just help individuals pursue a stable and high-demand career—it helps small trucking companies tap into a better-trained, more accessible workforce.
Locking in Tax Certainty for Individuals and Small Business
The bill also codifies key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and includes additional tax incentives to drive investment and grow the economy:
* Permanently extends the lower tax rates for individuals and small businesses. Maintains the 37% top bracket.
* Permanently doubles the standard deduction.
* Family and Medical Leave Credit made permanent.
* Seniors receive an additional $4,000 deduction.
* Childcare tax credit increased from $2,000 to $2,500 for tax years 2025-2028.
* Qualified workers working overtime as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 will no longer pay tax on overtime. No tax on tips.
* Employer-provided childcare tax credit increases to 40% (50% for small businesses).
For trucking firms operating on tight margins, tax stability is critical. This move allows PMTA members to plan with more certainty—whether you’re weighing a capital investment, retirement contributions, or expanding payroll.
Fueling the Future
On the energy front, the bill offers a mixed bag for trucking and the fuel marketers that support the industry.
The good news is that the Clean Fuel Production Credit (§45Z) for low-carbon fuels like biodiesel has been extended through 2029, with increased rates and stronger incentives for domestic production. This benefits fleets running on or shifting to renewable diesel and the infrastructure partners working to support them.
But the timeline for electric vehicle (EV) credits and clean energy infrastructure incentives is tightening. EV tax credits for both commercial and passenger vehicles will expire at the end of 2025, and the broader clean electricity and hydrogen production credits phase out by 2027. This accelerated sunset—combined with tighter domestic content and foreign ownership restrictions—means that businesses considering major energy-related investments will need to move quickly to benefit.
The Bottom Line
The One Big Beautiful Bill lives up to its name—for many in the trucking industry. It offers real tax relief, permanent planning tools, and targeted reforms that will help PMTA members grow, adapt, and invest. But it also puts some deadlines in place, particularly around energy investments.
PMTA will continue to track developments on this front and keep members informed.
Senate Passes Legislation to Address Towing Abuses in Pennsylvania
By Kammi Bredbenner, PMTA
SB 779 passed by a 49-1 vote margin would establish criminal penalties for predatory towers
The Pennsylvania State Senate recently passed Senate Bill 779 to address unlawful towing and storage facility practices. SB 779, which passed by a 49-1 vote margin would establish criminal penalties for predatory towers. PA's current towing law/regulations are governed under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law enforced by the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection.
SB 779 would enhance enforcement of Pennsylvania's current towing law by incorporating its provisions into the state's criminal Code (Title 18). SB 779 keeps current law in place but broadens future enforcement to state and local police to better protect consumers at times of vulnerability. By elevating violations of the law to criminal offenses, SB 779 aims to discourage non-consensual towing, require greater clarity in how fees are presented and billed, ensure towing companies accept more than just cash payments, and support the timely return of vehicles to their owners to avoid unnecessary hardship.
Although SB 779 does not address all of PMTA's concerns with abusive practices by some unscrupulous towers, PMTA supports SB 779 because the legislation would enhance protections and help ensure that towing practices are conducted ethically and transparently.
The future of SB 779 is not yet known as it is currently in the PA House of Representatives. PMTA will monitor the bill’s progress and update members as appropriate.
PMTA Applauds Senate Action Against CARB’s Low NOx Mandate
By Kammi Bredbenner, PMTA
The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) is applauding a major victory in Washington as the U.S. Senate voted to reject certain standards that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) had included in its Low NOx Omnibus rule, a sweeping emissions regulation that would have sharply increased the cost of new diesel trucks and disrupted fleet operations across Pennsylvania.
The 49-46 Senate vote follows action in the U.S. House to rescind the EPA waiver that had allowed California and ten other states to impose emissions rules far stricter than federal standards. It now heads to the President’s desk.
This Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution invalidates the EPA’s 2024 decision to grant California authority to enforce the Low NOx rule. The rule that was set to take effect for MY 2027 trucks mandated a 90% reduction in NOx emissions.
