m
m
Update SDTA’s Mailing Address
Pictured L to R: Sgt. Grant Lubbers, SDHP and Phil Lentz, Sioux Falls Port of Entry Manager, enjoying the sunshine and sporting some sweet shirts at the SDTA Golf Event!
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
Matt Parker
Dan Schipper
Ben Sternhagen
Gene Williams
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
Hello, I hope everyone has had a great start to their summer. The trucking industry feels like it’s still in a holding pattern as far as freight volume and freight rates are concerned, but I think we have had some wins over the last month. There are some positive changes developing on the regulatory front and with truck parking. Some wins came via the speed limiter mandate going away, the pre-2000 ELD exemptions remaining in effect, hours of service flexibility pilot programs, and some updates on the Data Q process. The truck parking issue has been an important issue for some time, and it looks like some help is on the way via parking grants and expanded parking in states, along with more money given to states and municipalities for more truck parking.
The SDTA annual convention will soon be upon us with it only being about a month and a half away, so don’t forget to register and book your hotel rooms. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Safe travels,
Justin Anders Anders Trucking dispatch@anderstrucking.com
JUSTIN LARSON (605) 224-1611
PIERRE, SD
KURT SWANSON (605) 224-1611
PIERRE, SD
TACHA ARTZ (605) 737-7865
JORDAN GAU (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD NICK BACKLUND (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD
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
Patty Hinz Office Manager/Graphic Designer patty@southdakotatrucking.com
Ian Hansen Communications & Marketing Specialist ian@southdakotatrucking.com
Scott Johnson Controller accounting@southdakotatrucking.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 3801 S. Kiwanis Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Office: (605) 334-8871
Email: info@southdakotatrucking.com Website: southdakotatrucking.com
MESSAGE FROM THE President
Christine’s Corner
With summer rolling along and the back-to-school season just around the corner, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a few recent highlights and look ahead to what’s next for SDTA.
First, a big thank-you to everyone who joined us for our annual golf tournament. It was a beautiful day filled with camaraderie, a few competitive swings, and plenty of laughter. Events like this remind us how strong—and fun—our trucking community truly is.
Even as the summer pace sets in, our team is already hard at work preparing for our 90th Annual Convention. It’s a major milestone for SDTA, and we’re planning a celebration worthy of our industry’s legacy and future. From compelling speakers to meaningful networking moments, this year’s convention will honor our roots while looking boldly ahead. Stay tuned for details in the coming months—we can’t wait to share what’s in store.
We’re also keeping a close watch on key issues affecting our members and laying the groundwork for the 2025 legislative session. Your input remains vital as we shape our policy priorities. Please mark your calendars now for our annual Legislative Receptions—December 4th in Rapid City at the Hyatt Place, and December 11th in Sioux Falls at Minervas. These gatherings are our opportunity to connect with lawmakers and underscore the critical role trucking plays in South Dakota’s economy and communities.
Thank you for staying engaged and for all you do to keep our industry moving forward.
Onward,
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson
DougDannen
Doug Dannen, Johnson Feed Inc., Canton, SD, was selected as the July 2025 Driver of the Month by the South Dakota Safety Management Council.
With 14 years behind the wheel–12 of those with JFI–Doug has logged an impressive 1.4 million accident-free miles. He consistently maintains spotless equipment, completes all required safety meetings, and upholds a high level of professionalism with shippers and receivers.
Doug’s on-time service record is nearly flawless. We’ve never received a single complaint from a customer or shop manager. He’s dependable, safe, and always willing to help out–even tackling the occasional Chicago run (though he’s not a fan, like most!).
Simply put, Doug is the kind of driver every company wants: reliable, safe, and a team player.
Doug and his wife, Glenda, reside in Rollingstone, MN. They have two adult children: Dennis and Cody.
The South Dakota Trucking Association joins the Safety Management Council in congratulating Doug Dannen on being selected as the July 2025 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 the
office at 605-334-8871 or michelle@southdakotatrucking.com
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
AUGUST 20-23, 2025
National Truck Driving Championships Minneapolis, MN
SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2025
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2025
SDTA 90th Annual Convention Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort Larchwood, IA
NOVEMBER 13, 2025
SDTA & SDADA Annual Pheasant Hunt
8:00 a.m.
