“More than ever, we need to plan transportation and infrastructure investments – especially for freight – by looking at the big picture,” the DOT stated in a recent update. “This means considering all transportation modes and both public and private sector needs to maintain America’s competitive edge globally.”

The agency emphasized the need to hear from private industry professionals and everyday users of the system: “DOT recognizes the importance of engaging with the public and private industry to develop a clear and inclusive national vision for freight transportation … As daily users of the system, private-sector perspectives are vital inputs for understanding operational challenges along the freight system. DOT seeks information directly from the public and stakeholders to inform development of this national freight strategy.”

What Is the National Freight Strategic Plan?

The current NFSP, first released in 2020, outlines three core goals that have shaped freight planning at federal, state, and local levels:

• Improve the safety, security, and resilience of the national freight system
• Modernize infrastructure and operations to support economic growth and enhance quality of life
• Support technology, data, and workforce development to strengthen freight system performance

As part of the 2025 update process, the DOT wants to know if these priorities still hold true—and what new strategies or tools may be needed to meet evolving challenges in the industry.

Why This Matters to Truckers and the Freight Industry

Organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have previously used this opportunity to advocate for real change. In comments submitted for the 2020 plan, the association emphasized that deteriorating roadways, limited truck parking, and overregulation are serious problems affecting small-business drivers.

“As DOT prepares its National Freight Strategic Plan, we urge the Department to consider improvements to the nation’s transportation system that would increase efficiencies and alleviate costs for small-business truckers,” OOIDA wrote. “The NFSP must address deteriorating highway infrastructure that results in lost productivity and compensation for drivers. The plan also must prioritize fixing the nation’s truck parking crisis and address other institutional barriers, such as excessive detention time that can be mitigated through more practical federal policies.”

The Questions DOT Wants Answered

To build the updated NFSP, the DOT is asking the public to weigh in on 10 key questions, including:

• Do the original 2020 goals still reflect the most urgent freight priorities today?
• What metrics should be used to track the health and performance of the freight system?
• How can public and private investments better support industry growth and infrastructure reliability?
• What barriers—regulatory, technological, or otherwise—still hinder the freight system?
• How do freight operations affect rural and underserved communities, and how can those impacts be addressed?

Other questions focus on how new technologies, disaster resilience, and multi-jurisdictional coordination can be improved across freight networks.

How to Share Your Feedback

The DOT is accepting public comments on the National Freight Strategic Plan through August 14, 2025. To submit your thoughts:

• Visit Regulations.gov
• Search for Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0369
• Fill out the comment form and share your insights

Source: Land Line Media

The post DOT Wants Your Input on the Future of Freight in America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

If signed into law, the bill would direct the NYC Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) to establish truck parking areas in IBZs where it deems the program “feasible.” These zones would operate for a minimum of 10 continuous hours overnight and be off-limits between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

This legislative move builds on an earlier pilot program the city launched to explore paid overnight truck parking in three select IBZs:

• Brooklyn – Flatlands/Fairfield IBZ (Flatlands Avenue between Erskine Street and Fountain Avenue)
• The Bronx – Hunts Point IBZ (Ryawa Avenue between Manida Street and Halleck Street)
• Queens – Maspeth IBZ (56th Road from 43rd Street to 49th Street)

Using the ParkNYC app, drivers can pay for up to eight-hour parking sessions at $10 each from Monday to Saturday. Parking on Sundays remains free across NYC.

The newly passed bill would make these kinds of parking options more widely available but restrict them solely to commercial vehicles. Before launching any new zone, NYCDOT must notify and, if requested, meet with local community boards and council members in the affected area. In addition, the department must conduct outreach to local businesses and truck drivers to spread the word about the new zones.

Once operational, NYCDOT will also be responsible for tracking usage and reporting findings annually. Those reports — submitted to both the mayor and city council and posted online — will include:

• Locations of truck parking zones
• Usage data
• Any impacts observed on IBZs, nearby communities, and the drivers themselves

The law is set to take effect six months after it’s signed and would remain in place through July 1, 2030.

This could be a meaningful shift for drivers navigating tight parking in one of the most congested metro areas in the country — offering not only designated space but also reducing the stress of circling neighborhoods and risking citations overnight.

Image Source: NY Daily News
Source: Overdrive

The post Overnight Truck Parking Zones Approved in NYC Industrial Areas appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Years of Advocacy and a Tragic Catalyst

Finding a safe, legal place to park has been a daily struggle for truck drivers across the country. For much of the 21st century, the lack of parking has left drivers with few good options, forcing many to risk their safety. It wasn’t until advocacy organizations spoke up—most notably the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)—that federal and state leaders began to take the problem seriously.

