Latest Industry News Briefs Courtesy of PMTA
Truckstop.com Survey Finds Carriers Optimistic About Tech-Driven Future
BOISE, ID… A new, national survey of over 500 freight carriers shows that 60% of professional drivers feel optimistic about the future of the trucking industry, citing major gains in fraud prevention, route optimization, and comfort with AI-powered tools. The survey, released by Truckstop.com as part of its 30th anniversary, explores how carriers use technology to work more efficiently, more securely, and with greater confidence in the road ahead.
“What we found is that carriers are adopting technology faster than ever, and they’re seeing the results,” said Todd Waldron, Vice President of Carrier Experience. “From stronger fraud prevention to smarter routing, tools like the ones we’re building are giving carriers more confidence and control over their operations.”
Survey results show that carriers are experiencing widespread improvements throughout the industry. Over half say fraud prevention efforts have improved significantly, and nearly 60% say using a paid load board is much easier today than when they first started. Carriers agree by a wide margin that technological changes are not only making decision-making faster, simpler, and more reliable, but are having a bigger impact than regulatory changes, compliance rules, fluctuations in supply and demand, or even equipment improvements
New technologies are having a positive impact on carriers, and they are embracing the change. Nearly 70% of drivers, including 79% of those under 35, say they feel comfortable using emerging tools and technologies. This trend suggests a workforce primed for continued innovation, including AI, telematics, predictive maintenance, and more.
“Truckstop has made it 30 years by listening to the customers and reacting to the direction our industry is going,” said Waldron. “What’s exciting about our findings today is that they suggest trucking is becoming more open to the kinds of ongoing innovations that deliver real value to the men and women behind the wheel. Whether we’re talking about electronic logging devices and transportation management systems or AI-powered telematics and predictive maintenance, we’re seeing rapid acceleration in an era where we expect to see big advances that truly benefit the carriers we serve.”
Respondents pointed to load availability, fuel costs, and emerging technologies when asked about the biggest influences on the industry in the next five years. Route optimization ranked as the most promising use of AI, followed by AI-assisted dispatch and predictive maintenance.
The survey also confirmed Truckstop’s place as a trusted leader in the freight ecosystem. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) said Truckstop is a brand they trust, with 69% believing the company will continue to lead the industry in the next 30 years. Drivers also gave high marks to Truckstop’s load matching tools and continued investment in innovation.
As the trucking industry moves into a digital future, Truckstop remains committed to delivering secure, easy-to-use solutions that help carriers grow their businesses, navigate change, and succeed on their own terms.
Truckstop.com is a trusted partner for carriers, brokers, and shippers, empowering the freight community through a platform of innovative solutions for the entire freight lifecycle to help increase efficiency, automate processes, and accelerate growth. As one of the industry’s largest neutral freight marketplaces, Truckstop provides the customer service and scale of quality loads and trucks to give customers of all sizes, whether on the road or in the office, the transparency and freedom to build lasting relationships and grow their businesses. To learn how Truckstop is helping move the freight community forward, visit us at https://truckstop.com.
OOS Statistics Are In On English Language Proficiency
By Anthony Cloud, PMTA
Under Title 49, Subtitle B, Chapter III, Subchapter B, Section 391.11(b)(2), a driver is only qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) if they:
"Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records."
This regulation has been on the books for years, but enforcement is now increasing—and the early numbers are eye-opening.
Enforcement in Action
Depending on your perspective, the early enforcement data may be either deeply concerning or a sign of overdue accountability. Although some states have delayed implementation, FMCSA and its enforcement partners are actively placing drivers Out-of-Service (OOS) during roadside inspections if they are unable to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.
Year-to-date (YTD) 2025, the top driver-related OOS violation is “Operating a CMV without a CDL,” with 11,554 instances, an OOS rate of 8.01%, and an average of 52.76 violations per day.
By contrast, the English proficiency regulation—enforced in earnest only since late June—has already resulted in 1,212 violations, with an OOS rate of 0.84% and an average of 28.19 per day. Projected across a full year, this trend suggests we could see over 10,000 violations annually. That’s a significant number, especially considering this is not currently the most aggressively enforced regulation.
