Truck Driver News, Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

01/15/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released its FY 2026 oversight report, outlining major DOT challenges that affect the trucking industry. The report from the Office of Inspector General points to ongoing issues in highway safety, CDL oversight, truck parking, and infrastructure reliability.

Safety remains a top concern, with crash numbers still above pre-pandemic levels. That could lead to more roadside inspections and closer tracking of crash data. The report also highlights problems in how states manage CDL records, including medical certification updates and data accuracy, which keeps federal scrutiny high.

Truck parking shortages are again tied to safety and hours-of-service compliance, while infrastructure oversight could shape where freight corridors get funding. Together, these challenges show where enforcement, oversight, and investment may be headed for trucking in 2026.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/dot-challenges-for-truck-drivers-in-the-latest-oig-report/

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01/14/2026

ACT Research says the trucking industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism after a difficult 2025 marked by weak freight rates and policy uncertainty. In its latest North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, the firm points to stronger economic growth, steady consumer spending, and a late-year rise in spot rates as signs conditions may be starting to stabilize.

ACT Research also reports that clearer EPA’27 emissions rules helped push Class 8 truck orders higher in December, with early data showing a 16% increase from last year. An aging truck fleet is expected to add more replacement demand in 2026.

At the same time, the report warns that low carrier profits, excess capacity, and new tariffs on imported trucks could slow recovery. The full analysis details how these forces could shape truck demand, freight rates, and fleet decisions in the months ahead.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/trucking-reserved-hope-in-the-latest-act-research-report/

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01/14/2026

FMCSA has removed four ELDs from its list of approved electronic logging devices after the systems failed to meet federal compliance standards. The revoked ELDs include PremierRide Logs LLC’s 1RIDE, DSG Tracking LLC’s DSGELOGS1, and State Elog LLC’s ST8-E and PT-30 models. Motor carriers using these devices now have until March 15, 2026 to switch to approved ELDs from FMCSA’s registered list.

Until the deadline, enforcement officers are being advised not to issue ELD-related citations if hours-of-service records can still be reviewed. After March 15, any carrier still using a revoked ELD will be treated as operating without a legal logging device and may face out-of-service violations.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/fmcsa-removes-four-more-elds-from-the-approved-list/

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01/13/2026

The Chinese American Truckers Association (CATA) has filed a new federal lawsuit challenging the freeze on non-domiciled CDLs in California. The case was filed January 7 in U.S. District Court and names both the FMCSA and the California DMV. The lawsuit targets a federal enforcement order that forced California to stop processing non-domiciled CDLs and learner permits last September.

More than three months later, the pause is still in place, leaving many drivers unable to renew or correct their licenses even when they have valid work and immigration documents. CATA argues the freeze amounts to an indefinite suspension that goes beyond federal authority and violates due-process rights. The group is asking the court to allow case-by-case CDL reviews while compliance issues are addressed, as thousands of drivers face job and income uncertainty.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/cata-filed-a-new-lawsuit-over-non-domiciled-cdl-freeze/

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01/12/2026

Spot market activity surged in the first full week of January as freight volumes snapped back after the New Year’s holiday. Data from FTR shows load postings jumped 96.7%, reaching the highest level since last May’s Roadcheck week. Flatbed freight led the rebound, with volume up more than 150%, while dry van and re**er loads also moved higher.

Even with stronger demand, broker-posted spot rates slipped as trucks returned to the market. Total rates fell just over nine cents, with dry van and refrigerated rates seeing the largest pullbacks after several weeks of gains. Flatbed rates, however, continued to rise, extending their post-holiday climb.

The latest numbers point to a return to normal seasonal patterns, with weather and capacity expected to drive short-term swings in the weeks ahead.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/latest-spot-market-results-rates-reset-after-new-year/

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01/12/2026

Tennessee is reviewing thousands of older Commercial Driver’s License records as part of a new push to meet updated state and federal compliance rules. The effort targets legacy CDLs that were issued before proof of citizenship or lawful presence was required, leaving some records missing key documentation.

