Inspection Summary

From January 1 through February 14, CVED officers conducted 6,455 commercial vehicle inspections. These inspections resulted in 653 drivers being placed out of service and 752 vehicles being removed from operation. Inspectors also recorded 49 oversize violations and 278 overweight violations. Maintaining compliance with regulations remains critical for drivers and fleets to stay on the road safely.

Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

During the week of January 12 to 16, ISP CVED participated in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign. Officers used this initiative to identify potential risks and support safe operations across the trucking industry.

Winter Storm Response

Between January 25 and 28, CVED personnel responded to the aftermath of a severe winter storm. During that time, officers investigated 131 vehicle crashes and answered 2,342 calls for service. These efforts were beyond their normal duties, demonstrating the division’s commitment to public and driver safety even under challenging conditions.

Maintaining Compliance

These results emphasize the importance of proactive compliance for all truck drivers. Staying current on vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and safety standards can prevent being placed out of service and protect drivers’ ability to operate efficiently.

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Jersey City-based freight security company CargoNet released its 2025 Third Quarter Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, reviewing cargo theft patterns from July through September. While the total number of thefts fell 10 percent from the previous quarter, the value of the cargo stolen surged dramatically.

Data shows that the average haul value doubled, jumping to $336,787 per incident in Q3 2025, compared to $168,448 during the same period in 2024. CargoNet says this proves that criminals are picking targets carefully rather than just grabbing whatever is convenient.

Much of the increase comes from organized crime rings going after high-value freight such as enterprise computer hardware, cryptocurrency mining equipment, and copper products.

Truckers aren’t just dealing with local threats. Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations at CargoNet, told Land Line that these criminal networks operate worldwide, with activity traced in over 40 countries.

“We’re not just looking at a threat within our borders; we’re looking at a global threat,” Lewis said.

Thieves are also highly adaptable. Lewis explained that cargo criminals not only target items that are easy to resell, but they also learn how to bypass security measures quickly.

“Every time we come up with a different technique to slow them down, they do an end around on us and come up with a new technique,” he said. “Every time I think I’ve seen it all, I have not seen it all.”

CargoNet’s report highlights that organized crime groups are using social engineering to gather shipment information, which they then exploit for fraudulent pickups and deliveries. The company expects these tactics to increase through the end of 2025.

“As the industry enters the final quarter of 2025, CargoNet anticipates that organized crime groups will continue refining their tactics to stay ahead of security measures and evade detection,” the report said. “The trajectory observed throughout Q3 suggests that criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach, with a particular focus on targeted information harvesting.”

For small trucking businesses, the risk is even higher. Double brokering and identity theft are especially dangerous for owner operators. In October, OOIDA told the U.S. Department of Transportation that these schemes represent the most significant theft risk for small carriers.

“As shippers have become less likely to work directly with small carriers, reliance on load boards has increased dramatically over the years among owner operators,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “Unfortunately, these platforms have simultaneously become fertile ground for nefarious actors.”

OOIDA suggested several ways to curb cargo theft, including establishing a federal repository for theft and fraud reports to improve coordination among law enforcement and the trucking industry. Other recommendations include more secure truck parking and stricter screening for carriers entering the industry.

For truck drivers, staying vigilant on load boards, double-checking pickup and delivery instructions, and securing cargo carefully are critical steps to protect freight and livelihood. With thieves getting more strategic, preparedness is now as important as driving skill.

Source: Land Line Media

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The Phoenix ELD, like those before it, failed to meet the minimum requirements set out in the ELD regulations.
“This action reflects FMCSA’s continued commitment to ensuring that only compliant, reliable ELDs are in use and is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to remove non-compliant, unsafe devices from operation,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs.

What Truckers Need to Do

Motor carriers and drivers using the Phoenix ELD now have a 60-day window to switch to a compliant device. Here’s the breakdown:
• Stop using the Phoenix ELD and revert to paper logs or approved logging software for recording hours of service.
• Replace the revoked ELD with a compliant device from FMCSA’s Registered Devices list before December 22.
Drivers and carriers using the Phoenix ELD before the December 22 deadline will not face violations. After that date, continued use will be treated as operating without an ELD, often cited as a no-logbook violation.

