SD Road Team Captain Gary Schmidt talks with student at the FFA Career Carnival in Brookings, SD.
Photo Courtesy of Michelle Wells
SDTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Justin Anders Chairman
Tom Murphy Vice Chairman
Ryan Viessman
Treasurer
Jim Maciejewski
Secretary
Bob Willey Past Chairman
Vacant
ATA Vice President
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson President
SDTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phillip Christian
Nick Cleveringa
Shanna Gray
Pete Halverson
Eric Hamiel
Steve Hoffman
Larry Klaahsen
Tim Kotalik
Justin Larson
Nathan Locken
Matt Parker
Dan Schipper
Ben Sternhagen
SDTA SERVICES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Maciejewski Chairman
Brad Schipper
Membership Retention Director
Todd Johnson Public Relations Director
Rick Underwood
Membership Services Director
Cindy Heiberger
Group Insurance Director
MESSAGE FROM THE Chairman
Happy Spring! The weather and tariffs have been kind of crazy the past month or so. The on again, off again thing with both can be hard to deal with when you’re going through it. I like to think that it’s all part of a greater plan and in the end, we hope it will all get better, but the trucking industry seems to share strongly in the brunt end of it though. Now maybe with a hold on the tariffs and warmer weather we’ll see an upswing in freight and rates to go with it.
I would like to invite everyone to our upcoming Spring Board meeting in Chamberlain and the annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Calcutta and Tournament. It is always a good time and I hope to see many of you there.
Safe travels, Anders Trucking dispatch@anderstrucking.com
JUSTIN LARSON (605) 224-1611
PIERRE, SD
KURT SWANSON (605) 224-1611 PIERRE, SD
JORDAN GAU (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD NICK BACKLUND (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD
TACHA ARTZ (605) 737-7865 RAPID CITY, SD GREG BALDWIN (605) 336-2795 SIOUX FALLS, SD
WE KNOW TRANSPORTATION
RUSS STOUGH (605) 336-4444 SIOUX FALLS, SD
Acrisure Truck Group consultants are experts in the coverage of all size trucks and farm equipment, so we know the risks and liabilities to make sure you are fully covered. We have four locations in South Dakota to serve you and your truck insurance needs—Pierre, Mitchell, Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
SDTA STAFF
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson President christine@southdakotatrucking.com
Michelle Wells Member Manager michelle@southdakotatrucking.com
Spring has finally made its way to South Dakota, and with it comes fresh energy across our industry. From the thawing roads to the start of construction season, April is a time of movement—and no one moves like trucking.
This month, we’re continuing to push forward on key priorities: advocacy, safety, workforce development, and keeping our members informed and connected. I want to give a big shoutout to all of you who have been active—whether it’s attending events, hosting school visits, or simply sharing your story with the public. You are the face of our industry, and your efforts matter more than you know.
We’ve also welcomed new members and partners this spring, including a few that are helping us grow non-dues revenue through innovative programs and partnerships. Your participation in these opportunities keeps our association strong and sustainable. Keep an eye out for upcoming details on training opportunities, industry updates, and a few exciting announcements we’ll be sharing in May.
As always, thank you for what you do every single day. Trucking keeps South Dakota moving—and it’s an honor to serve this association alongside all of you.
Wishing you a safe and productive April.
Onward,
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson
NealHinker
Neal Hinker, K&J Trucking, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, was selected as the April 2025 Driver of the Month by the South Dakota Safety Management Council.
Neal has 29 years of professional driving experience and has logged over 3.8 million miles with only one accident. He began his career as a company driver with K&J Trucking and has been an owner-operator with the company for the last 12 years. Neal is very safety-oriented, follows the rules, and is very professional. He does everything he is asked and is always willing to lend a hand.
He takes great pride in his truck, keeping it clean and well-maintained. Neal enjoys participating in the Wheel Jam Truck Show and has won Best of Show among other awards. Additionally, he has competed in three South Dakota Truck Driving Championships and participated in the Convoy for Special Olympics. Neal has also received two Highway Angel Awards.
During his downtime, Neal enjoys spending time with his family and keeping his truck in show condition.
Neal and his wife, Amy reside in Aberdeen, SD. They have three children, Jasmyn, Raniesa, and Evan.
The South Dakota Trucking Association joins the Safety Management Council in congratulating Neal Hinker for being selected as the April 2025 Driver of the Month.