A pivotal moment came after the murder of truck driver Jason Rivenburg, who lost his life when he was forced to stop overnight at an unsafe location after being turned away from an early delivery. That tragedy led directly to Jason’s Law in 2012, which tasked federal agencies with assessing and reporting on national truck parking availability.

When the initial survey results landed in 2015, they reinforced what drivers already knew: truck parking was woefully inadequate. But improvements were slow, and a follow-up in 2020 confirmed that little headway had been made.

Legislators Push for Solutions

Driven by the survey results, lawmakers and OOIDA renewed their campaign for action. In 2020, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act—a proposal to allocate $755 million specifically for building new, free parking spots for truckers.

OOIDA threw its weight behind the bill from the start. “Growing up in a family trucking business, I know how hard it can be to find a safe place to stop and rest,” Bost explained, emphasizing why he has “led efforts in Congress to expand truck parking and fight for common sense reforms that make life easier and safer for truckers.”

The measure faced obstacles in Congress, and although it stalled in committee, support grew steadily. OOIDA spurred drivers into action through Calls to Action and their FightingForTruckers.com website, while Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh continued providing congressional testimony on the issue. Over several sessions, the bill’s list of Democratic and Republican co-sponsors increased as awareness spread.

DOT Launches the “Pro-Trucker Package”

Momentum built as a new federal administration entered office. On June 27, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy laid out the department’s “Pro-Trucker Package,” a series of reforms aimed at truck driver well-being and safety.

A major highlight of the package is the $275+ million commitment to expand truck parking across the U.S. The 2024 round of grants already included $180 million for Florida, providing more than 900 much-needed spaces along Interstate 4, a perennial trouble spot for parking.

“These steps not only improve the daily lives of truckers across America but also enhance safety for everyone on the road,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.

Other DOT efforts in the package include pulling back on speed limiter regulations, updating the hours-of-service rules to offer drivers more flexibility, and modernizing digital resources such as the National Consumer Complaint Database for drivers.

Importantly, the DOT will also be labeling truck parking as a “national priority” under Jason’s Law, which will unlock access to grant programs that can move additional parking construction projects forward.

A Turning Point for the Trucking Community

For truckers, this $275 million initiative is more than just government spending—it’s long-overdue recognition of their crucial work and the unique challenges they face. Solving the parking problem addresses a critical safety concern and helps drivers spend more time moving America’s freight, not searching for a place to park.

The Road Ahead

The shortage is not solved overnight, but this level of funding marks a historic step forward. OOIDA and supporting lawmakers plan to keep pushing for additional resources and program improvements to ensure truckers’ continued safety and comfort.

With fresh investment and a renewed focus on truck driver needs, the industry is poised for safer roads, smarter regulations, and more secure rest for those who keep goods moving nationwide. All eyes will be on how these changes unfold and on the benefits delivered to drivers and the traveling public alike.

Source: Land Line

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OOIDA is now backing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) ongoing initiative to identify and eliminate excessive and costly regulations. This effort aims to streamline processes and enhance safety without imposing unnecessary burdens on truck drivers.

DOT’s Deregulatory Process

The DOT opened a 30-day public comment period in April, inviting feedback on regulations that can be modified, repealed, or amended. Nearly 900 responses poured in, with truck drivers voicing their concerns and calling for more operational freedom to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.

“These ineffective rules have driven up costs for small-business truckers, pushing many safe and experienced operators out of the industry,” wrote OOIDA President Todd Spencer in the Association’s 17-page official response.

The submission outlined several changes aimed at reducing regulatory overreach. Topics included speed limiters, hours of service, English proficiency, and broker transparency.

Key Issues OOIDA Addressed

Speed Limiter Mandate Concerns

OOIDA strongly opposes a potential federal speed-limiter mandate for commercial vehicles. Although speed limiter proposals were introduced in 2016 and again in 2022, the regulation has yet to be finalized.

“Professional truck drivers strongly object to any speed limiter mandate,” OOIDA wrote. Association leaders argue that speed limiters increase stress, fatigue, and safety risks by creating dangerous speed differentials. They also highlight concerns about limiting drivers’ ability to maneuver safely in emergencies.

OOIDA believes states should retain authority over speed regulations, as Congress deliberately handed these responsibilities to states in 1995. The Association urges DOT to withdraw the rulemaking effort entirely.

Reforming Hours of Service Rules

OOIDA’s advocacy led to some flexibility improvements in hours-of-service (HOS) regulations in 2020, but the group continues to push for further changes to account for driver needs and safety.