Meet at Hutch’s Cafe Presho, SD
NOVEMBER 14, 2025
SDTA Fall Executive Committee Meeting
8:00 a.m.
AmericInn Fort Pierre, SD
NOVEMBER 14, 2025
SDTA Fall Board of Directors Meeting
10:00 a.m.
AmericInn Fort Pierre, SD
DECEMBER 4, 2025
West River Legislative Reception
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Hyatt Place
Rapid City, SD
DECEMBER 11 , 2025
East River Legislative Reception
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Minervas | Lower Level Sioux Falls, SD
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
SDTA/SDADA Joint Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
SDTA/SDADA Annual Legislative Reception 6:00 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
SDTA Winter Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 a.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
SDTA Winter Board of Directors Meeting 12:30 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
MAY 7, 2026
SDTA Spring/Summer Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 a.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 7, 2026
SDTA Spring/Summer Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 p.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 7, 2026
Social Hour, Dinner and Calcutta for the Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event
6:00 p.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 8, 2026
Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
MAY 16, 2026
SD Truck Driving Championships
7:00 a.m.
Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD
JUNE 4-7, 2026
Wheel Jam Truck Show
State Fairgrounds Huron, SD
JULY 9, 2026
SDTA East River Golf Event
9:00 a.m.
Brandon Golf Course Brandon, SD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
6:00 P.M.
NextGen Event
Annual Corn Hole Tournament
TENTATIVE AGENDA
3:00
Red Rock Bar & Grill, 48181 SD-42, Brandon
Heavy Hors d’ oeuvres
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
7:00-7:45 A.M. Vendor Setup
Setup booth prior to start of breakfast
8:00 Breakfast
Grand Falls Event Center
We will be starting with the Formal Opening of the 90th Annual Convention.
SDTA and SDTA Services Inc. Annual / Board meetings will kick off the morning.
9:00 General Business Session 1: WILLIAM “LEWIE” PUGH, OOIDA Executive Vice-President Grand Falls Event Center
10:00 - Noon Business Session 2: ROTATING OPEN FORUM SESSIONS (30 minutes each session)
1. Update from SD Motor Vehicle Division 2. Updates from SD Highway Patrol 3. Central Insure / Central Bank 4. (TBD)
Noon Awards Luncheon Grand Falls Event Center
• Fleet Safety Awards
• SDHP Annual Safety Award
1:15 P.M. Business Session 3: (TBD) Grand Falls Event Center
2:30 Driver of the Year Interviews
Meet at SDTA Registration Desk
Each driver selected from September 2024 through August 2025 are invited to participate in a six minute interview with a panel of three judges. The driver scoring the most points in this interview will be named the Driver of the Year at the Chairman’s Banquet.
September 16-18, 2025
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort: 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241
5:30
Heavy Duty Truck Dealer Meeting
Grand Falls Event Center
An annual heavy duty truck dealer meeting to discuss changes in the industry and how best to adapt to them.
Social & Visit Displays
Grand Falls Event Center
Enjoy the relationships you foster each year at the SDTA Convention.
6:30 Dinner
Grand Falls Event Center
Following Dinner: Game Show Night with Comedian John Small Grand Falls Event Center
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
7:45 A.M. Golf at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Registration from 7:45 - 8:15 a.m. with 8:30 a.m. shotgun start
3:00 P.M.
SDTA Registration Desk Opens
Grand Falls Casino Event Center
5:00 Capitol Club Reception - By Invitation Only
Grand Falls Event Center
Every SDTA member who has contributed $200 or more to the SDTA Political Action Committee (PAC) is invited to the Capitol Club Reception. Legislators from all around SD are invited to attend. This is a great way to establish relationships with Legislators we may need to call on in the 2026 Legislative Session.
5:30 Vendor Appreciation & Social Grand Falls Event Center
6:30 Chairman’s Banquet
Grand Falls Event Center
To close out the convention, we will be presenting the following awards:
• Pride of the Show
• Safety Director of the Year
• Chairman’s Award
• Driver of the Year Presentation
Please mark the appropriate box(s) below for your REGISTRATION fees:
7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Participants will be split up unless specified. $150 per golfer ($200 if not registered for the convention).