Nominate Them for Driver of the Month
A nomination form & rules can be found online at www.southdakotatrucking.com under the Resource s tab. For more information, please contact
at 605-334-8871 or
We offer high-quality, low-cost CDL training options in the South Dakota region that are available online from any device. Our curriculum is fully compliant with the current FMCSA ELDT Training standards, and we are a member in good standing of the Training Provider Registry as a Theory provider.
To learn about our fully-online, FMCSA-compliant CDL Theory program and how you can join our trainee to employee pipeline, call the SDTA office at 605-334-8871 or go to www.southdakotatrucking.com
MAY 8, 2025
SDTA Spring/Summer Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 a.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 8, 2025
SDTA Spring/Summer Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 p.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 8, 2025
Social Hour, Dinner and Calcutta for the Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event
6:00 p.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 9, 2025
Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cedar Shore Marina Oacoma, SD
MAY 17, 2025
SD Truck Driving Championships
7:00 a.m.
Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD
JUNE 5-8, 2025
Wheel Jam Truck Show
State Fairgrounds Huron, SD
JULY 10, 2025
SDTA East River Golf Event
9:00 a.m.
Brandon Golf Course Brandon, SD
AUGUST 20-23, 2025
National Truck Driving Championships Minneapolis, MN
Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence
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We believe it is everyone’s job to do what they can to prevent losses. We have developed a variety of training tools to help get all employees involved in safety. From seminars and webinars to Self-Service e-Tools and FAQs, we have solutions to fit your operations.
We see “Critical Crashes” as a risk to your company. Our Value-Driven® Driving program focuses on helping drivers do what they can to prevent these types of accidents: rear-end, loss of control, lane change, and run under. All of our driver training programs are FREE to our insureds and can be accessed 24/7 on Great West’s Online Learning Library.
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NextGen Mixer held March 25th at Sport Bowl in Sioux Falls
you to all who attended this event!
For more information or to sign up for the SDTA’s NextGen Group, please contact the SDTA Office at 605.334.8871 or info@southdakotatrucking.com. OUR MISSION: Develop, Educate and Recruit Future Leaders of the Transportation Industry. Join us at our next event!
2025 South Dakota Spring Load Restrictions
Each spring, a map of state-proposed spring load restrictions and a list of county roads are posted on the South Dakota Truck Info website at https://sdtruckinfo.sd.gov/rules-regulations/size-weightregulations/spring-load-restrictions/ and on the SD511 website at https://www.sd511.org. On the SD511 site, click on Traffic Notices then CVO Restrictions to see restrictions placed into effect.
A spring load restriction report is usually issued in advance of any major load restriction change. This report is issued for guidance only and does not take precedence over any load restriction signs in place. For further information, or to obtain a copy of a Spring Load Restriction Map, please contact the SDDOT at 605-773-3571.
46TH ANNUAL SD TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS • MAY 17, 2025
Use this QR code to register your company as a sponsor, sign up volunteers or to purchase additional Banquet tickets.
Brandon Valley High School Freshmen Students Discover New Career Paths in Trucking Industry 46TH
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
Banquet
tickets are available for $75.
On Wednesday, April 9th, Shanna Gray from S&B Transportation and Michelle Wells from SDTA had the privilege of engaging with the entire freshman class at Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, SD. They inspired six groups of students by highlighting the incredible career opportunities available in the trucking industry.
The students were truly captivated, eagerly absorbing the valuable insights shared during the session. Shanna and Michelle were thrilled to illustrate how the trucking industry has significantly shaped their own successful careers.
Following this impactful event, Brady Olson, the Internship Coordinator and Personal Finance Teacher, reached out with an appreciative email. He shared, “While I was interacting with
students during an outdoor activity, I heard from several boys that your session was their absolute favorite! They were amazed to learn that success can be achieved without a college degree.
Thank you for broadening our students’ perspectives and illuminating the possibilities that lie ahead for them!”
Road Team Captains Spark Enthusiasm for Trucking at South Dakota FFA Career Carnival
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
During the State FFA Convention, South Dakota Road Team Captains, Gary Schmidt and Mike Whitehead, along with Michelle Wells from the South Dakota Trucking Association participated in the 2025 South Dakota FFA Career Carnival.