Industry Lagging Behind Enforcement
Enforcement has clearly shifted—but many in the industry have yet to catch up. It is the responsibility of motor carriers to ensure their drivers meet the English language proficiency standard, not just to comply with regulations, but to ensure safety and effective communication, particularly with law enforcement and first responders.
At a recent Industry Roadside Inspection Vehicle Requirements Training Course in Austin, TX, CVSA instructors emphasized the critical importance of driver communication. While inspections may feel routine to carriers, they are high-risk situations for inspectors. Consider this: an inspector is crawling beneath a vehicle during a Level I inspection, trusting that the driver will not move or start the vehicle without explicit instruction. Those instructions are given in English. If the driver doesn’t understand them, the results could be catastrophic.
Lack of intent will not prevent a tragic outcome.
What Happens When Communication Fails
Inspectors have discretion to decline conducting a full inspection if they feel a driver cannot be trusted to follow basic safety directions due to a language barrier. In such cases, the driver is placed Out-of-Service immediately—not for failing the inspection, but for being unqualified to participate in the first place. This is a situation that cannot be resolved at the scale house or roadside. The only remedy is sending a replacement driver.
Proactive Measures for Carriers
This challenge is not insurmountable, but it requires action:
* Hiring & Onboarding: Evaluate English proficiency during interviews and road tests—particularly when a candidate’s primary language is not English.
* Safety Programs: Consider incorporating basic communication assessments into your onboarding or driver qualification process.
* Training: Offer support or resources to help non-native speakers improve their functional English, especially related to driving terminology and common roadside scenarios.
* Documentation & Directions: Ensure drivers can explain their route, cargo, and documentation (e.g., BOLs, HOS logs, RODS, DVIRs), and understand requests from officers.
Remember, drivers do not need perfect grammar or pronunciation. But they must be able to communicate effectively without the assistance of a translator or device.
Why This Matters Now
This is not a new regulation—it’s a renewed enforcement focus. With changing priorities at the federal level, compliance expectations are shifting, and carriers who fail to prepare may find themselves at increased risk of violations, delays, and liability exposure.
Whether you support the rule or not, it’s clear: English Language Proficiency enforcement is here to stay. The time to assess your drivers’ readiness—and your company’s policies—is now.
FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver for Medical Certificates During NRII Transition
By Anthony Cloud, PMTA
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.
DOT Publishes Notice of Proposed Rule Making
Published in the Federal Register (FR) is a Department of Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM is available on the FR web page at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-02/pdf/2025-16720.pdf. Today, we will post it on the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) webpage at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/frpubs.
The proposals in the NPRM include:
1. Add Fentanyl and norfentanyl to the testing panels,
2. Adjust laboratory morphine confirmatory cutoff (urine only),
3. Remove the additional requirement for MROs to determine clinical evidence of illegal opioid (codeine and morphine use for urine and oral fluid),
4. Add and modify certain definitions,
5. Authorize biomarker testing,
6. Modify analyte nomenclature for marijuana (urine and oral fluid),
7. Revise footnote #1 to both testing panels to include more specific and updated criteria for alternate technology initial drug tests,
8. Add a 30-day requirement for drug collectors, STTs, and BATS within which to complete the required training and mock collections,
9. Adding a new ‘fatal flaw’ related to oral fluid specimens,
10. Modify several provisions related to oral fluid specimens,
11. Add clarifying language to other provisions (such as oral fluid collector training, SAP documents, and shy bladder/dry mouth procedures),
12. Various technical amendments.
The comment period for the NPRM closes on October 17, 2025. Comments to the docket can be submitted using this link https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DOT-OST-2025-0049/document.
CTA Urges Permanent Full Expensing to Maintain Industry Competitiveness
TORONTO, CANADA… In its pre-budget submission, the Canadian Trucking Alliance called on the Government of Canada to implement a permanent full expensing policy for capital investments, a crucial move to safeguard the long-term competitiveness of Canada’s trucking and logistics industry.