State officials say about 8,800 CDL holders will receive letters by mail asking them to update their files. Those who do not receive a notice do not need to take any action.

Drivers who are contacted must visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center and bring one approved document, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The state says the review is administrative and is meant to bring older CDL records in line with current federal standards.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/tennessee-reviews-older-cdls-in-a-new-push-for-compliance/

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01/09/2026

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its medical certificate waiver through April 10, 2026, as the industry moves into the new National Registry II system. The FMCSA waiver allows CDL and CLP holders to keep using paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates while state and federal systems catch up with the new electronic reporting process.

Under the waiver, drivers who pass a medical exam can continue to work as long as they carry a valid paper medical card. Motor carriers are also allowed to keep that paper copy in driver qualification files for up to 60 days. FMCSA said the move is meant to prevent drivers from being taken out of service because their medical records have not yet appeared in state databases.

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01/09/2026

Federal officials say more than half of North Carolina’s non-domiciled CDLs were issued illegally, according to a new FMCSA audit. The U.S. Department of Transportation found that 54% of the foreign driver licenses reviewed did not meet federal rules, including cases where legal presence was not verified or had already expired.

Because of the violations, North Carolina now risks losing nearly $50 million in federal transportation funding unless the state revokes the non-compliant CDLs and fixes its licensing system. FMCSA has ordered the state to pause new non-domiciled CDLs, review all active licenses, and launch a full internal audit.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/illegal-cdls-north-carolina-now-risks-losing-federal-funds/

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01/08/2026

Colorado will be rolling out major changes at its Port of Entry locations starting February 1, 2026. The state will shift all safety checks to an electronic system, ending paper-based inspections and cash payments. A new $1 processing fee will apply to each electronic check as Colorado updates its inspection technology.

State officials say the move is designed to speed up inspections and reduce wait times, but drivers should expect a different workflow during the transition. The new system will electronically verify permits, registrations, and compliance records, making it more important than ever to ensure paperwork is current before entering the state.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/colorado-port-of-entry-to-be-under-new-fee-in-february/

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01/08/2026

Federal transportation officials are withholding close to $160 million in funding from California after an audit found thousands of Commercial Driver’s Licenses did not meet federal standards. The U.S. Department of Transportation says California missed a deadline to revoke more than 17,000 non-compliant CDLs, many tied to non-domiciled drivers whose legal status had expired. The funding pause affects money used for highway projects, safety programs, and infrastructure work.

State officials dispute parts of the findings, saying many drivers had valid work authorization and pointing to California’s lower-than-average crash fatality rate. Federal agencies maintain that consistent CDL enforcement is required nationwide and say funding could be restored if corrective steps are completed.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/california-funds-now-withheld-over-cdl-compliance-issues/

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01/07/2026

The U.S. Postal Service plans to tighten safety rules for its contracted trucking network, with new changes focused on drivers who hold non-domiciled CDLs. USPS says it intends to phase out unvetted drivers in this category and require added screening through the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The move connects to recent federal efforts to strengthen CDL oversight nationwide after growing concerns about documentation and verification standards.

USPS moves about 55,000 truck loads per day, so even small policy changes could create major effects across routes, carriers, and hiring. The agency says this decision is aimed at improving accountability and supporting safer highway operations, but questions remain about timing, impact, and how many drivers may be affected.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/non-domiciled-cdls-targeted-in-new-usps-policy/

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01/06/2026

The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has stirred reaction in the global oil market, but analysts say the impact on diesel prices in the U.S. remains limited for now. Crude prices initially bounced as traders weighed possible instability, yet strong U.S. production and healthy global inventories are helping keep fuel costs steady.

This remains important for trucking, as fuel continues to be one of the largest operating expenses. Analysts say that short-term diesel prices are expected to remain mostly stable, with only mild fluctuations possible unless the situation grows into a larger conflict.

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https://truckdrivernews.com/the-oil-market-faces-new-questions-after-maduro-capture/

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