American truck drivers (2026)

07/02/2026

WASHINGTON — Federal transportation officials say Operation SafeDRIVE, a coordinated three-day enforcement campaign, resulted in nearly 2,000 unqualified drivers and commercial vehicles being taken off America’s highways. The effort, conducted January 13–15 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in partnership with state law enforcement across 26 states and the District of Columbia, focused on reducing dangerous driving behaviors and ensuring proper qualifications among truckers.

According to the FMCSA press release:
• 8,215 inspections were conducted.
• 704 drivers were placed out of service, including nearly 500 for failing English proficiency standards.
• 1,231 vehicles were removed from service.
• 56 people were arrested, including for DUI and other violations.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the results show the impact of high-visibility enforcement in removing unsafe drivers and vehicles from the road, while FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs emphasized that the operation was about safety and protecting the traveling public.

Source: FMCSA / U.S. Department of Transportation press release

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07/02/2026

Wind energy facilities north of Casper, Wyoming, are facing a growing shortage of qualified CDL drivers as operators race to keep underground diesel backup systems fueled and operational. Maintenance contractors say each turbine is connected to a buried 1,000-gallon diesel tank that powers internal systems during low-wind conditions, cold starts, maintenance cycles, and extended periods of calm weather. Recent stretches of reduced wind have increased refueling frequency, intensifying pressure on already limited staffing levels.

Drivers seeking these positions must hold a valid CDL with a HazMat endorsement, have proven winter driving experience, and be capable of navigating remote two-track roads while hauling large fuel loads. The role also requires comfort working around rotating turbine equipment and awareness of potential static electricity hazards on site. Energy officials emphasize that these diesel systems are a standard operational component designed to ensure consistent renewable power generation, even when wind conditions are unfavorable.

Local residents have reported noticeably higher tanker traffic on rural access roads leading to turbine sites, though operators have declined to release specific refueling schedules citing safety and security concerns.

Source: Local maintenance contractors and regional wind energy operators (via local reporting)

07/02/2026

A growing coalition of lawmakers, truck manufacturers, and industry associations is pushing for changes that would allow heavier semi trucks weighing up to 90,000 pounds to operate legally on U.S. highways — a significant increase from the existing federal limit of 80,000 pounds.

Proponents argue that allowing heavier trucks could improve freight efficiency, reduce shipping costs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by enabling more cargo per trip. Safety advocates and some state officials, however, caution that heavier vehicles may increase wear on roads and bridges and pose additional safety risks without careful regulation and infrastructure investment.

The proposal has gained traction in parts of Congress and is being discussed as part of broader debates on infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and freight policy. If adopted, the change could reshape long-haul trucking operations and impact logistics strategies across the country.

07/02/2026

During January 2026, the California Highway Patrol conducted a month-long commercial truck enforcement operation along I-10 between the San Gorgonio Pass and the Coachella Valley. CHP said commercial truck traffic was closely monitored due to ongoing safety concerns on this critical corridor. Officers from multiple CHP divisions carried out inspections and traffic enforcement aimed at reducing dangerous driving behaviors and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The operation resulted in 42 vehicle inspections, with 4 vehicles and 8 drivers placed out of service. Troopers cited 75 speeding violations and 76 out-of-lane violations, issuing a total of 205 citations and documenting 277 violations overall. CHP emphasized that while most truckers drive professionally, unsafe operation of commercial vehicles can have serious consequences for public safety.

Source: California Highway Patrol (CHP)

07/02/2026

From a Nebraska farm kid hauling grain in an old truck to building one of the largest freight operations in America, Wayne Hoovestol’s story was once seen as a textbook example of the American trucking dream. In the 1960s, he drove through Iowa and Nebraska just trying to make ends meet, and by the early 1970s he founded Hoovestol Inc., a company that earned the trust of the U.S. Postal Service by moving mail through some of the toughest conditions in the country. Over time, that foundation grew into 10 Roads Express — a coast-to-coast postal and dedicated freight carrier operating thousands of trucks in all 50 states. At its peak, the company generated over $1.6 billion in annual revenue and employed thousands of drivers. However, major changes in the USPS network reduced its business by nearly 70%, and after 47 years of operations, 10 Roads Express announced it would shut down all operations by January 30, 2026, impacting thousands of employees. This marks one of the largest trucking closures in recent years, highlighting how quickly market shifts can change the fate of even the biggest carriers.

07/02/2026

A former United States Postal Service (USPS) employee is facing a new set of federal charges linked to an alleged bribery and kickback scheme involving trucking contracts, according to recently filed court documents.

Prosecutors allege that the individual accepted bribes and gratuities in exchange for steering USPS contract work to certain trucking companies. The indictment claims the former employee used their position to improperly influence the awarding and oversight of transportation contracts, resulting in illegal financial benefits.