The appeal follows the recent passage of legislation in the U.S. enshrining 100-percent bonus depreciation for qualifying assets, including trucks, trailers, and logistics technology. This policy – part of the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" – allows U.S. fleets to fully deduct the cost of capital investments in the year they are made. The resulting improvement in cash flow and reinvestment incentives gives American carriers a significant advantage over their Canadian counterparts.
"This is more than a tax policy issue. It’s about economic competitiveness, environmental progress, and strengthening our supply chain," said Stephen Laskowski, president and CEO of CTA. "Without a comparable measure in Canada, our fleets are operating at a disadvantage."
Without similar provisions north of the border, Canadian fleets face higher capital costs, slower equipment turnover, and diminished capacity to invest in cleaner, safer, and more efficient technologies, CTA warns.
Permanent full expensing in Canada would:
* Support investment in lower-emission, modern trucks and trailers;
* Encourage domestic innovation and equipment upgrades;
* Improve fleet cash flow; and
* Strengthen Canada’s competitive position in the cross-border trucking market.
It’s important to note that permanent full expensing does not eliminate taxes but rather defers them, allowing up to 100-percent depreciation in the first year of investment.
"Canada’s trucking industry is the backbone of our national supply chain," Laskowski said. "Policies like permanent full expensing are essential to supporting its sustainability in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving market."
Among the critical issues raised in its pre-budget submission, CTA underscores the urgent need to address the widespread misclassification of workers in the trucking industry – particularly the illegal “Driver Inc.” model, which undermines compliant carriers and compromises worker protections.
Other key recommendations include addressing challenges related to oversized and overweight vehicle movements, establishing a centralized database for trucking safety and compliance, expanding truck rest areas to better support drivers, and investing in the Canada Border Services Agency’s IT infrastructure to reduce costly cross-border delays.
The CTA emphasizes these reforms are essential to supporting the trucking industry’s vital role in Canada’s economic growth and the resilience of the national supply chain.
CTA Statement: Commercial Truck Driver Training and Safety Oversight of Trucking Companies & Issuance of VISAs
TORONTO, CANADA… A fatal truck collision in Florida this week has sparked several statements from U.S. officials who raised serious concerns over the integrity of the commercial driver licensing system (CDL) in the U.S. and immigration policies impacting the trucking industry.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy reiterated calls for immediate action to correct the situation. Preliminary investigations by federal authorities have already “uncovered serious red flags in how states are doling out CDLs,” he said.
Duffy’s comments were followed last evening by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who posted on X the U.S. is immediately pausing the issuance of all visas to truck drivers which require them to operate in the U.S.
"The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” he said.
The Visa restrictions announced by Secretary Rubio do not pertain to the Visas utilized by drivers in Canada. However, CTA believes Canada must view these events as a wakeup call to clean up the issues within our system or risk potentially facing similar restrictions in the future.
The tragedy in Florida is another stark reminder that governments throughout North America must empower transport authorities to significantly step-up enforcement of truck safety rules and crack down on non-compliant operators who disregard law and order while also bolstering their truck safety and licensing oversight systems.
CTA is calling for the Government of Canada, as well as the provinces and territories to ensure Canada’s own issues with truck safety and licensing integrity are not a concern for the US Administration and as authorities increase oversight south of the border. CTA is asking Canadian authorities to immediately focus their attention to two areas:
Commercial Driver Licensing Regimes
While the Canadian commercial driver licensing regimes are significantly different than those of the U.S. states, like California, which allowed the driver involved in the Florida collision to obtain a licence, there are serious concerns from the trucking industry itself and other advocates that the system is just as easily compromised in Canadian jurisdictions as well.
A June 2025 CBC report highlighted major challenges in the Canadian trucking industry like unfair competition, sub-standard training, and serious concerns about the safety fitness of heavy trucks on Canadian roads. Relatedly, CBC investigative reports in 2024 also showed how deteriorating highway safety is related to government-controlled driver licensing regimes, where “bribes, forged documents … rigged testing and ‘buying’ of licenses” is not uncommon.
Unfortunately, the Canadian trucking industry has seen an influx of trucking fleets and ownership groups who have little regard for safety and other ethical financial & labour business practices. They have been able to manipulate – without consequences – various disjointed oversight regimes to their advantage, putting legitimate operations in financial peril, and raising a host of public safety concerns.