On April 4, at the Dakota Bank Center, in Brookings, SD, from 8:30 a.m. to nearly 3 p.m., an impressive crowd of around 2,200 eager high school students filled the Dakota Bank Center ready to explore their futures.
The Road Team Captains captivated these young minds by inviting them to participate in Trucking Jeopardy - a dynamic game designed to ignite their passion for the trucking industry.
With years of experience engaging with our youth across the state, Captains Whitehead and Schmidt noted the introduction of Trucking Jeopardy created an interactive experience unlike anything they had seen. It was a connection to the next generation, sparking their enthusiasm for careers in trucking.
The only suggestion from our Captains at the end of the day was to create a second board to reduce congestion and enhance collaboration. What a wonderful problem to have!
House Pursues Repeal of Federal Excise Tax
Trucking Groups Oppose World War I-Era Levy
Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter | Transport Topics
Legislation designed to repeal a World War I-era tax on new heavy-duty trucks, tractors and trailers was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has renewed an effort to repeal this 12% federal excise tax on certain commercial vehicles. Commonly referred to as the Modern, Clean and Safe Trucks Act, the bill’s reintroduction on March 27 followed unsuccessful legislative attempts during recent sessions of Congress.
“For over a century, the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks has gone from a temporary wartime measure to fund World War I, to an outdated tax that punishes truck buyers,” said LaMalfa, on what has become one of his key issues. “This is the highest percentage-based tax Congress imposes on any product, yet it fails to be a reliable source of funding for the Highway Trust Fund. This tax forces buyers to stick with older, less efficient models and makes it harder for truckers to modernize their rigs, holding back the trucking industry from updating.”
“Let’s repeal this outdated tax and support the men and women who keep America moving,” he went on.
Lead co-sponsors on the legislation include Reps. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Max Miller (R-Ohio). Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.). The lawmakers argue the tax can add $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of new heavy trucks, trailers and semitrailer chassis. “Repealing the outdated federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks — which was first enacted over a century ago — is essential to modernize our transportation sector and help reduce emissions,” said Carbajal, also a member of the transportation policy panel.
“America’s truckers work hard to keep our economy moving, but outdated policies like this federal excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers make it harder for them to upgrade to safer, more reliable equipment,” added Miller, who sits on the tax policy-writing Ways and Means Committee. The bill was referred to that panel, where its consideration is not yet on the agenda.
Key stakeholders praised the bill’s reintroduction.
“First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the [federal excise tax] has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear in a statement that accompanied the bill’s introduction.
“Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs,” Spear continued. “Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions and strengthen our economy.”
Ryan Streblow, president and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers, added: “Repealing this 12% tax would empower our industry to reinvest in the specialized equipment we need — equipment that features critical safety enhancements and cleaner-emission power units to serve the U.S. bulk segment. As costs continue to rise, this tax remains a significant barrier to upgrading our fleets and supporting a safer, more sustainable supply chain.”
The Highway Trust Fund account was created during the Eisenhower era to assist state agencies with surface transportation projects. It relies on insufficient revenue from the federal fuel tax.
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
House Bill Would Prevent Speed Limiter Mandate
Mark Schremmer | Senior Reporter | Land Line
The Trump administration is not expected to move forward with a proposal to mandate speed limiters on commercial motor vehicles. A House bill aims to stop future administrations from doing so.
Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., reintroduced the DRIVE Act (HR2819) on Thursday, April 10. The Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen Wheelers Act would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from issuing any rule or regulation that requires speed limiters on large commercial motor vehicles.
“Under the Biden Administration, we saw blatant overreach that would have required speed limiters as low as 60 mph for heavy-duty trucks,” Brecheen said. “For example, if a rancher or farmer is transporting tractors with equipment across state lines, under this rule, the federal government would require a speed limiter device when above 26,000 pounds. I have spent years driving a semi hauling heavy equipment and years in different ranch vehicles hauling livestock and farm equipment. Safety is enhanced in keeping with the flow of traffic as set by state law, not on a one-size-fits-all regulation enforced by bureaucrats in Washington. The DRIVE Act will ensure a future administration cannot revive this dangerous rule.”
Opponents of FMCSA’s speed limiter proposal argue that the rule would create unnecessary congestion and dangerous speed differentials between large trucks and passenger vehicles, resulting in increased vehicle interactions and crashes.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports the DRIVE Act.