In addition to blocking the Low NOx rule, Congress also passed a separate resolution under the Congressional Review Act to repeal the EPA waiver allowing California to enforce its Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. While Pennsylvania has not adopted the ACT rule, it has been enacted in 11 states and was widely viewed as an attempt by California to set a national zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate for the trucking industry. The ACT rule would have required manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of electric and zero-emission trucks between 2024 and 2035—despite significant concerns about cost, infrastructure, and technology readiness. The repeal underscores a broader federal pushback against state-level rules that risk becoming national standards without Congressional oversight.
While these actions are welcome, they do not change the fact that California regulation will continue to bear significant consequences for Pennsylvania. That’s because the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) adopts CARB’s regulations on a rolling basis—an issue which PMTA is actively litigating in the Commonwealth Court. That lawsuit argues that Pennsylvania cannot give regulatory authority to another state.
On May 10, 2025, DEP announced it is extending its suspension of enforcement of the Low NOx rule through January 2, 2028, citing pending litigation and federal action—now affirmed by this Senate vote.
“This vote validates what PMTA has been saying all along: these mandates are legally questionable, economically damaging, and completely disconnected from the operational realities of trucking,” said Rebecca Oyler, President and CEO of PMTA. “Congress has taken decisive action to stop California from setting de facto national policy on vehicle emissions.”
New Documentary Series Shines Spotlight on America’s Trucking Industry
Washington , DC… Trucking on the open road has long been a symbol of freedom, opportunity, and resolve. Now, a new documentary series titled DRIVEN shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals behind the wheel who keep our nation rolling through good times and bad—and the millions more who work throughout the industry to deliver for America.
DRIVEN was produced by the American Trucking Associations—in association with ACT 1 and the Texas Trucking Association Foundation—as part of its Nothing Without Trucking campaign, which educates policymakers and the public about the indispensable role trucking plays in Americans’ lives. Beginning with professional drivers, the series plans to document the vast array of roles throughout trucking that come together to form an unbreakable bond in the U.S. supply chain.
“We believe trucking has storytelling potential that few other industries can match,” said Jeremy Kirkpatrick, ATA’s vice president of public affairs and strategic communications. “This industry touches lives in every community and corner of our country — from the North Slope of Alaska, to the rolling hills of New England, to the streets of South Dallas. These stories need to be told – not only to celebrate the skill, resilience, and humanity of these incredible pros who run the nation’s supply chains, but also to ensure trucking always has a seat at the table when government officials are making decisions that affect our industry and the broader economy.”
“DRIVEN offers a rare and powerful look at our industry—and our nation—through the eyes of the professionals who keep it moving,” said Nikki Thomas, ATA’s vice president of industry affairs. “ATA is proud to bring their journeys to the screen—celebrating their unwavering commitment to excellence and the transformational impact of trucking. Perhaps most exciting of all is that we’re just getting started, with so many more stories still to tell.”
DRIVEN’s pilot episodes deliver a compelling journey chronicling the lives of three extraordinary professional truck drivers who keep America moving. Later this year, the series plans to expand its aperture to profile the vast ecosystem and intricate network of roles throughout the trucking industry that work in tandem to move the U.S. economy.
Meet the Stars
Roland Bolduc – A professional driver for FedEx and two-time National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion. His impressive achievements are the culmination of meticulous preparation, countless hours of practicing precision driving, and a relentless pursuit of safety.
Tiffany Hargraves – A single mom who drives the Dalton Highway, an iconic stretch that runs up the North Slope of Alaska to the Arctic oil fields. Making the 24-hour roundtrip route requires an indomitable spirit of independence and resilience that defines the trucking industry.
Germany Wiliams – A professional driver whose fortune changed after he earned his CDL. Germany’s story inspired the founding of the South Dallas Driving Academy, a non-profit that is breaking through the systemic barrier of driver’s license access in underserved communities and launching careers in the trucking industry.