What Happens Next

If the Phoenix ELD provider addresses all deficiencies, FMCSA will re-certify the device and update the industry on its status. Until then, truckers must ensure their logs are compliant to avoid violations.
Staying on top of which ELDs are certified is critical. Make sure your device is up to date and compliant so your logs remain valid and your trucking operation stays on the right side of FMCSA rules.

Source: Overdrive

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has officially recognized Smith as its newest Highway Angel, an honor reserved for drivers who go above and beyond to help others during emergencies.

A Dangerous Night on I-44

It was just after 2 a.m. on June 18 when Smith was hauling westbound on Interstate 44 through heavy rain. As any truck driver knows, wet pavement on Oklahoma highways can turn slick fast, and that night, it did.

Smith said a car passed him and another semi ahead of him, then suddenly lost control.

“I realized the guy was doing flips — he was doing them right in front of the other semi,” Smith recalled. “All the airbags were deployed. Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought there’s no way this guy is alive.”

The car hydroplaned, spun several times, and came to rest on the shoulder. The truck in front of Smith kept going, but Smith immediately slowed down, pulled safely to the side, and ran toward the wreck.

A Quick Response That Made All the Difference

When he reached the vehicle, Smith found the driver conscious but dazed, with visible cuts and scrapes.

“The guy was just sitting there looking at me,” Smith said. “Obviously, he was in shock, but the first thing he said to me was, ‘Can you help me find my phone?’”

Smith helped the young man out of the car, moved him to a safe distance from the highway, and called 911. While they waited for first responders, Smith made sure the injured driver stayed calm and alert.

The victim had only minor injuries, a remarkable outcome considering the severity of the crash.

“I stopped because I was there,” Smith said. “Who else was gonna do it? I believe that you’re put in places for a reason.”

A Highway Hero in the Making

Smith’s story is a reminder of how often truck drivers become first responders simply because they’re there when accidents happen. Every day, drivers like Smith see situations unfold that few others would ever witness, and many, like him, don’t hesitate to help.

Through its Highway Angel program, the TCA honors truckers who show courage and compassion on the road. Since the program began, more than 1,300 drivers have received the recognition.

For Smith, though, it wasn’t about the spotlight, just doing what he knew was right.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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That’s where the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) comes into play. Recently modernized by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this online platform is designed to give drivers a stronger voice and a simpler way to report unsafe or non-compliant practices to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

A Tech Upgrade for the Industry

With the latest updates, truck drivers can now file complaints against a wide range of entities, including moving companies, motor carriers, bus companies, electronic logging device (ELD) providers, substance abuse professionals, and property brokers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the upgrade a significant step forward.

“This overdue tech upgrade is a win for drivers, carriers, and the driving public. The modernized database will make it easier to file complaints, access digital tools, and empower individuals to speak up about unsafe practices. With your support, we will continue to take bad actors off the roads to keep the American people safe.”

The changes are part of DOT’s broader Pro-Trucker Package, a collection of nine initiatives unveiled earlier this year aimed at making life on the road safer and fairer for drivers.

Holding Brokers Accountable

One of the most notable improvements is expanded support for reporting brokers. The FMCSA clarified on its website that drivers can now submit complaints if a property broker fails to comply with transparency requirements, such as maintaining transaction records or keeping up with insurance and FMCSA registration.

“Is your complaint about a property broker? This could include a property broker failing to maintain transaction records or financial accounts with the required information, failing to maintain FMCSA registration or insurance, misrepresenting services, or conducting improper rebating or compensation practices,” FMCSA wrote.

Under Regulation 371.3, brokers are required to keep detailed records of each transaction, and carriers are legally entitled to review them. But many drivers say the system is broken, with brokers often requiring them to waive those rights.

Back in 2020, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) urged FMCSA to strengthen transparency rules. The agency proposed new regulations in 2024, but a revised version isn’t expected until May 2026. In the meantime, the updated NCCDB gives drivers a much-needed channel to flag problems.