“Nobody understands and appreciates road safety more than truck drivers,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “We want to get to our destination as safely as possible just like everyone else on the road. A federal speed limiter mandate would force trucks to speeds below the flow of traffic, increasing interactions between vehicles and leading to more crashes. It would be like an obstacle course for passenger vehicle drivers on our highways. OOIDA and our 150,000 members in small-business trucking across America thank Rep. Brecheen for his leadership in working to keep our roadways safe for truckers and for all road users by fighting to prevent a speed limiter mandate.”
Speed Limiter Proposal
In 2022, FMCSA issued an advance notice of supplemental proposed rulemaking that considered requiring commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more to be equipped with speed-limiting devices. A top speed was not determined in the advance notice, but safety groups advocated for a top speed of 60 mph.
The proposal received more than 15,000 comments, and the majority of those comments came from truck drivers who oppose a mandate. Although the overwhelming amount of opposition did not stop the previous administration from moving forward with the rulemaking, it did prevent the administration from finalizing a rule before its term was over.
History provides reason to think that speed limiters won’t be a priority for President Donald Trump and his administration. FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also were working on a speed limiter rulemaking in 2016. That year, the agencies unveiled a joint proposal and noted the rulemaking in the fall 2016 regulatory agenda. Trump then took office in January 2017, and the rulemaking was left off the spring 2017 agenda.
Brecheen’s bill would take the proposal completely off the table and prevent future administrations from resurrecting the idea.
Previous Session
Brecheen also introduced the DRIVE Act in the previous congressional session. The bill received 43 Republican co-sponsors.
When the bill was introduced in 2023, Brecheen told Land Line Now that FMCSA’s speed limiter proposal created a states’ rights issue.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., also introduced the legislation. The Senate version gained 12 Republican co-sponsors.
The DRIVE Act also is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Equipment Distributors, Mid-West Truckers Association, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, North American Punjabi Trucking Association, Towing and Recovery Association of America and United States Cattlemen’s Association.
Reprinted from Land Line.
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Joseph “Joe” W. Sandoval was born to Joseph M.A. Sandoval and Gail (Gerry) Sandoval in Sioux Falls, SD on May 16, 1961. Joe spent his early childhood years in the Sioux Falls, SD and Salem, SD areas before their family moved to Evansville, IN. Joe lived in Indiana until graduating from high school and then decided it was time to ‘come back home’ to South Dakota. Upon arrival in South Dakota, Joe wished to follow in his parent’s footsteps and attempted to join the Navy. Much to his dismay, the Navy declined his admission, as well as every other branch of the military he contacted. Since there were no active conflicts at that time, each branch of the service told him the same thing, “He was too tall and everything would have to be specially made for him”; and so, his military vision came to an end.
For anyone that knows Joe, knows that music was a deep passion of his. If a song was playing, he would instantly ask, ‘who is this?’ Before you even knew it, your knowledge of music was being tested and a lesson in music would soon follow. Joe’s response would always be the name of the artist, the album in which the song was released, which side of the album the song played on, the numbered order on the album, the year it was released and any/all other information pertinent to the band/band members that had occurred since inception. Joe and Louise enjoyed attending concerts and there were many long weekends traveling to see those concerts.
Gardening was also one of Joe’s deepest joys and he spent as much time as he could in the garden each year at the acreage of dear friends, Harvey and Teresa Freeman, who made his gardening dream come true for many years. Joe was always so grateful to them and their generosity and considered them as a brother/sister. Each year the garden was going to be “downsized” only to find out when everything was planted, it was big-
ger than the year before. Gardening was Joe’s therapy and it was a normal day for Joe to spend 10-12 hours playing in the dirt, being in the bright sunshine with his music blasting. When the day was over, he was always ready the next morning to do it all again.