In July, CTA, at the request of the Minister of Transport, provided the deputy ministers from all provincial and territorial governments, as well as senior leadership from Transport Canada and the Privy Council Office, with a precision, step-by-step plan to improve truck safety and oversight. This plan – long overdue for over a decade – must be actioned to reverse the escalating trend of deteriorating truck safety and lack of truck driver professionalism on Canadian roadways.
VISAs Issued to Truck Drivers to Operate in U.S.
It’s important to note that – according to U.S. safety data – professional, compliant Canadian fleets that serve the U.S. are among the very safest carriers operating on American. highways, which routinely win the top safety awards and accolades from U.S. trucking associations. If this policy is applied capriciously and universally, without determining the difference between compliant and non-complaint trucking operations, it will have an unintended negative impact on responsible and legitimate, cross-border trucking fleets, drivers and the customers they serve that operate safely and have been the backbone of the US-Canada supply chain for decades.
CTA has been adamant with governments the problems in the industry related to immigration are very evident and must be addressed so that compliant trucking companies and safe drivers are not punished or run out of business. Government inaction on revamping trucking immigration programs, federally and provincially, has led to this situation we are in today. It is not acceptable that those who follow the rules and operate legally be caught in the net the U.S. is casting.
The announcement by Secretary Rubio should be the clearest signal yet the non-compliant segment of the Canadian trucking industry which erode the integrity the driver licensing, training, safety compliance and immigration systems, must be dealt with immediately.
The growth of unsafe and unethical trucking fleets undermining lawful and compliant cross-border operators must end. These ownership groups endanger and abuse the labour rights of the truck drivers they hire by exposing them to unsafe working conditions and other unmanageable requirements, including driving commercial vehicles they are not qualified to operate.
CTA is aware these carriers fail to meet even the most basic labour standards, including forcing drivers to work for less than a third of the industry average pay.
Among many other recommendations, CTA has repeatedly called on the Government of Canada to introduce a Known Employer Program at the front end of the immigration process. Done properly, this would cut off access to immigration programs for the unscrupulous ownership groups and restore integrity to the regime.
Additionally, CTA has asked all groups responsible for truck safety oversight to engage labour, immigration, tax and police resources at all government levels to establish a sustained, strategic presence at truck inspection stations and other key locations along the Canadian highway network to bring law and order back to the industry.
Cargo Theft Surge Hits Philadelphia
By Rebecca Oyler, PMTA
PA Rises in List of Top Targets
Philadelphia is now a focal point in an alarming uptick in cargo theft across Pennsylvania, with law enforcement scrambling to stem the tide. The June 2025 Cargo Security Index, compiled by GearTrack, CargoNet, and Verisk, reports a 22% increase in statewide freight theft compared to the preceding weeks—underscoring Pennsylvania’s swift ascent to the ranks of the most targeted states nationwide. Pennsylvania replaced Georgia in June in the number five slot. California, Tennessee, Texas, and Illinois rounded out the top five. Most-targeted commodities were food and beverage, household goods, and electronics.
Philadelphia City data reveals the scope of the problem is staggering, with loads waiting near distribution centers for scheduled appointments increasingly susceptible to overnight theft. Cargo theft in Philadelphia's Eighth District alone jumped from just over 40 incidents in 2022 to 94 in 2023, with over 180 cases recorded by the end of that year, totaling losses in the millions of dollars.
Philadelphia’s criminals have not shied away from high-value targets. A bold heist in 2023 involved more than $234,000 in dimes, alongside others targeting TVs, alcohol, and seafood, prompting a federal indictment. In 2024, a series of high-profile thefts in the city netted 400 cases of beef worth $15,000, $10,000 in tuna, and $30,000 in crab legs.
Late last year, a coordinated sting—“Operation Beef Bandit”—led to the arrest of a ring of four Philadelphia men responsible for stealing meat, seafood, and alcohol from trucks at NJ Turnpike rest stops. The suspects were connected to similar thefts over three years in the tri-state area, involving millions of dollars' worth of merchandise.