A Long-Awaited Overhaul

OOIDA has been vocal about the shortcomings of the old NCCDB, noting that drivers often found the platform clunky and unresponsive. In July, the association urged FMCSA not only to improve functionality but also to consider renaming it to something more practical and recognizable.

“Many drivers are also unaware that the NCCDB is available for them to report violations of commercial regulations, nor are they aware that other complaints can be handled through the NCCDB,” OOIDA wrote. “We believe ongoing NCCDB changes can be supplemented simply by changing the name of the system. Possible suggestions for a more logical name would be the ‘National Truck Safety Hotline’ or the ‘Truck Safety and Compliance Hotline.’ A new, more practical name would help raise the platform’s awareness among professional truckers and improve its utilization.”

DOT confirmed that a rebrand is part of its plan, along with additional functionality and performance enhancements expected in the next phase of updates.

A Safer Future for Drivers

By modernizing the NCCDB, federal regulators are sending a clear signal that truck drivers’ voices matter. The platform’s redesign and the promised improvements still to come give professional drivers a direct way to hold companies and brokers accountable, while strengthening safety across the industry.

Source: Land Line Media

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The incident happened around noon on June 17. Reinhad, a professional driver with Halvor Lines Inc. out of Superior, Wisconsin, had only been with the company for two weeks when she came upon a vehicle stopped at a weigh station exit. The truck was blocking traffic, and something didn’t seem right.

“I said, ‘Are you okay?’” Reinhad recalled. “He couldn’t talk; I said, ‘Do you need medical attention?’ It took me forever to call 911. Can you believe 911 never answered?”

Unable to get through to emergency dispatch, she reached out to a nearby county’s state police, who then connected her with the right responders. Reinhad stayed with the man, who was on oxygen, until help arrived. First responders were able to assist the driver, and state troopers moved his truck safely out of the way.

“He was an older gentleman — hopefully he was okay,” she added.

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) honored Reinhad with a Highway Angel award for her actions. Since the program began in 1997, the TCA has recognized nearly 1,500 truck drivers who’ve gone above and beyond to help others while on the road. Sponsors, including EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, support the program.

Reinhad’s quick thinking and willingness to step in highlight the kind of support truckers often provide for one another—especially in moments when every second counts.

Image and Source: Truckers News

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“By expanding safe, accessible places for drivers to rest, we’re supporting the people who keep our economy moving and making it safer for everyone on our roads,” DeWine remarked.
“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so does the number of trucks traveling on Ohio’s network of interstates and state routes.”

This effort was unveiled alongside Pamela Boratyn, Director of ODOT, and backed by the Ohio Trucking Association.

“This initiative addresses a chronic, nationwide issue,” OHTA CEO Thomas Balzer emphasized.
“A recent survey found that 98% of commercial drivers struggle to find safe parking, with 70% admitting to violating hours-of-service regulations in search of a spot. This puts everyone on the road at risk. We applaud Gov. DeWine’s commitment to improving driver safety and freight mobility in Ohio.”

Each new rest area will have security lighting and restroom facilities. Construction is slated to begin next year and finish by the end of 2027.

“Once complete, the American Transportation Research Institute projects that Ohio will lead the nation in the total number of long-term truck parking spaces available on state-owned property,” according to the Governor’s office.

Why This Matters to Drivers

• From 2015 to 2019, Ohio recorded 106 crashes involving improperly parked trucks, resulting in 5 deaths, 11 serious injuries, and 36 minor injuries—mainly around urban centers like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, and Columbus.
• During just four months, GPS data revealed over 100 clusters where drivers parked off-designation—at rest areas, ramps, last-mile roads, and near truck stops.

The ODOT Truck Parking Study states:
“From 2015 to 2019, over 460 truck crashes happened due to fatigued driving, leading to six deaths, 50 serious injuries, and more than 400 minor or possible injuries.”

Ohio currently offers around 14,200 public truck parking spaces across 98 locations, with just 16 spots each. Over half are along the Ohio Turnpike; the rest are at private truck stops or businesses.

“Ohio’s new truck parking plan is a major step forward in improving safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road,” Boratyn said.
“These projects will make our state a national leader in total truck parking capacity — setting the standard for safety and service.”