Joe’s gardening was a neighborhood effort. He collected everyone’s grass clippings in the summer and leaves in the fall as mulch for his garden. In return for taking away their yard waste, the neighbors were “required” to share in Joe’s bountiful harvest in the fall. Many tried to pay Joe for his produce, but he refused saying, “I love to do this, and I don’t want it going to waste.” By the end of the growing season, the neighbors had their fill of veggies for the year, and Joe then gave generously to the food pantry in town and supplied a local restaurant with many pounds of produce each fall. If you lived nearby or walked past Joe’s house in the fall, you would often smell onions dehydrating in the garage, or the scent of salsa and tomatoes in the air as that was Joe’s busy canning season. When gardening was done in the fall and the canning finished for the year, it was time to start plotting next year’s garden and would start the next season’s seeds after the first of the year. There was never an idle moment when it came to gardening. Joe enjoyed planting something new each year; there were very few vegetables that Joe didn’t try to grow. He spent many hours watching videos and learning new/different ways of gardening. Many Sunday afternoons in the fall were spent watching football, cleaning black beans, and making salsa. The last few years, Joe also made pasta sauce for his grandkids, which they proudly labeled “Papa’s Pasta Sauce”.
Joe worked in the trucking industry numerous years throughout his career and was actively involved in the South Dakota Trucking Association. Joe took great pride in being part of that organization and was
most recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement award from the SDTA. Joe was also awarded Safety Director of the Year in 2009. Joe retired in February 2024 and was able to spend the better part of last year dedicated to his garden.
To know Joe, was to love him – he has always been a gentle giant, willing to help out anyone in need and listen when you needed an ear. We are all better for the impact he has had on our lives and it will be difficult trying to carry on without him. Joe’s family, his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Any day that he could talk to or see any one of them, made his day and put a smile on his face.
To cherish his life and the many years of memories, Joe leaves behind his wife, Louise (Rostyne) Sandoval; daughter, Alison (Van) Lane, Omaha, NE; son, Joseph N. Sandoval, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Madison Lane and Jett Lane; sisters, Rebecca Sandoval, Medford OR, and Terry (Tony) Winkler, Evansville, IN; brother, Tom Sandoval, New Harmony, IN; aunts, Carol Wilcox, Sioux Falls, SD, and Harriett (Ken) Kutter, Sioux Falls, SD; special friends, Harvey and Teresa Freeman; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M.A. Sandoval and Gail Sandoval; a sister, Patty Sandoval; both sets of grandparents; and special friend, Bernice Christopherson. Thank you to so many that have helped us through this trying time in our lives. We truly have been very blessed with so many friends and family surrounding us with love and stories of Joe’s life. Joe’s wishes for his final resting place include his beloved garden that he cared for and loved for so many years, and one of his favorite hunting areas – Thunder Creek Pheasant Ranch in western South Dakota.
Condolences
August 2, 1956 - April 13, 2025
Todd Grim was born on August 2, 1956, in Plainview, NE to Telford and Marlene (Mastalir) Grim. He grew up in Verdigre, NE and went to Verdigre High School. Todd lived in Norfolk, NE, Crofton, NE, Montana, and Harrisburg, SD. He was known for his meticulous nature, friendliness, and humor. Todd brought light to the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He had a passion for trucking, his children, grandchildren, Nascar, and summer days on the lake with his girls when they were young. His presence was a gift that touched many.
Todd is survived by his loving mother, Marlene Grim of Verdigre, NE; his daughters, Tiffany Reeves (Nick) of Yutan, NE and Brittany Weir (Chris) of Overland Park, KS; his cherished grandchildren, Reed Reeves, Baylor Weir, and Palmer Weir; his brothers, Scott Grim (Patty) and Daral Grim; along with many other beloved family members and friends.
Todd was preceded in death by his father, Telford Grim.
NAME:
Todd Grim
Registration Actions in the FMCSA Portal
The FMCSA has reopened its Online Portal, and we strongly encourage all motor carriers to take advantage of the updated system rather than submitting paper forms.
What You Need to Know:
As of January 20, 2025, online services such as filing a biennial update or changing your address are once again available through the FMCSA Portal. These options had been temporarily offline to implement multi-factor authentication but are now fully operational.
Unfortunately, many carriers are still submitting paper forms to the FMCSA contact center, leading to major processing delays and backlogs. Paper submissions can take over 30 days to process, while online updates through the FMCSA Portal can be completed in just minutes.
Here’s how to get started:
• You’ll need a Login.gov email address
• A USDOT PIN
• Then, create an account at the FMCSA Portal
Using the FMCSA Portal streamlines the process, ensures faster service, and helps keep your operation in compliance with minimal delays.
We encourage all SDTA members to switch to the digital process and share this information with your teams. Let’s work together to keep things moving efficiently.