“HOS rules are overly complex and fail to align with the physical capabilities of individual drivers,” OOIDA explained. The Association suggests allowing drivers to “pause” their clock and adopt expanded sleeper-berth options, such as 6/4 or 5/5 splits, to support rest and alertness better. Operators argue such flexibility would enable safer and more practical scheduling.

Ensuring English Proficiency for Drivers

OOIDA is calling for stricter enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. The Association says that understanding signage, communicating with law enforcement, and managing emergencies are critical for safety.

“The ability to understand and react to road signs is critical for public and operational safety,” OOIDA emphasized. The Association welcomed President Donald Trump’s executive order to resume enforcement of English proficiency regulations and urged more industry attention to this area.

Increasing Broker Transparency

Broker transparency has long been a concern in the trucking community. Current regulations require brokers to provide carrier transaction records, but enforcement is inconsistent.

OOIDA petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for stricter transparency measures, proposing a rule that obligates brokers to share transaction records electronically within 48 hours.

“If implemented properly, this rulemaking will contribute to a more ethical, fair, and efficient freight brokerage marketplace,” OOIDA wrote.

Other Recommendations for Reform

Beyond the highlighted issues, OOIDA made additional calls for action, including repealing the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and phasing out the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) system.

The ELD rule, which took effect in 2017, costs an estimated $1.8 billion annually. OOIDA contends it has shown no measurable impact on highway safety. Similarly, the Association criticized the UCR system as an unnecessary and wasteful expense.

Looking Ahead

While the official public comment period closed on May 5, the DOT continues to accept comments via email at Transportation.RegulatoryInfo@dot.gov under the subject line “Regulatory Reform RFI.”

OOIDA remains hopeful that this movement reflects a broader commitment by the DOT to actively engage with truck drivers and prioritize their expertise and feedback.

“Moving forward, DOT can best identify meaningful regulatory reforms by listening to America’s truckers, attending industry events, and holding public discussions on vital safety issues,” OOIDA wrote.

The DOT could significantly enhance safety, working conditions, and operational efficiency for the nation’s truckers by pursuing these recommended regulatory changes.

Source: Land Line

The post OOIDA Proposes DOT Regulatory Reforms to Improve Safety and Reduce Costs: Addressing Regulations in the Trucking Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Missouri’s Push for Accountability

Missouri’s House Transportation Committee is advancing HB745, a bill by Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) that aims to curb predatory towing with several critical reforms.

Key measures include creating a formal complaint process, introducing a temporary ban on towing companies found breaking the law, and requiring towing details to be listed on nonconsensual tow invoices. The proposed legislation would also establish a “Towing and Recovery Review Board,” which includes representation for owner-operator truck drivers.

Griffith explained, “This bill will create an avenue for independent truckers and the trucking industry to dispute the charges. Right now, they don’t have that.”

Under HB745, truck operators could also select their preferred towing company unless specific conditions prevented it. The bill also prohibits per-pound pricing for nonconsensual tows and regulates situations where disputed fees delay vehicle releases.

OOIDA’s Executive Vice President, Lewie Pugh, shared his support, noting how unfair towing costs can devastate small trucking businesses. “When something like this happens to you as a small-business trucker, your life is pretty much devastated,” he testified.

HB745 awaits further deliberation in Missouri’s House.

Arkansas Targets Predatory Practices

Arkansas is considering HB1897, sponsored by Rep. Stetson Painter (R-Mountain Home). The bill aims to eliminate deceptive towing practices and excessive fees for both commercial and private vehicles.

Labor and Licensing Secretary Daryl Bassett emphasized the issue, testifying that “predatory towing is an issue that continues to rear its ugly head.” He praised the bill’s design to protect consumers and ethical towing businesses alike.

One standout provision allows vehicle owners to recover their cargo quickly, paying 35% of its value upfront while towing companies retain their lien on the load. “They can get their cargo, they can get it to market, they can make the sales, and they can pay the tow truck operator,” said Bassett, framing it as a win for all parties.

HB1897 also proposes revisions to the Arkansas Towing Board, restructuring its membership to regulate the industry better and reduce conflicts of interest.

Painter acknowledged the bill’s imperfections but called it “a step in the right direction.” Following committee approval, the bill is progressing through the legislative process.

North Carolina Proposes Dual Legislation

Lawmakers in North Carolina are considering two separate bills addressing nonconsensual towing and vehicle immobilization.