DOT SERVICES
DOT Physicals | DOT and Non-DOT Drug Screening and Alcohol Testing | MRO Services | Injury Care (billed at South Dakota Work Comp Fee Schedule) | Third Party Administration Employee Assistant Plan | Additional Occupational Health Services | Efficient, Friendly, Professional Services 605-322-5100
AVERA EPA SERVICES IS NOW OFFERING... DOT-QUALIFIED SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONALS
The Avera Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers substance abuse evaluations for employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol, as regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Under DOT regulations, safety-sensitive employees (i.e., truck drivers, pilots and airline workers, transit workers, pipeline workers, etc.) are subject to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol tests. When there is a positive test result, the DOTregulated employee must seek the service of a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). 605-322-4069
FMCSA Grants Waiver on Electronic Medical Certificates
12 States Failed to Meet June Deadline for National Rollout
Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter | Transport Topics
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is temporarily allowing commercial driver license holders to use paper medical examiner’s certificate copies since 12 states failed to meet a June mandate for electronic records.
An FMCSA requirement replacing paper copies of Medical Examiner’s Certifications with a secure, electronic transmission system under the National Registry II Implementation was supposed to start nationwide June 23.
However, the following states are still using a paper process because they lack the modern system: Alaska, California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming.
“Drivers with valid medical certification and their employers should not be penalized for delays outside of their control as medical examiners and SDLAs [State Driver’s Licensing Agencies] transition to a new system,” stated Sue Lawless, who is listed as FMCSA’s assistant administrator in the waiver.
On July 14, she waived for three months the NRII deadline for CDL and commercial learner’s permit holders, which also applies to motor carriers.
“This waiver simply allows drivers and motor carriers to continue using a paper copy of the MEC for a 15-day period as they did prior to NRII implementation, during a limited transition period to NRII,” Lawless noted. “Interstate CDL holders, CLP holders, and motor carriers are covered under this waiver without further action.”
Until Oct. 12, motor carriers and drivers can continue to use a copy of the MEC as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 15 days from the date of the medical certification.
“During the period this waiver is in effect, no state shall enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this waiver with respect to a driver or motor carrier operating under the waiver. States may also adopt the same waiver or policy with respect to operations in intrastate commerce,” the waiver explained.
As of July 14, FMCSA noted 38 states and the District of Columbia were compliant with the mandate for electronic MECs. Even so, FMCSA also recommended certified medical examiners who are submitting electronic physical qualification examination results should continue giving drivers a paper MEC during the NRII transition period.
National implementation of the NRII has been problematic. FMCSA acknowledged July 14 it has delayed enforcement several times since issuing the mandate in April 2015 as a final rule (80 FR 22790). In June 2021, the agency had given
Until Oct. 12, motor carriers and drivers can continue to use a copy of the MEC as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 15 days from the date of the certification. (Chinnapong/Getty Images)
states four years to meet this past June 23 implementation deadline.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles cited the June 23 deadline on its website, while admitting its inability to handle an entire electronic process. California “DMV is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. While significant programming updates are still underway, medical forms will continue to be accepted through current channels: online, mail, in person, and the Secure File Transfer Site.”
Despite the federal waiver deadline, Iowa has announced its compliance will be nearly a week later. “Beginning Oct. 19, 2025, CDL Medical Certificates will go digital in Iowa,” the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website proclaimed.
Kentucky may lag until next year before going with a full electronic process. “Kentucky commercial drivers should continue to upload a copy of their medical examiner’s certificate to the MyCDL portal when applying for or renewing their license or permit. Starting in June 2026, we will begin accepting examination results directly from medical providers,” according to driveky.gov, which is under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission stated on its web page for CDL self-certification and MEC that it “will provide updates on our website when we implement the National Registry II, date to be determined.”
After missing the FMCSA deadline by three days, the Wyoming DOT announced June 26 it is “delaying implementation until our Driver Services software upgrade is complete later this summer. We want to ensure the stability of the new system before adding to it. What does that mean for Wyoming CDL holders? Business as usual! Continue sending WYDOT your DOT medical certification cards as before.”