However, the arrests have not stemmed the tide. This summer, a Memorial Day robbery netted thieves $150,000 in beef in South Philly while two drivers slept in the cab.
Philadelphia is not solely responsible for the Commonwealth’s increase in cargo theft. Southcentral Pennsylvania was the target earlier this year when 100,000 organic eggs, totaling $40,000, were stolen while a trailer was parked at a distribution center in Greencastle.
On the national front, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) confirms that cargo theft surged 27% in 2024, with theft occurrences and average losses expected to climb another 22% by the end of 2025. The typical haul now exceeds $202,000 in value per incident—a financial blow that ripples across supply chains to the tune of up to $35 billion annually, increasing consumer prices and insurance costs.
Often, local police lack the tools to investigate and address these crimes, which frequently have patterns and players that cross jurisdictions. For example, “Operation Beef Bandit” required close the coordination of the FBI, Secret Service, and state investigators in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a bipartisan proposal poised to enhance federal tools for disrupting these sophisticated criminal networks and establish an integrated response led by the Department of Homeland Security.
One factor contributing to theft risk is the limited availability of safe truck parking. When truck drivers cannot find secure spaces, they are often forced to park in unsecured areas, making their cargo more vulnerable. The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) has long advocated for expanded truck parking capacity as a critical safety measure—not just for driver rest and compliance with federal hours-of-service rules, but also to reduce theft opportunities.
Prevention Tips and Best Practices
To stay ahead of evolving threats, trucking companies should adopt multi-layered defenses:
* Use high-quality locks and tamper-evident seals on trailers to deter unauthorized access.
* Equip shipments with GPS tracking and geofencing alerts to detect unexpected route deviations.
* Drivers:
* Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity
*Secure parking in well-lit, heavily traveled, and/or monitored locations, and avoid overnight stops in known hotspots.
*Use surroundings to secure your trailer. For example, if possible, back up against a fence or building.
*Don’t discuss your load or your destination with anyone who doesn’t need to know.
*If you think you are being followed, slow down and allow the vehicle to pass you. If that doesn’t work, get off at an exit that offers a safe haven to see if the vehicle follows. Call 911 and report the incident if you are still suspicious. Then call your supervisor and find a safe and secure area to park.
*Try to have enough hours and fuel to drive several hours after initial pick-up before stopping to deter thieves from targeting your load.
*If your vehicle has to be left unattended, make it as short as possible; lock it up and take the keys.
*When you return to the truck, scan the area for suspicious persons or vehicles and adjust to the situation.
*Never confront a criminal - your safety is the priority! When in doubt, call 911.
Canadian PM Announcement Warns that Rapid Change is Needed, but Will the Trucking Industry Get Change it Needs?
TORONTO, CANADA… The Prime Minister of Canada today informed Canadians we must be ready for a rapidly changing future – one that will disrupt our businesses and has already significantly curbed investment.
In response to these economic storm clouds, the Prime Minister announced new measures he says will protect our nation while building and transforming strategic industries within Canada.
“Many of our members are facing the worst economic conditions our industry has seen in three decades,” said CTA President & CEO Stephen Laskowski. “Beyond the programs announced today, the biggest message to Canadians and businesses was the free trade economy we have known for over four decades is on life support, and, perhaps, may never come back as we have known it. Although this message is difficult to hear, it also means governments will also be required to make some tough choices and make policy decisions based on what’s best for the economy and not for political positioning.”
The series of measures announced today could potentially assist employees in the trucking industry, as well as company owners; but some of these measures could also hurt the sector, by potentially rewarding carriers participating in various misclassification and tax evasion scams that continue to plague the industry.
CTA will be sending commentary to the Government of Canada on the following matters:
* Additional weeks of employment insurance (EI) benefits for Long-Tenured Workers: Like in all sectors, potential layoffs could become more significant in the trucking sector, and those using the Personal Service Business (PSB) misclassification model, numbering in the thousands, cannot be eligible for these EI benefits – period. The Government must not reward participants of the PSB scam to benefit from this measure.
* Buy Canadian Policy: Government procurement that favours Canadian businesses and suppliers must also ensure that these companies are not abusing or misclassifying its workforce.