Join the Journey
Audiences are encouraged to watch and share the trailer on social media and subscribe to the DRIVEN YouTube channel to catch each new episode when it drops. For more information, visit DrivenDoc.org.
Freight Industry Coalition Welcomes New Board Leadership
WASHINGTON, DC… Membership of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) today held officer and Board of Directors elections, ushering in leaders who will guide the organization through the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Erin Aleman, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, will transition from Vice Chair to Chair, becoming CAGTC’s sixth Chairperson in the organization’s history. Former CAGTC Treasurer Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Long Beach was elected Vice Chair, and Tom Saunders, Head of Government Affairs, Ports America, was elected Treasurer. Each officer will serve a three-year term.
“I am eager to lead CAGTC and champion the organization’s priorities in the forthcoming surface transportation reauthorization, which presents a tremendous opportunity to advance federal freight funding and policy objectives that will benefit the U.S. economy, workforce, and supply chain for years to come,” said CAGTC Chair Erin Aleman, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. “I follow in a tradition of strong leaders who have increased CAGTC’s size and grown its reputation among federal policymakers. I am thankful for the leadership of my predecessor, Paul Anderson, and look forward to building on CAGTC’s impressive legacy of policy achievements in support of national goods movement.”
Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay, will transition to the position of Immediate Past Chair after serving a three-year term as CAGTC Chair, and prior to that, three-year terms as Vice Chair and Treasurer. Beginning his Chairmanship in 2022, Mr. Anderson skillfully navigated the organization through the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a presidential transition, and the development of CAGTC’s surface transportation priorities for the upcoming reauthorization.
“It has been a true pleasure to work alongside my fellow Board members and CAGTC’s dedicated membership,” said Immediate Past Chair Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “Together, we secured an unprecedented level of funding for freight infrastructure projects, elevated freight policy to the highest level within the U.S. Department of Transportation through the establishment of the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, and advocated tirelessly for the most efficient and effective implementation of federal infrastructure funding and programming. Despite our many accomplishments, our work is far from over. I congratulate the newly elected and re-elected Board members as well as the incoming Board officers. Their leadership and experience will be extremely valuable as we approach reauthorization.”
CAGTC Membership voted to add Mike O’Malley, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Relations, Direct ChassisLink (DCLI), to the Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Re-elected to the Board for three-year terms are:
Darin Chidsey, Chief Operating Officer, Southern California Association of Governments , Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Long Beach, Jim Hagar, Economic Development Project Manager, Port of Vancouver, Captain John Murray, Chief Executive Office and Port Director, Canaveral Port Authority, Tom Saunders, Head of Government Affairs, Ports America
FMCSA Releases Guidance On English Language Proficiency Requirements
By Anthony Cloud, PMTA
On May 20, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released updated guidance detailing the enforcement of English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This action follows President Trump's April 28 executive order mandating stricter adherence to ELP standards.
Key Points of the New FMCSA ELP Guidance
* Two-Step Assessment Process: Inspectors will initiate all roadside inspections in English. If a driver appears to have difficulty understanding, the inspector will conduct a two-part assessment:
1. Driver Interview: Evaluates the driver's ability to converse in English without assistance.
2. Traffic Sign Recognition: Assesses the driver's understanding of U.S. highway signs.
* Prohibition of Aids: During assessments, the use of interpreters, translation apps, or cue cards is prohibited to ensure an accurate evaluation of the driver's English proficiency.
* Immediate Enforcement: Drivers failing to meet ELP standards will be cited for violations under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). While immediate out-of-service orders are not mandated until June 25, 2025, inspectors are authorized to initiate disqualification proceedings for non-compliant drivers.
* Border Zone Considerations: In U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones, inspectors will cite ELP violations but will not place drivers out of service or initiate disqualification actions until the policy is fully integrated into the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria on June 25, 2025.
This guidance underscores the FMCSA's commitment to enhancing roadway safety by ensuring that all CMV drivers possess sufficient English proficiency to understand traffic signs, communicate with officials, and complete necessary documentation.