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
Strong Turnout for SDTA’s Annual Golf Event as 32 Teams Show Support
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
We had an incredible day with 32 teams eagerly teeing off at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10th, at the beautiful Brandon Golf Course in Brandon, SD. This remarkable event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our invaluable sponsors, to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather, especially after enduring our share of sweltering 100-degree days recently. While we’ve faced several rainy days, luck was on our side this time. Mother Nature truly delivered an extraordinary day, providing the ideal backdrop to hone our golfing skills—or at least give it our best effort!
DIAMOND SPONSORS
EMERALD SPONSORS
DIZCO, INC.
FALLS EDGE CHIROPRACTIC
GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY
ISTATE TRUCK CENTERS
JOHNSON FEED, INC.
MID-STATES UTILITY TRAILER SALES
NORTH CENTRAL INTERNATIONAL
TRANSWEST TRUCKS OF SIOUX FALLS
TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
PREMIER COMPLIANCE
SIOUX FALLS KENWORTH STERN CO.
TOPAZ SPONSOR
CLIFF VIESSMAN, INC.
L
First Place/First Flight
L to R: Howie Long, Garison Hoovestol, Jeremy Johnson, Sam Wadman
Second Place/First Flight
L to R: Derek Simonsen, Holly Podzimek, Joe Podzimek, Justin Zandstra
First Place/Second Flight
L to R: Chaz Fey, Dustin Stuntebeck, (not pictured: Jarrett Heyl, Wyatt Heyl)
Second Place/Second Flight
to R: Bailey Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Jared McKee (not pictured: Troy Bauder)
DOT COMPLIANCE MADE EASY
At Aladdin, we know how complex DOT compliance can be—and how important it is to keep your trucks on the road.
Our team has been in your shoes. Our compliance experts—former safety managers, carriers, and state troopers—bring real-world experience to create customized solutions that keep you compliant and your business moving forward. Our compliance support includes:
Safety support
IFTA filings
IRP
2290 filings
UCR renewals
USDOT updates
And more
We also offer factoring services to ensure you get paid within 24 hours of hauling your loads.
Ready to simplify compliance and keep your business running smoothly? Scan the QR code to get in touch with our compliance experts today!
Truck Parking, Multimodal Projects Among $488M in DOT Grants
26 States to Receive Federal Funds for Capital Projects, Planning
Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter | Transport Topics
Truck parking and multimodal projects ranked among 30 infrastructure grants totaling $488 million awarded July 15 by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to improve travel safety and bolster the economy.
“From making families safer on our roads to expanding our ports, these grant selections reflect our commitment to unleashing America’s full potential with envy-of-the-world infrastructure,” Duffy noted. “We will continue to move quickly to get money out the door to get dirt moving.”
His announcement noted 77% of the funds were allocated to roads and bridges “to reinforce the arteries of the American economy” while $35 million went to port improvements. Multimodal surface transportation projects garnered $3 million.
The West Virginia Division of Highways was awarded some $24.8 million to expand interstate truck parking along Interstate 81, I-64, and I-79 in Berkeley, Cabell and Monongalia counties.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) emphasized the importance of the truck parking project to her state. Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, she wrote a letter supporting WVDOT’s grant application asking for help to add truck parking capacity to three facilities.
“Efforts to upgrade facilities along West Virginia portions of major interstates will enhance the safety of our drivers, support the regional and national movement of goods and encourage economic investments across our state,” Capito said.
According to a “Truck Parking Profile” subsection of a November 2023 “West Virginia State Freight Plan,” the state had 1,860 truck parking places in its 60 public and commercial truck parking facilities. The report revealed that truck parking places along I-81 “are all overutilized” with drivers often having to rely on Walmart parking lots to rest, and “I-64 and I-79 are near full utilization at peak hours.”
The truck parking project received the large grant from the DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which funds surface transportation infrastructure initiatives with significant local or regional public importance. West Virginia’s federal grant will cover 70% of the estimated $35.5 million cost.
The BUILD projects received federal dollars to pay for capital or planning projects in rural and urban areas. Twenty-five other states were BUILD grant recipients.
“We will continue to move quickly to get money out the door to get dirt moving,” Duffy said. (photo/Getty Images)
Snohomish County in Washington state was granted $2 million for its Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements project. Part of the funds will pay for constructing 13,000 feet of new mainline track and reconfiguring the former mainline into yard storage tracks.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) reacted to the grant award: “In northwest Washington state, infrastructure means jobs. I will continue to support federal investments in roads, bridges, highways and transit in our region that relieve congestion, improve safety and spur economic growth in local communities.”