The first, H472, seeks to ban vehicle booting of commercial trucks, imposing misdemeanor charges on violators. It would also mandate the prompt return of cargo during nonconsensual tows or law-enforcement-initiated removals. Provisions allow trailer swaps if the replacement trailer is of equal or greater value.

The second bill, H577 (the “Protect Towers and Truckers Act”), proposes a Towing and Recovery Commission to manage disputes and evaluate towing rate reasonableness within the state’s rotation system. The bill also includes requirements for tow companies to provide a standard hourly price list before joining the rotation system.

Both pieces of legislation aim to address long-standing issues with predatory practices in the state.

Illinois Cracks Down on Fraudulent Operators

Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with SB2040, spearheaded by Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), to hold unethical towing operators accountable.

The bill focuses on companies that evade penalties by operating under new business names. Under the proposed law, violators risk having their tow trucks impounded and their plates suspended until fines are settled. Additionally, restrictions would prohibit such operators from acquiring new licenses for three years.

“For too long, predatory towing operators have taken advantage of unsuspecting drivers, leaving them with outrageous fees, missing belongings, and no recourse,” Villanueva said. “This legislation is about restoring fairness and accountability to the system.”

The Senate has advanced the measure for further consideration.

Pennsylvania to Expand Emergency Towing Options

Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) is tackling towing regulations in Pennsylvania with HB188, a proposal set to offer flexibility for truckers in emergency situations.

Under the current rules, trucks needing emergency service must be towed to the nearest garage or safe location. HB188 would allow large trucks, including overweight combinations, to head directly to a facility of the owner’s choice. However, the tow must follow a direct and immediate route to either the repair site or a designated safe area.

Borowicz argued the bill would streamline regulations while improving road safety for all travelers.

The Bigger Picture

These legislative reforms mark meaningful progress in addressing unfair towing practices. With predatory behavior remaining an issue, these bills could bring much-needed protections for small-business truckers and others impacted by nonconsensual tow incidents.

Advocates like OOIDA will keep pressing for these reforms until fairness and accountability become the industry standard across the United States.

Source: Land Line

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Among the three exceptional honorees was Jay Hosty, a dedicated member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and a former board member. Hosty now stands alongside Craig Daniels and Darryl Tolle as individuals celebrated for their extraordinary dedication to the trucking profession.

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions to Trucking

Craig Daniels, based in Columbus, Georgia, is a U.S. Army veteran and currently drives for Crete Carrier. He represents the company with pride as part of their “Patriot Fleet,” a division committed to honoring veterans’ service to America.

Meanwhile, Darryl Tolle of Cynthiana, Kentucky, has consistently demonstrated unparalleled safety and professionalism throughout his career, accumulating an impressive 3.6 million accident-free miles on the road. Tolle’s unwavering commitment to safety earned him the prestigious 2024 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Driver Excellence Award, further reinforcing his stellar reputation within the trucking industry.

Jay Hosty, a resident of Diamondhead, Mississippi, began his driving career in Louisiana in 1980. By 1989, he joined OOIDA, aligning with an organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for owner-operators like himself.

Celebrating Their Impact

Winners of the Citizen Driver program are each awarded $5,000 in cash, along with the opportunity to donate an additional $2,500 to a charity of their choice. Their accomplishments are further immortalized with a dedicated plaque prominently displayed at a location of their choosing within the TA, TA Express, or Petro Stopping Center network. Each dedication is marked by a celebration that pays tribute to their lasting contributions.

According to the TravelCenters of America Citizen Driver website, the program was conceived to honor professional drivers who excel on the road and within their communities. Each nomination undergoes careful evaluation by a panel of seasoned trucking professionals who select the winners based on their extraordinary impact.

Upholding a Legacy of Excellence

Since its establishment in 2013, the Citizen Driver program has consistently recognized the achievements of outstanding OOIDA members and their service to the trucking community.

The program’s significance was highlighted during the 2024 awards, with TA CEO Debi Boffa acknowledging the winners’ remarkable contributions. She stated, “It’s an honor to recognize such extraordinary individuals who consistently demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, safety, and citizenship on and off the road.”

Her remarks reflect the ethos behind the Citizen Driver program, which celebrates not only the skills of professional truckers but also their dedication to safety and community involvement.

The recent ceremony at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville continues to highlight the exceptional individuals driving the trucking industry forward. Programs like Citizen Driver serve as a testament to the values of professionalism, safety, and service that define this essential profession.

Source: Land Line

Image Source: (Travel Centers – TA-Petro) from left to right: Craig Daniels, Daryl Tolle, and Jay Hosty.

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