What FMCSA Registrants can do online:
Create an FMCSA Portal account to access registration options:
1. Create a Login.gov account.
2. Use their existing Login.gov account if it is not already associated with an FMCSA Portal account.
3. To create a Company Official account, they’ll need to retrieve their USDOT PIN via email in SAFER. PIN #s are now available via Text or Email.
4. Use their existing USDOT PIN if they have one. They must have an active USDOT Number and valid mailing address to retrieve their USDOT PIN.
5. Register in the FMCSA Portal
6. Access registration options in the FMCSA Portal.
As always, the Office of Registration is here to help. Customers can use these tools and information to help navigate the FMCSA Portal:
• How2 guidance is available here: https://www.fmcsa. dot.gov/registration/form-mcs-150-and-instructions-motor-carrier-identification-report
• Read our user guide https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/fmcsa-portal-registration-user-guide-fmcsa-registered-entities-and-associates for detailed instructions on how to create and manage Portal accounts.
• Call us at 1-800-832-5660 (Option 2) or visit the Ask FMCSA page for live, one-on-one help accessing and using the FMCSA Portal.
Again, we apologize for the delays and appreciate the motor carrier industry’s flexibility as we work to make this process more efficient until our new registration system is ready. If you’re interested, visit the Registration Modernization Resources Hub to learn more about what we’re doing to make FMCSA registration easier in the long term.
Nominate Them for Driver of the Month
Each month, the SDTA Safety Management Council selects a professional truck driver to be recognized as the SDTA Driver of the Month from the submitted nominations. By nominating a driver, you provide them with the opportunity to be celebrated as a leader in their industry by both the association and their peers. This is a valuable honor for drivers, and without your nomination, they may miss out on this recognition.
Nominate your driver today! You can find the nomination form and rules online at www.southdakotatrucking.com under the Resources tab.
Scan the code to download the form
For more information, please contact the SDTA office at 605-334-8871 or michelle@southdakotatrucking.com
House Committee Eyes Major Parking Fixes for Truck Drivers
Bipartisan Support Grows for Safety and Infrastructure Improvement
Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter | Transport Topics
WASHINGTON — Transportation stakeholders pressed for major expansions to truck parking capacity during a congressional hearing where policymakers highlighted the contributions truck drivers make to the nation’s economy.
“Despite the importance of trucking to our communities and the supply chain at large, challenges continue to plague the trucking industry and the men and women behind the wheel,” said Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.), chairman of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee.
Members of the panel, tucked within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, displayed bipartisan support for issues that matter to trucking during the March 26 session.
“As we consider the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, we must continue the safety investments we made in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), the subcommittee’s ranking member, in a reference to the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law signed by former President Joe Biden. “These programs are currently deploying infrastructure across the country that will protect bicyclists and pedestrians from avoidable truck crashes. This Congress, we have an opportunity to maintain these efforts and find new ways to make progress on safety.”
Stakeholders appearing before the panel pressed for initiatives to expand access to safe truck parking in the next long-term transportation funding package, targeted for 2026.
“I strongly urge you to include the truck parking language in the next highway reauthorization bill,” said John Elliott, past chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association. He noted that one parking-specific proposal, the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, has failed to advance through Congress but contains “must-have language” that should be incorporated into any upcoming highway policy bill.
“The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act failed to allocate dedicated funding for truck parking initiatives,” Elliott said in a statement. “This oversight must be corrected to ensure the safety and efficiency of our nation’s trucking workforce.”
Per analysis from American Trucking Associations, there is one truck parking space available for every 11 drivers.
In 2024, the American Transportation Research Institute ranked inadequate access to parking second on its “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry” report. Per ATRI: “Until Congress establishes a dedicated federal source of funding for truck parking, states will need to apply for parking capacity expansion resources through one of several U.S. [Department of Transportation] infrastructure investment programs.”
“A lack of available parking spaces forces truckers to choose between parking in a potentially unsafe location, such as a highway shoulder, or continuing to drive while they feel fatigued or are out of available driving hours under federally mandated hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. Increasingly, these factors are also negatively affecting the safety of the driving public,” said Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
Reps. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) are the truck parking bill’s lead sponsors in the House. “Truck drivers keep our nation’s supply chains moving, and they should never be forced to forgo much-needed rest because of insufficient highway parking,” Craig, ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, said recently. “Increasing rest spot availability means a safer and more efficient road for truck drivers and everyday commuters alike.”