The project is supported by a $150 million allocation in Ohio’s transportation budget this year.

Bigger Picture

Ohio handles over 1 billion tons of freight annually, valued at around $1.2 trillion, with trucking mileage topping 27.5 million miles in 2023. With freight volume expected to climb 26% by 2045, the demand for safe parking isn’t just growing, it’s urgent.

Source: Transport Topics

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Ross, who drives for MCK Trucking, Inc. of Madison, Alabama, had stopped at a rest area off I-40 in rural west Tennessee near Jackson on the afternoon of February 25. Around 4 p.m., a disturbing scene unfolded in front of his truck.

“This young girl went running to the right of my truck in the grass with shoes in her hand,” Ross recalled. “I thought in my head, ‘Something’s not right about that’.”

He watched as she sprinted roughly a quarter of a mile and disappeared into the nearby woods. Moments later, a man ran after her, following the same path.

“It scared me,” Ross said. “I went and called 911.”

His quick call made all the difference. A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper, already nearby, arrived within five minutes. Thanks to Ross’s tip, law enforcement was able to locate the woman and safely remove her from the dangerous situation. According to authorities, she had been abducted in California and brought across state lines. Ross also handed over dashcam footage to assist with the investigation.

Still processing the gravity of what happened, Ross turned to a fellow driver and asked, “Did I just save that girl’s life? I hope I did.”

David Wheeler, Safety Director for MCK Transportation and a longtime advocate for Truckers Against Trafficking, wasn’t surprised by Ross’s quick thinking.

“MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” said Wheeler.

Ross joins a growing list of professional drivers who have been celebrated for stepping up in moments that matter most. Since its launch in 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has honored nearly 1,500 truckers for their courage, compassion, and everyday heroism. The initiative is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Sometimes the road brings more than just a job—it brings the chance to change a life. And thanks to one truck driver’s gut instinct and fast action, one young woman is now safe.

Image & Source: Truckers News

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Rescuing in the Line of Duty

On April 22, at 12:25 p.m. in Archdale, North Carolina, Netusil, a driver for Bay & Bay Transportation based in Eagan, Minnesota, stepped into action when he saw an older model pickup truck engulfed in flames on the shoulder of Highway 85.

“I pulled over and ran back with my fire extinguisher,” he said.

The fire caused significant damage to the truck, leaving it totaled. The driver of the pickup sustained injuries to his hand after the fire broke out. The cause of the blaze was traced to a plugged-in cell phone.

“The guy’s truck was totaled,” Netusil noted. “And he definitely burned part of his hand in the fire.”

A Legacy of Heroism

Netusil’s courage and quick action can be attributed to his family’s legacy. With a father and grandfather who were both firefighters, stepping up to help others is in his DNA.

“I don’t like the idea of people losing stuff because I didn’t feel like pulling over,” he explained. “It just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Netusil, who has been a truck driver for eight years, exemplifies the selflessness and bravery that the TCA Highway Angel program recognizes.

Learn More

To discover more stories of heroic truck drivers celebrated as TCA Highway Angels, visit the TCA Highway Angel page.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: TCA

The post Trucker Honored as TCA Highway Angel for Heroic Act appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

AAA forecasts that 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26. Most of those travelers—an estimated 39.4 million—will be on the road. That’s 1 million more drivers than last year, and it sets a new Memorial Day travel record, beating the 44 million benchmark set in 2005.

Despite inflation and rising everyday costs, Americans are still making time to connect with family and friends this holiday.

“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” explained Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school.”

Driving remains the go-to travel choice, with roughly 87% of travelers choosing the road over other transportation methods.

Truckers may find some relief at the pump this year. While the average price for regular gas was $3.59 per gallon last Memorial Day, this year’s prices are less volatile thanks to lower crude oil costs. Still, with Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, fuel demand is expected to climb, which could push prices up slightly in the coming weeks.

Source: Truckers News

With so many people on the move, drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, avoid peak traffic hours, and expect heavier congestion in popular travel corridors. Whether hauling freight or headed out for delivery, it’ll be essential for truckers to stay patient and alert during one of the year’s busiest travel weekends.

Source: Truckers News

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