For more detailed information, you can access the full FMCSA ELP guidance document here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/updated-internal-agency-enforcement-policy-english-language-proficiency
Additional Info
Related Links : https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/updated-internal-agency-enforcement-policy-english-language-proficiency
FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver for Medical Certificates During NRII Transition
By Anthony Cloud
On July 15, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a temporary waiver allowing interstate CDL and CLP holders, along with motor carriers, to continue using paper copies of medical examiner’s certificates as valid proof of medical certification for up to 15 days after issuance. The waiver is effective immediately and will remain in place through October 12, 2025.
This action comes in response to delays encountered during the national transition to the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) system. FMCSA acknowledged that some drivers and carriers may face difficulties while certified medical examiners and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) shift from paper-based processes to electronic data transmissions required under the NRII final rule.
FMCSA emphasized that the waiver is in the public interest to prevent drivers with valid certifications from being penalized for delays beyond their control.
In addition to the waiver, FMCSA recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing paper medical certificates to drivers—even as they submit results electronically—through the end of this transition period.
What This Means for PMTA Members
PMTA encourages members to:
* Continue accepting paper medical certificates for up to 15 days from the date of issuance.
* Ensure drivers retain a paper copy of their certificate during this interim period.
* Monitor guidance for CDL holders licensed in states not yet integrated with NRII.
Learn More
* FMCSA’s NRII Learning Center
* FMCSA guidance for drivers, examiners, and carriers during the transition is available on the FMCSA website.
CarriersEdge Releases English Language Proficiency Assessment
NEWMARKET, ONTARIO … CarriersEdge, a leading provider of online driver training for the trucking industry, has released an online English Language Proficiency Assessment.
The assessment was created to help carriers prepare for enforcement of the English Language Proficiency requirements under 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2) in the United States. Recent changes allowing for drivers to be placed out of service if they fail a roadside English proficiency interview have many carriers worried.
“Many of our customers have contacted us to say they are very worried about the new enforcement rules and the ambiguity regarding how they will be applied,” said Jane Jazrawy, CarriersEdge CEO. "The easy-to-administer assessment is a diagnostic tool carriers can use to understand what sort of risk they are facing with their drivers.”
The test, available to all CarriersEdge customers, utilizes a series of visual cues and audio questions to assess a driver's ability to understand and respond to the types of questions they may encounter during a roadside inspection. It includes identifying the meaning of various road signs and responding to questions they may be asked. The results can provide carriers with insights into how their drivers may perform in a real-world scenario.
Understanding the level of risk based on a driver’s English proficiency is the first step in preparing for the new enforcement rules. Jazrawy and CarriersEdge President and co-founder Mark Murrell discussed what is known about the rule and how carriers can plan in uncertain times during a live webinar, "Inside The US Language Proficiency Requirements."
Passing the assessment is not a guarantee that a driver’s English proficiency is sufficient to pass an actual roadside inspection and avoid being marked out of service. Carriers should evaluate their risk and plan accordingly. There is still much that remains unknown about how the rule will be enforced.
For more details, please refer to the guidance provided by the FMCSA.
CarriersEdge customers can access the test by logging into the system and searching for the English Proficiency Test. Non-customers can sign up for a free trial at www.carriersedge.com.
CarriersEdge is a leading provider of online driver training for the trucking industry. With a comprehensive library of safety and compliance courses, supported by advanced management and reporting functions, CarriersEdge helps over 2000 fleets train their drivers without sacrificing miles or requiring people to come in on weekends. CarriersEdge is also the creator of the Best Fleets to Drive For program, an annual evaluation of the best workplaces in the North American trucking industry.
ATA Truck Tonnage Index Declined 0.1% in May
Washington, DC… Trucking activity in the United States slipped in May as the freight market remained choppy. Specifically, truck freight tonnage decreased 0.1% after gaining 0.5% in April, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.