In Pennsylvania, the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority will receive $25 million to revamp the Bristol port by building a 1,100-foot dock, modernizing offloading equipment, dredging 70,000 cubic yards of material and integrating upgraded rail systems.
The city of Cleveland will receive $900,000 to develop plans and designs for a modern, centralized transportation hub on the downtown lakefront and assess intermodal freight movement to establish dedicated connectivity between the Port of Cleveland’s General Cargo Terminal and the regional interstate system.
In North Dakota, Ward County will receive $4 million for “Minot’s Accessible, Growth-Driving Intermodal Connector” (MAGIC) project to improve travel along U.S. highways 2, 52 and 83.
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
FINANCING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS
As the trusted business banking partner for truck owners, transportation companies, and freight brokers for nearly 50 years, we understand the unique needs of this industry. Having the proper truck tractors, trailers, and other equipment is essential to your business’s success. That’s why we offer financing of up to 85% of the cost.
• Equipment financing
• Operating loans
• Building facility financing
• Letters of credit
Give us a call to learn about our full lineup of financing options. When you’re ready to roll, our team will be ready to help you.
Justin Zandstra, Russ Robers, Derek Simonsen, and Mitch Janssen
TRUMP’S EMISSIONS ROLLBACK: What Motor Carriers & Private Fleets Must Know
While the Trucking Industry Gains Temporary Relief from Complex Mandates, Fleet Managers Must Now Navigate Significant Uncertainty, Balancing the Outcome of Litigation Against Ongoing Market Demands for Sustainability.
By Robert Pleines, Jr. | Brian Cullen | Jonathan R. Todd
President Trump took steps to dismantle California’s vehicle emissions standards on June 12, 2025, by signing three Congressional Review Act (“CRA”) resolutions revoking California’s waiver under the Clean Air Act.
The waiver previously allowed California to set emissions standards that were stricter than under federal law. The CRA nullifies California CARB’s Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Engine emissions rules. The trucking industry cheered this development as a tangible result of its advocacy for those fleets struggling with the cost and complexity of time-certain deadlines for zero-emissions transition.
Emissions Regulation Impacts
Three key CARB regulations impacted by the CRA resolutions include the:
• Zero-Emission Vehicle (“ZEV”) Sales Mandate: Known colloquially as California’s “gas-car ban”, this regulation required that 100% of new passenger vehicles sold within California be electric or fuel-cell by 2035. The regulation also mandated that at least 80% of new light-duty vehicles sold be plug-in hybrids or ZEVs by 2035.
• Advanced Clean Trucks (“ACT”) Regulation: This rule, which targeted manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, required a tiered increase in the percentage of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty truck sales from 2024 to 2035. In addition to California, several other states adopted the ACT Regulation, including: New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Delaware, New Mexico, and Connecticut (“CARB-Adopting States”).
• Low-NOx Omnibus “Heavy-Duty Engine” Rule: This rule established stricter nitrogen oxide (“NOx”) standards for new heavy-duty diesel engines that are well above current federal levels set by the EPA. California had previously been granted waivers by the EPA for the state to enact the higher standards. The CARB-Adopting States also adopted the Heavy-Duty Engine Rule.
Pending Litigation and Potential Effects
California filed a lawsuit immediately following President Trump’s execution of the CRAs. It was joined by the CARB-Adopting States. California and the CARB-Adopting States argue that the use of the CRA to revoke waivers is legally
improper because waivers are not federal rules subject to congressional override. The states also argue that the rollback threatens public health—especially in polluted regions—and jeopardizes state-level innovation and investments in EV manufacturing and infrastructure.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also responded to the execution of the CRAs by issuing an executive order directing California’s Air Resources Board to develop replacement or strengthened vehicle emissions standards within sixty (60) days, and to publicly list automakers and fleets that voluntarily adopt ZEV standards (EO N-27-25).