* Clean Fuel Regulations: These amendments to support renewable fuels and biodiesel must be made in cooperation with the end users, many of whom continue to have significant operational concerns regarding biodiesel and the costs and availability of options such as renewable diesel.
* Electric Vehicle Availability Standards: As the CTA continues to reiterate, all heavy truck regulations related to the reduction in carbon emissions must be examined in partnership with OEMs and suppliers, and with the acute awareness of the policy direction that is being taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ATHS Celebrates Future Leaders with 2025 Scholarship Awards
KANSAS CITY, MO… The American Truck Historical Society announced its two George Schroyer Memorial Scholarship recipients, the Cummins Scholarship recipient, and the Lewis Semple Clark Educational Fund winner at its ATHS Awards Banquet in June.
“At American Truck Historical Society, we’re honored to support students pursuing careers in trucking and transportation and all higher learning,” said John Gravley, ATHS executive director. “Through our scholarships, we invest in the next generation of thinkers, doers, and story tellers who will keep the spirit of the past alive while shaping the future,”
ATHS congratulates the following students who will be furthering their education this fall:
George Schroyer Memorial Scholarships
(Named for a dedicated, long-time ATHS member)
• Lucas Massei (Brooklyn, Wis.), son of ATHS member Marco Massei, is attending the University of Wisconsin to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. “I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to further my education with the help of this scholarship,” Massei said. “The trucking industry has always resonated closely with me. Ever since I started riding in my dad’s grain truck at the age of 4, I knew this was the industry I wanted to work in. The ability now to pursue my passion for designing and working on diesel engines is something I never could have expected all those years ago. Indeed, it is a gift of the highest quality.”.
• Rabeka Liberto (Kansasville, Wis.), daughter of ATHS member Steven Liberto, plans to study agriculture business and marketing. "I'm incredibly honored to receive this scholarship from the American Truck Historical Society,” Liberto said. “Their support not only helps me pursue my degree, but also deepens my appreciation for the rich history and legacy of the trucking industry. I'm grateful for their investment in my future."
Cummins Scholarship
(Sponsored by Cummins)
• Lily Stackpole (Cushing, Maine), grandchild of ATHS member Bob Stackpole, is attending the University of Maine, where she plans to study veterinary science. “I balance advanced placement and honors classes with varsity sports, Key Club, Student Ambassadors, and Book Club,” Stackpole said. “My passion for animals drives my work at a veterinary hospital, where I gain hands-on experience. I also volunteer at my grandparents’ annual ATHS chapter cookout, where members gather to enjoy a lobster dinner. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, time management, and commitment to a career in veterinary science.”
Lewis Semple Clarke Educational Fund
(Sponsored by The Autocar Company and the ATHS Autocar Division)
• Arantza Rivero Flores (Birmingham, Ala.), daughter of Autocar Company employee Juan Antonio Rivero Camacho, is pursuing her master’s degree in dietetics at the University of Alabama. “The Lewis Semple Clark Scholarship played a crucial role in helping me pursue graduate school,” Flores said. “Becoming a registered dietitian is my dream, and earning a master’s degree is an essential step toward that goal. Without this generous support, continuing my education would not have been possible.”
ATHS invests in the next generation through scholarships that honor the past and shape the future. Applications for 2026 scholarships open Dec. 1, 2025. For application details and eligibility criteria, visit aths.org/membership/benefits/education-scholarship/
ATA's Statement on Secretary Duffy's ELP Enforcement Announcement
Washington, DC… Following U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's announcement on new actions being taken to enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial truck operators, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear issued this statement:
"Secretary Duffy’s announcement today is a necessary and welcome step toward ensuring safety and accountability on our nation’s highways. Federal English Language Proficiency requirements exist for a reason: every commercial driver operating in the United States must be able to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions. When states fail to enforce these standards, they put lives at risk.
"The vast majority of professional drivers meet these requirements and take pride in their responsibility to keep America moving safely. But allowing bad actors to bypass the law undermines that commitment and threatens the credibility of the entire system.