“The seesaw freight demand pattern continued in May, making it difficult to discern any clear pattern in the market,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Excluding the services economy — the largest part of economic activity— the goods market is all over the map, thus impacting freight levels. Construction is soft, manufacturing is up and down, and consumers are cautious.”
In May, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 113.8, down from 113.9 in April. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was down 1.3% from the same month last year, the first year-over-year decrease in 2025. Year-to-date, compared with the same period in 2024, tonnage was up 0.1%.
April’s SA gain was revised higher from the previously reported 0.3% decrease in our May 20 press release.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 116.2 in May, 2.9% above April’s reading of 112.9.
Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 72.7% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 11.27 billion tons of freight in 20241. Motor carriers collected $906 billion, or 76.9% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.
Both indices are dominated by contract freight, as opposed to traditional spot market freight. The tonnage index is calculated on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 5th day of each month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.
ATA Tells Congress: Protect Independent Contractors
Your career. Your choice.
That’s the message ATA sent to Congress last week.
ATA Vice President of Workforce Policy Nathan Mehrens took to Capitol Hill Tuesday to vociferously defend the more than 350,000 independent contractors in trucking whose livelihoods have come under assault from state and federal policymakers.
Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Mehrens argued forcefully for Congress to establish a clear framework that provides certainty for hardworking Americans who choose a path of self-employment. That freedom of choice is vital for our industry:
In trucking, being an IC puts the individual in the driver’s seat — both literally and figuratively. Truckers choose the IC model because it gives them economic opportunities and flexibility. It enables them to run their own businesses, select their own routes, and oftentimes, make more money.
–ATA VP of Workforce Policy Nathan Mehrens
He noted that ICs have been an integral part of the trucking industry since the inception of interstate trucking — and the Biden administration’s radical rewriting of IC classification in January 2024 replaces a straightforward definition with a deliberately confusing one. Put simply, the Biden administration’s independent contractor rule was enacted to fuel frivolous litigation and deny self-employed individuals the freedom to work as they choose.
These shifting labor rules have caused “regulatory whiplash” for ICs who cannot plan or structure their businesses because of continued uncertainty, Mehrens told lawmakers.
Among those whose salient stories may never have come to be as a result of this opaque standard include two independent truckers whose successes as IC truckers Mehrens shared with members of the subcommittee: A Pennsylvania woman who was able to be the caregiver for her family and buy a home as well as a South Sudanese refugee from Minnesota who was able to purchase his own truck after starting as a company driver, calling it “his own American Dream.” He plans to pass his business down to his son one day.
There are countless more examples across the country. Mehrens submitted to the committee a booklet of dozens of personal testimonies from women independent truckers—members of ATA's Women in Motion Council—explaining why this business model is key to their economic freedom.
And if there was one thing to take away from Tuesday’s hearing, it’s that we have allies in Washington who also support the decision to carve out a career on one’s own terms. Take Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), for instance, who noted his own years spent as an independent contractor.
Mehrens and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) had a notable back-and-forth about the career flexibility trucking provides and the importance of maintaining that ability to choose:
In our industry, we have a plethora of jobs available if you're a driver. If you want to be an employee driver, we have a position for you. If you want to be an entrepreneur, create your own business, and set up something you can pass down to your family, we have opportunities for you there as well. It’s really up to the individual in our industry. There are two paths. They’re both valid.
–ATA VP of Workforce Policy Nathan Mehrens
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) called his state’s disastrous 2020 AB-5 law limiting the ability to classify workers as independent contractors an “assault on economic freedom” and urged his congressional colleagues to help swing the pendulum back in the favor of workers:
Let's say you're someone who has a nice white beard and a jolly disposition and you want to offer your services to malls and be a Santa at Christmastime. The government comes in and says you’re not allowed to do that, not to mention truckers and realtors and hundreds of other professions. Not only is it an assault on economic freedom, we’ve seen that this law is both politically and economically poisonous.