The next major highway bill is also expected to emphasize safety.
“People are the backbone of our supply chain — truck drivers, railroad workers, longshoremen, and warehouse workers — who support moving goods from point ‘A’ to point ‘B,’ ” said Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s ranking member. “Protecting the safety of truck drivers and the traveling public must be our top priority.”
Stakeholders also stressed the need to promote transportation safety.
“The task before you is substantial — a surface transportation bill has the ability to improve roadway safety, increase the quality of life for workers in the trucking industry, foster responsible innovation and strengthen American infrastructure and supply chains,” said Cole Scandaglia, senior legislative representative and transportation policy adviser with the Teamsters union. “Both the full committee and this subcommittee have a long history of strong bipartisan reauthorizations.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined there were nearly 41,000 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2023.
Both Rouzer and Holmes Norton also emphasized the importance of safety to trucking.
“The bottom line is that truckers deliver essential goods when disaster strikes and serve as a key partner in larger emergency coordination and relief efforts. While federal law provides for targeted regulatory relief from certain restrictions, we will continue to explore ways to help improve disaster response outcomes,” Rouzer said.
Holmes Norton added, “I have long supported strong entry-level driver training standards to ensure that truckers are fully prepared to safely operate their vehicles and deliver their freight.” Reprinted from Transport Topics.
State DOTs Across the Country See Spike in Toll Scam Texts
Ryan Witkowski | Staff Writer | Land Line
If you are breathing and have a cellphone, chances are you have received at least one scam text message about unpaid tolls.
The popular text scam has been around for some time already but has seen a noticeable uptick since the calendar turned to 2025. During a recent episode of Land Line Now, host Mark Reddig discussed the issue with spokespeople from Departments of Transportation in numerous states across the country. The prevailing theme: Text scams attempting to collect tolls are happening in seemingly every state.
Susan Gergen, who works in the E-Z Pass communication section of the Minnesota DOT, said the scam had really picked up in the past few months. Gergen said at this time last year, the text scams were “a nuisance, but manageable.” She added, however, that since January, they have been “nonstop.”
“Every day on our phone lines or email, we’re dealing with scam inquiries,” Gergen told Land Line Now.
She added that in Minnesota, many are becoming aware of the scam from the amount of messaging the state DOT has done to alert the public of the threat. Despite this, Gergen estimates that 50% of the calls the customer service team has fielded since the start of the new year have been scam inquiries.
While the scam – which reaches users through text or email – is asking for collection of unpaid tolls, what scammers actually are seeking is credit card and other personal information they then can use to commit other fraudulent activity.
Gergen said that Minnesota has a closed system, with no video or license plate tolling, meaning that only registered users will receive a bill for tolls in the state. Furthermore, Gergen added the agency does not contact users via text messaging – which is the case in other states as well.
“If you’re traveling somewhere else, none of the E-ZPass or tolling facilities that I know of, none of them use email or text for payment or personal information,” she said.
While that may be the case for Minnesota, Gergen said states that do utilize video or license plate tolling will notify you of unpaid tolls via the mail with an itemized bill on company letterhead.
Lauren McLaughlin, assistant communications manager with the Washington DOT, said the text and email scam is a widespread issue.
“This is not just a Washington state thing; this is industry-wide,” McLaughlin said. “Across the country, these scammers are impersonating tolling agencies, and they’re sending messages that create a sense of urgency.”
One of the scam’s red flags is the implication of urgency – that if you don’t pay now, you will face possible legal actions. Gergen said that with legitimate requests for unpaid tolls, agencies will typically offer multiple ways to remit payment, with the tolling agency giving you up to 30 days to pay the toll.
“I would go as far as to say that no legitimate business would text or email you for personal or sensitive information,” Gergen said. “If it’s a legitimate business, that’s not how they’re going to work with you as a customer.”
While some tolling agencies do allow you to opt in to receive text updates regarding your account, representatives of various states that Land Line questioned said they would never seek to collect a past-due bill via text.
It’s not just states with toll roads that are being hit by scammers. States such as Missouri and Oregon, which have no toll roads, have also reported scam texts being sent to residents.
“There is not even a toll program,” said Chris Crabb, spokesperson with the Oregon DOT. “These are 100% fake messages and phishing scams.”
Reprinted from Land Line.
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