"ATA has long supported strict enforcement of English proficiency standards, along with the broader regulatory framework that keeps our roads safe and fair. We commend the Trump Administration for holding states accountable, and we urge swift, consistent action to close these dangerous loopholes. Safety must never be optional.
ATA Truck Tonnage Index Rose 0.6% in July
Washington, DC… Trucking activity in the United States increased slightly in July, but activity has been fairly flat since March. Specifically, truck freight tonnage rose 0.6% after falling 0.7% in June, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.
“July truck tonnage increased sequentially, but did not erase the 0.7% decline in June,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Since March, truck tonnage has been in a tight range. The good news is truck freight volumes haven’t fallen much over that period, but we are not seeing many increases either. In July, there were mixed drivers of truck tonnage with housing starts and retail sales up, while manufacturing output was flat to down depending on the metric.”
In July, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 113.7, up from 113.0 in June. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, slipped 0.1% from the same month last year after falling 0.4% in June. Year-to-date, compared with the same period in 2024, tonnage was unchanged.
June’s SA decline was larger than first reported in our July 22 press release.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 116.8 in July, 1.9% above June’s reading of 114.6.
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 2024. 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 Statement on Florida's Turnpike Crash
Washington, DC… Following the arrest of a semi-truck driver involved in a fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike, American Trucking Associations Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath issued this statement:
“This is a horrific tragedy that should never have happened. While an investigation is underway, this driver's blatant disregard for highway safety and the rules of the road makes clear he should never have been behind the wheel to begin with. Initial reports from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that the driver was in the U.S. illegally only raise more questions about how and why he was able to obtain a commercial driver's license in the first place -- questions that the state of California must answer for.
“This incident underscores the importance and urgency of the work that the Trump Administration is doing to audit CDL issuances nationwide, in addition to its enhanced enforcement of English language proficiency -- a fundamental requirement for operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. ATA believes robust entry-level driver training standards are critically important to preventing accidents like this one, but we remain concerned that fraudulent and non-compliant entities continue to fast-track CDL applicants with minimal, if any, training -- as emphasized in ATA’s April letter to FMCSA. Greater enforcement is needed, and we call on FMCSA to ensure unlicensed and unqualified entities are immediately removed from the training provider registry.”
In April, ATA sent a letter to Secretary Duffy in support of President Trump’s executive order regarding the enforcement of the English proficiency standard for CDL holders.
ATA Praises Trump Administration for Moving to Protect Independent Contractors
Washington , DC… Following the release of the U.S. Department of Labor's spring regulatory agenda, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear applauded the Trump Administration for announcing its intention to rescind the destructive independent contractor rule:
“By moving to rescind the Biden-era rule on independent contractors, the Trump Administration is rejecting a reckless, job-killing scheme finalized by Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. That rule would have wiped out choice, crushed opportunity, and sidelined hundreds of thousands of truckers who fuel our economy. We look forward to continuing our participation in the process to repeal this rule, which will be a victory for truckers, for the economy, and for common sense.
“For more than 90 years, independent contractors have played a vital role in trucking, providing flexibility for drivers and capacity for the supply chain. More than 350,000 professional truck drivers choose to run their own businesses, set their own hours, and chart their own routes. Julie Su and the Biden Administration tried to rip that freedom away, ignoring reality and disregarding the livelihoods of the very people who keep America moving.
“We thank the Trump Administration for standing up for the rights of independent truckers and restoring a clear, fair standard that respects reality. Trucking is not a one-size-fits-all industry, and Washington bureaucrats have no business dictating how men and women pursue their careers.
“This is a positive step for our economy, for the supply chain, and for the countless entrepreneurs who embody the very spirit of free enterprise.”
ATA Crowns 2025 National Truck Driving Champions
Minneapolis, MN… The American Trucking Associations proclaimed David Comings, a professional driver with FedEx Freight from North Dakota, the Bendix Grand Champion at the 2025 National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships.
“Congratulations to David on his extraordinary achievement,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “Over the course of three decades and 3.1 million accident-free miles, David has proven his driving prowess and commitment to safety. This week, David put on a master class of precision and professionalism that define NTDC, emerging from an elite field of highly skilled competitors. Here in Minneapolis, the best of the best of the nation’s truck drivers showed the world what our industry is all about. Each one is a champion in his or her own right, leading with safety and setting the bar high.”