–U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley (R-California)
Mehrens endorsed the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which would codify the independent contractor definition implemented under the first Trump administration. He spoke to the important health and safety protections it provides ICs. The 2024 Biden era rule does quite the opposite.
Hill advocacy is just one prong of our continued efforts to protect independent contractors whose way of life is under attack. We look forward to working with members of Congress and the Trump administration to maintain this essential right to craft a career on your own terms.
ATA Launches Nationwide Search for the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team
Washington, DC… The American Trucking Associations announced the official start of its search for the next class of professional truck drivers to serve as Captains of America’s Road Team—an elite group of industry ambassadors recognized for their exemplary safety records, professionalism, and commitment to representing the trucking industry nationwide.
Final selections for the 2026-2027 class of Captains will take place January 18-24, 2026, at ATA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where a panel of industry experts will evaluate candidates on their industry knowledge, communication skills, safety records, and ability to serve as public-facing representatives of the trucking profession.
“For nearly four decades, America’s Road Team has set the gold standard in promoting safety and professionalism on our highways,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “As we begin the process of selecting a new class of Captains, we’re looking for drivers who not only demonstrate excellence behind the wheel but also have a passion for telling our industry’s story and inspiring the next generation of trucking professionals.”
Founded in 1986, America’s Road Team is one of the trucking industry’s most visible and respected outreach programs. Supported by their carriers, Captains spend their term traveling across the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, a custom Volvo VNL 860 equipped with a mobile classroom and state-of-the-art simulator. Captains visit schools and hold industry events, community gatherings, and meetings with lawmakers to share the importance of trucking to the nation’s economy and the everyday lives of Americans.
“Volvo Trucks is proud to continue our support of this extraordinary program,” said Peter Voorhoeve, President of Volvo Trucks North America. “America’s Road Team Captains are powerful voices for the industry, and we look forward to meeting the next group of leaders who will help us continue advocating for safety, professionalism, and opportunity in trucking.”
The most recent class of Captains, selected in January 2024, represented 14 different motor carriers and collectively held more than 61 million safe driving miles. As the 2024-2025 team continues its outreach mission, the process begins again to identify a new group of drivers who will carry forward the tradition.
“America’s Road Team Captains are the face of our industry,” said ATA’s Vice President of Industry Affairs Nikki Thomas. “They exemplify the best of what trucking has to offer and play a vital role in shifting public perception and inspiring future drivers.”
Professional truck drivers with an outstanding safety record and a passion for advocacy are encouraged to apply through their carriers. More details, including eligibility criteria and application materials, are at https://www.trucking.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/ART_Nominations26-27.pdf
For updates and information about America’s Road Team, follow along on Facebook.
ATA Applauds Passage of Tax Reform
Washington, DC… American Trucking Associations commended the U.S. House of Representatives for voting to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and sending it to the president’s desk. The legislation will support the trucking industry by providing long-term tax certainty and more flexible resources for workforce development, ensuring that our nation's supply chains can keep America's economy moving.
“The American Trucking Associations thanks Republicans in Congress and President Trump for moving this comprehensive tax reform package across the finish line. Today’s vote provides much-needed certainty for the trucking industry—the backbone of our economy—to grow and thrive,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “By passing this bill, Congress averted the largest tax increase in our nation’s history. Neither the economy nor our supply chain would have survived such a travesty. This is our money, not the government’s, and truckers know better than anyone how to reinvest it to promote prosperity. Motor carriers, the overwhelming majority of which are small businesses that operate ten trucks or fewer, will now have the ability to plan for the future, continue to provide good-paying jobs, and upgrade equipment. We commend congressional leaders for recognizing this fact and crafting this tax relief package that supports the 8.5 million Americans who work throughout trucking. We look forward to celebrating President Trump fulfilling another promise to our industry when he signs it into law.”
ATA’s entire federation of state associations sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to implement these pro-growth tax policies quickly. Additionally, America’s Road Team Captain Dee Sova attended an event at the White House to convey ATA’s endorsement of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.