The significance of these and prior actions by California and the CARB-adopting states is due in part to their sizable percentage of current and projected new vehicle sales in the U.S. Standards set by CARB influenced the trajectory and timeline for the automotive and transportation industry’s movement toward electric vehicle adoption. Therefore, the outcome of this litigation could significantly affect the speed at which EV and other GHG Emission-reduction technologies are adopted by OEMs and commercial operators.
Next Steps for Motor Carriers & Private Fleets
Emissions mandates have presented growing financial and logistical challenges for fleet managers. The rules out of CARB and the CARB-Adopting States impact all aspects of carrier operations including routing, power unit deployment, power unit obsolescence, and capital expenditures. Industry is breathing a sigh of relief due to the CRA even now, despite the unknown outcome of subsequent litigation.
The ultimate outcome of litigation may alter the long-term competitive strategies and capital planning. If the CRAs is upheld, carriers operating across state lines may no longer be subject to these emissions mandates freeing up traditional business rationales as operators look to manage network cost and performance. If California prevails, however, a patchwork regulatory environment may reemerge overnight. Therefore, fleet management planning prior to execution of the CRA remains on the table although contingency planning is now a wise idea for business leaders.
A second consideration is that this rollback will spur new strategies by CARB and CARB-Adopting States to achieve the same desired effect as the mandate. Those strategies may include incentivizing the adoption of EVs rather than prohibiting
Continued on Page 27.
FMCSA: ELD Tampering Can Result in Stiff Penalties
Violators Can Be Placed Out of Service, Have Devices Revoked
Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter | Transport Topics
T he trucking industry is sharing information about how to spot the sophisticated new tampering of electronic logging devices and taking steps to remove bad actors from behind the wheel.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which mandates time limits on driving and rest breaks to prevent fatigue, is working alongside the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to thwart these electronic record falsifications.
“FMCSA is aware that some drivers attempt to falsify their electronic records of duty status using various methods. Such activity is a violation of federal regulations that guide ELD use,” a spokesperson told Transport Topics. “Ensuring the integrity of electronic records is critical to our mission of promoting safety on the nation’s roadways. That’s why we’ve provided comprehensive training to both federal and state enforcement officers to help them detect and address falsification.”
FMCSA has strong partnerships with state agencies to stay informed on emerging tampering techniques and take actions — up to and including removing noncompliant ELD devices enabling falsifications, the spokesperson added.
“As enforcement officials have become more adept at identifying violations, we’ve observed a rise in detected instances of falsification in recent years. When a driver is found to have falsified their hours-of-service records, they may be cited, placed out of service immediately and could face additional penalties or fines,” FMCSA emphasized.
American Trucking Associations also is backing efforts to crack down on phony ELDs.
Dan Horvath, ATA chief operating officer, said ATA will continue to work through its federation and the enforcement community to ensure fraudulent ELD providers “are expeditiously removed.” ATA also supports efforts for roadside inspections to have necessary tools to identify falsified records.
“While we believe that some of this can be identified during roadside inspections, we also believe that this also includes greater scrutiny of motor carriers through the safety audit and compliance review process — especially during New Entrant Safety Audits,” Horvath added. “We need to ensure that new entrants coming into our industry receive the proper vetting to keep bad actors from entering our industry in the first place.” FMCSA has New Entrant Safety Assurance Programs for U.S. and Canada-based motor carriers seeking to begin interstate commerce.
Jeremy Disbrow, CVSA roadside inspection specialist, stressed CVSA’s proposed new out-of-service criteria for ELD tampering won’t impact law-abiding drivers but only those who intentionally modify their record of duty status to gain unlawful driving time.
“With ‘traditional falsifications,’ drivers may occasionally make an incorrect entry unintentionally. This is why the inspector must prove the driver was over hours at the time of the inspection before declaring them [out of service],” Disbrow said. “However, in the ELD tampering, a person must intentionally go into the device and move driving time to another category. In doing this, they must also modify the automated sequence ID codes within the device and falsify their supporting documents [shipping papers, receipts, etc.] to match the [record of duty status] to avoid detection.”
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
Trump’s Emissions Rollback: What Motor Carriers & Private Fleets Must Know continued from Page 25.
the use of ICE engines. Awareness remains key to fleets in 2025, on this front and many others, because new proposed changes to state laws and regulations could yield similar outcomes as the prior attempts or may instead present opportunities to benefit from any new programs or incentives.