ATA’s National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships took place from August 20-23 in Minneapolis, bringing together 425 drivers representing 56 companies from 49 states with a combined total of nearly 756 million accident-free miles.
Over the past few days, the drivers competed in a variety of events designed to measure their driving prowess, industry knowledge and dedication to safety. Comings took home the Bendix Grand Champion award, as well as first place in the 5-axle vehicle class.
Comings has been a professional driver for nearly 30 years, accumulating 3.1 million safe driving miles. He has competed three times in the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association state trucking championships and three times in the National Truck Driving Championships. In 2022 and 2023, he took first place in North Dakota’s 4-axle category. Last year, he took first place in North Dakota’s 5-axle category.
“For nearly nine decades, NTDC has been an inspiring exhibition of passion and skill, and this year was no exception,” said Dennis Dellinger, Chairman of American Trucking Associations and President & CEO of Cargo Transporters Inc. “On behalf of all ATA members, I extend heartfelt congratulations to David—and to all of this year’s champions—for an incredible performance at the NTDC. I also want to thank the countless volunteers who make the truck driving championships so special, from the state-level competitions all the way to the crowning of the Grand Champion.”
At the closing ceremonies, ATA honored Jeffrey Reed, a professional driver with UPS from New Mexico, with the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award, and the State of Colorado was crowned the team champion for having the highest collective score.
ATA also honored Leroy Williams, Sr., of XPO with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award. Linda Nodland was chosen as the Sam Gillette Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient.
This year’s event included driving competitions across nine vehicle classes, vehicle inspection and a written exam. A full list of award winners is below.
Step Van:
1. Logan Montandon, FedEx, Texas
2. Matthew Futral, FedEx, Georgia
3. Connor Christensen, United Parcel Service, Inc., Illinois
Straight Truck:
1. Mark Carver, FedEx Freight, Missouri
2. Samuel Bryant, FedEx Freight, Tennessee
3. Bryan Reynaud, Walmart Transportation, Mississippi
3-Axle:
1. Daniel Shamrell, FedEx Freight, Oregon
2. Gary Luster, FedEx Freight, Tennessee
3. Brent Darnell, Southeastern Freight Lines, Georgia
4-Axle:
1. Stephen Johnson, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
2. Jeremy Steger, XPO, Wisconsin
3. Robert Crowder, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Virginia
5-Axle:
1. David Comings, FedEx Freight, North Dakota
2. Roland Bolduc, FedEx, Connecticut
3. John Willinger , FedEx Freight, Kentucky
Flatbed:
1. Edward Hill, FedEx Freight, Delaware
2. Adam Heim, FedEx Freight, Idaho
3. Kenneth Rageth, FedEx Freight, Wyoming
Tank Truck:
1. Jeff Langenhahn, XPO, Wisconsin
2. Ernie Budlowski, XPO, Connecticut
3. Glen Kirk, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Indiana
Twins:
1. Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Inc., Florida
2. David Mogler, FedEx Freight, Colorado
3. David Hall, ABF Freight, Arkansas
Sleeper Berth:
1. Merle Ashbaugh, DHL Supply Chain, Ohio
2. Todd Flippin, FedEx Freight, Colorado
3. Herschel Evans, Aubrey Silvey Enterprises, Inc., Georgia
Vehicle Condition Award:
• Nick Gaudette, FedEx Freight, Colorado
Written Exam:
• David Comings, FedEx Freight, North Dakota
State Team Award:
1. Colorado
2. Illinois
3. Virginia
The 2025 National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships were made possible by the generous support of a number of corporate sponsors.
ATA Applauds EPA's Crackdown on California's HD I/M Regulatory Overreach
Washington, DC… The American Trucking Associations thanked U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for proposing to disapprove of California’s Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Requirements for out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles.
“This is not the United States of California,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “We appreciate Administrator Zeldin’s leadership to ensure California cannot dictate national policies that threaten our supply chain and the ability of America’s trucking industry to keep our nation’s goods moving.”