Federal investigators say the scheme involved multiple payments and favors made over time, and that the accused knowingly violated ethics and anti-bribery statutes designed to protect the integrity of government procurement. Authorities did not release details about the amount of money involved or the identities of the trucking companies connected to the scheme.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over corruption risks within government contracting, particularly in logistics and freight operations where large sums are often awarded for transportation services. The former USPS worker is scheduled to appear in federal court on the new charges, and if convicted, could face significant fines and prison time.

Source: CDLLife

07/02/2026

Robert Bearden Trucking — a Cairo, Georgia–based carrier that grew from one truck in 1997 to a 143-truck, 128-driver fleet — has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court on January 26, 2026.

Court records list the company’s assets and liabilities in the range of $0 to $50,000, a striking figure for a fleet of its size. Despite the filing, FMCSA records show the carrier still held active interstate authority at the time, indicating operations were ongoing until the financial collapse.

Drivers reportedly learned about the bankruptcy not through official company communication but via a Facebook post circulating in industry groups. According to one driver, employees were instructed to deadhead trucks to Mobile, Alabama, and Valdosta, Georgia, as the company winds down operations.

Founded in 1997 and later becoming 100% employee-owned in 2012, Robert Bearden Trucking was considered an established Southeast regional carrier. The shutdown underscores the impact of a weakened freight market, rising operational costs, and shrinking margins on mid-sized trucking companies — even those with long histories and strong driver involvement.

Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court records; FMCSA data; driver posts circulating in industry groups

07/02/2026

The widow of a Delaware County, Indiana sheriff’s corporal killed in a roadside collision involving two tractor trailers has filed a lawsuit alleging that both truck drivers and their employers were negligent.

On November 12, 2025, Deputy Corporal Blake Reynolds was assisting a disabled truck on Interstate 69 near mile marker 247 after driver Gregory Holmes lost control of his rig and blocked the right-hand lane. Reynolds activated his emergency lights and exited his vehicle to help when a second tractor trailer driven by Teddy Johnson struck both the crashed truck and Reynolds’ patrol vehicle, fatally injuring the officer.

In her lawsuit, Allison Reynolds claims the crash was caused by the “careless and negligent acts” of both truck drivers, including driving “while fatigued, inattentive and distracted.” The complaint also alleges that Holmes failed to remove his disabled trailer from traffic, failed to contact emergency services, and did not warn other motorists of the hazard. Johnson, who was driving for Parrish Dedicated Services, is accused of traveling at a “speed unreasonable under the circumstances” and failing to yield to emergency responders.

Investigators also noted that Johnson had a previous conviction in October 2024 for violating the Indiana “move over” law by unlawfully passing an emergency vehicle. The lawsuit names the trucking companies Parrish Dedicated Services, Parrish Leasing Inc., and A & G Deliveries, alleging they breached their duty of care to the public and emergency personnel.

Allison Reynolds is seeking damages for wrongful death, legal costs, and other relief as allowed by law. At this time, no criminal charges have been announced in connection with the crash.

Source: Local news reporting

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07/02/2026

From January 13 to 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation conducted a three-day nationwide enforcement blitz called Operation SafeDRIVE in 26 states and Washington, D.C., resulting in nearly 2,000 out-of-service orders for truck drivers and vehicles. The operation, led by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in partnership with state law enforcement, focused on dangerous driving behaviors, improper qualifications, and unsafe equipment on America’s highways. During the campaign, officers conducted 8,215 total inspections, placing 704 drivers and 1,231 vehicles out of service. Nearly 500 of the driver out-of-service orders were issued for English proficiency violations, while 56 arrests were made for offenses including DUI and illegal presence in the United States. Participating states included Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the operation showed the importance of a whole-of-government approach to keep unqualified drivers off the road, while FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs emphasized that the crackdown was about protecting public safety and removing high-risk drivers from highways.

Source: USDOT

06/02/2026

FMCSA is reviewing a request that could bring back paper logbooks for recording Hours of Service, a move that many independent drivers and small carriers have long supported.

On February 6, 2026, FMCSA announced it will accept public comments on an exemption request submitted by the Federation of Professional Truckers (FOPT). The group has asked the agency to allow professional drivers to record their Records of Duty Status (RODS) manually instead of being required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).

FOPT argues that paper logs are reliable, widely understood by law enforcement, and less burdensome—especially for small carriers who struggle with the costs and technical issues of ELD systems. The organization also pointed to frequent ELD malfunctions and technical limitations as reasons why a paper option should remain available.

FMCSA stated that the exemption, if granted, would apply to FOPT members and any other professional driver who chooses to participate. FOPT has said it would provide training on accurate paper log use, conduct random internal audits, and remove any driver who violates Hours of Service rules from the program.

The agency will accept public comments for 30 days after the notice is officially published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2026. A final decision will be made after reviewing feedback from drivers, carriers, and industry stakeholders.

Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

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