A third consideration is the trend of market forces. Sustainability strategies remain for large enterprise shippers and their boards. Those efforts directly impact transportation procurement or the way in which capital is deployed for
company private fleets. Even if mandates backslide the force of investors, customers, and end consumers are increasingly expecting decarbonization and sustainability efforts. These factors may contribute to continued commercial reasons for the transition away from ICE engines. The expectation of continued technological advancement and the potential for infrastructure growth may make that transition advantageous for financial performance and operational efficiency across motor carriers and private fleets.
Reprinted from CCJ.
Legislation Seeks to Add Hair Drug Tests to FMCSA’s Database
Crawford-sponsored Bill Would Allow FMCSA to Accept Positive Test Results
John Gallagher | Freightwaves
WASHINGTON — New legislation introduced on Thursday would require FMCSA to accept positive hair drug test results into the agency’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., the bill, if passed, would be a major win for trucking companies that have already been using hair testing to screen drivers within their ranks but contend that they have been unable to have full knowledge of habitual drug users when making inquiries into the clearinghouse during the hiring process.
The Trucking Alliance, whose members include J.B. Hunt Transport (NASDAQ: JBHT) and Knight-Swift Transportation (NYSE: KNX), petitioned FMCSA directly in 2022 seeking an exemption to allow positive results using hair to test for drugs — taken from random testing and pre-employment screening of drivers — to be uploaded into the clearinghouse.
“Current FMCSA regulations prevent KNX from sharing positive hair test results with inquiring motor carriers and/or reporting to the Clearinghouse,” Knight-Swift told FMCSA.
“This allows any person who fails a hair drug test at one company to immediately apply for and gain truck driving employment at another company. If FMCSA does not grant this exemption, individuals who apply for truck driving jobs can circumvent KNX’ efforts to make the industry safer, by allowing that individual to work for other trucking companies with less strict drug testing procedures.”
But Robin Hutcheson, FMCSA’s administrator at the time, argued that FMCSA lacked the authority to amend the rules, contending that the agency had to follow mandatory guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services. Those guidelines, however, have been held up in the review process at the Office of Management and Budget.
“By ignoring the requirement that FMCSA follow the HHS mandatory guidelines for hair testing … the applicant effectively argues that this provision be read in isolation,” Hutcheson stated in denying the petition. “This approach disregards an accepted standard of statutory construction, which provides that statutory text must be construed as a whole.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, representing small-business truckers, has so far opposed federal hair testing mandates, asserting that they can be discriminatory.
“Many individuals have never driven under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, but because a hair test may show traces of a drug like marijuana for weeks, it makes them an ‘abuser’ and greatly inhibits their ability to earn a living. This is unjust,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer stated in comments to the Trucking Alliance’s 2022 petition.
“Just because a small percentage of trucking companies opt to screen their drivers using hair testing does not mean the process should be used for the entire industry. Companies that must resort to these measures to compensate for excessive turnover rates may find hair testing appropriate; however, that does not mean their methods, which are not standardized, should be implemented.”
Crawford introduced similar legislation in 2015 – which was cosponsored by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a Republican representative from Wisconsin at the time – but the bill died in committee.
Reprinted from FreightWaves.
Bill aims to crack down on truck drivers who are habitual drug users. (Photo: Jim Allen/Shutterstock)
Values Drive Performance
Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence
We understand you are in business to make a profit. Our Value-Driven® Company modules can help you reduce losses and increase profits by focusing on influencing employee behavior, changing culture, improving communication, and managing risk successfully.
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.
GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY – No matter where the road takes you, you will discover that at Great West, The Difference is Service®
At Agtegra, our mission is simple: ‘Do something great for my farm and family that nobody else will do.’ To accomplish this, Agtegra offers diverse career opportunities where employees can grow and work in their local communities. Your personal and professional needs matter here – which is why we offer a variety of competitive benefits to employees, including healthcare and retirement, generous paid-timeoff (PTO), family leave, and a clothing allowance just to name a few. It’s not just a job at Agtegra – it’s a place where we invite all employees to Start Here. Grow Here. Commercial Driver’s License Required - WILL HELP OBTAIN!
For more information visit:
