Hello everyone. I would like to thank everyone who was able to attend the Spring/ Summer Board Meeting in Chamberlain a few weeks ago. We had a productive meeting; discussing the Call on Washington and Wheel Jam coming up the first week of June, the enforcement to the English speaking proficiency law for CDL holders, and the SDTA convention coming up this fall.
We as a board are strongly in favor of the enforcement of CDL holders speaking English and discussed the repercussions we thought necessary for drivers and companies not adhering to this law. Everyone agreed that the fines should be very strong, along with an out-of-service and possible impounding of the truck until such companies are in compliance. We feel the punishment should be very harsh to deter companies from operating with these drivers and to protect the motoring public.
On a more fun note, we had a great turnout at the fishing calcutta for the annual SDTA Cliff Tjaden Memorial Fishing Event. We had 39 boats vying for the top prize. A special thank you to Brad and Shelley Schipper for helping run things and to the guys from Taylor & Martin for handling the auctioneering. I would also like to express my gratitude to all our sponsors. Thank you for your support!
Safe travels,
Justin Anders
Anders Trucking dispatch@anderstrucking.com
Hammerstone Insurance Group
Paul D. Van Engelenhoven 4802 S. Cliff Avenue
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Phone: 605-585-7050
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JUSTIN LARSON (605) 224-1611
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JORDAN GAU (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD NICK BACKLUND (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD
GREG BALDWIN (605) 336-2795 SIOUX FALLS, SD
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RUSS STOUGH (605) 336-4444
SIOUX FALLS, SD
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SDTA STAFF
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson President christine@southdakotatrucking.com
Michelle Wells Member Manager michelle@southdakotatrucking.com
There’s something about May that draws us outside—and for SDTA, that meant gathering in Oacoma for one of our favorite traditions. The annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event brought members together from across the state to cast a line, share a few laughs, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river. It’s a reminder of what makes this community special: camaraderie, tradition, and just the right amount of friendly competition.
Don’t miss the list of winners and sponsors on pages 12-13—and a big thank you to K & J Trucking for once again hosting the meal and helping plan this event year after year. More than just a good time, this gathering fuels the future of our industry through scholarships for Diesel Tech students. Promoting careers in trucking is vital, and this event plays a crucial role in achieving that goal. Stay tuned for scholarship updates in next month’s issue.
That same spirit of pride and professionalism carried into the South Dakota Truck Driving Championships. Congratulations to Terry Buttemeier, our 2025 Grand Champion! Terry’s skill, accuracy, and dedication truly stood out in a field full of top-tier drivers who represent the very best of our industry. Thank you to every competitor, volunteer, and supporter who made this year’s event a success. Flip to pages 18-25 for photos, results, and sponsor shout-outs.
Looking ahead, be sure to mark September 16-18 for our 90th Annual SDTA Convention at Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa. This milestone year deserves a celebration to match—with engaging sessions, meaningful connections, and moments to reflect on how far we’ve come.
But first—let’s hit the greens. The East River Golf Event is set for July 10 at Brandon Golf Course. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members and enjoy a mid-summer boost. Registration is open, and we’d love to see you there.
Thank you for everything you do to keep South Dakota moving. Your leadership— on the road and in your communities—drives our industry forward.
Onward,
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson
RobertHilt
Robert Hilt, Johnson Feed Inc., Canton, SD, was selected as the May 2025 Driver of the Month by the South Dakota Safety Management Council.
With 18 years of experience as a professional truck driver—15 of which were dedicated to JFI—Robert exemplifies safety, professionalism, and commitment. A retired police officer with 17 years of service, he brings the same level of discipline and reliability to the road as he did in law enforcement. Robert has achieved an impressive milestone of driving 1 million miles accident-free.
He consistently maintains a high standard of excellence. Robert’s dedication makes him a deserving nominee for Truck Driver of the Month.
Robert resides in Canton, SD. He has three adult children: Tia (42), Rachel (41), and Andy (38).
The South Dakota Trucking Association joins the Safety Management Council in congratulating Robert Hilt for being selected as the May 2025 Driver of the Month.
A nomination form & rules can
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.
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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
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
MEET OUR NEWEST Team Member
Ian Hansen Communications & Marketing Specialist
Ian Hansen is from Norfolk, Nebraska, and spent his whole childhood there. In his free time outside of work, he loves working out, going on long runs, and being around his loved ones.
Ian is a communications and marketing specialist with a strong background in social media management, content creation, and strategic brand development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development from the University of South Dakota.
Ian previously worked as a Development and Communications Assistant at Active Generations. During college, he interned with Barstool Sports, Fizz, and the USD marketing team.
Welcome to the SDTA Team Ian!
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The 23rd Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event proved to be an incredible success. We launched the festivities with an electrifying Calcutta at the AmericInn in Chamberlain. A heartfelt thanks to the Taylor & Martin team for infusing the atmosphere with energy as they skillfully auctioned off the 39 boats participating in our event. The top bid reached an impressive $1,500, showcasing the excitement and enthusiasm of our supporters. The Calcutta brought in just over $16,000. Half of that money goes towards Workforce Development, while the other half goes to the top four Calcutta winners. Cliff Tjaden would have been immensely proud to witness this remarkable gathering and the community spirit it fostered.
All entry fee donations were distributed to the top five boats, rewarded for their impressive total walleye weight. Each boat showcased seven fish, with only two crossing the impressive 20inch mark. This competitive spirit not only highlights the anglers' skill but also underscores the excellence of the catch, making for an exhilarating event!
Top Five Boats with the Most Walleye by Weight
First Place Boat:
Jessica Beal, April Jorgenson, Jon Beal, & Mike McGilvary (received a check for $1,627.50)
Second Place Boat:
Myron Rue & Sean Rue (received a check for $1,162.50)
Third Place Boat:
Kyle Te Slaa, Rose Te Slaa, and Eli Te Slaa (received a check for $930.00)
Fourth Place Boat:
Bob Schroeder & James Kidd (received a check for $697.50)
Fifth Place Boat:
Randy Reichelt & Jeff Fiedler (received a check for $232.50)
Top Calcutta Winners
First: Jessica Beal, April Jorgenson, Jon Beal and Mike McGilvary purchased their own boat for $300. They received a Calcutta check for $3,275.00.
Second: Myron & Sean Rue also purchased their own boat for $500 - They received a Calcutta check for $2,456.25
Third: Taylor & Martin purchased the Te Slaa team for $500. They received a Calcutta check for $1637.50.
Fourth: Bob Schroeders team bought themselves for $400. They received a Calcutta check for $818.75.
Largest Walleye Winner
Myron Rue
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
Emerald Sponsors
Sapphire Sponsor
Topaz Sponsor
Largest Walleye
Calcutta Meal
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Duffy, DOT to Enforce English-Language Standard
Agency Pledges Federal Scrutiny on Verifications of US and Foreign CDLs
Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter | Transport Topics
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mandated non-English-proficient truckers be ordered off roads while also pledging federal scrutiny on verification of U.S. and foreign commercial driver licenses.
“From not enforcing English-language proficiency to broker fraud, to nondomiciled CDLs, it kind of feels like the trucking industry has become the Wild West with a lot of bad actors who have been allowed to play in this space,” Duffy noted May 20. “We’re going to end the play of bad actors. We are going to support, encourage and prop up the great businesses and great drivers and the great brokers that make this country work and move our products.”
He traveled to Austin, Texas, where he stood alongside state transportation and trucking industry leaders to sign an order rescinding a 2016 Obama-era memo discouraging enforcement of a federal law requiring drivers who cannot read or communicate in English to be removed from behind the wheel of commercial vehicles.
“We are issuing new guidance that ensures a driver who cannot understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country, period, full stop. Enforcing out-of-service violations is about preventing tragedies and saving lives,” Duffy said.
He said in 2015 (before the Obama memo), more than 99,000 truckers received English-language proficiency violations from law enforcement officers throughout the country that resulted in 1,000 drivers taken out of service. Last year, however, only 10,000 drivers received violations for lacking English proficiency, and none were prevented from continuing to drive.
“Federal law has always been very clear. Commercial drivers must be proficient in English. Allowing drivers who cannot read stop signs or understand police officers’ instructions to operate an 80,000-pound big rig threatens the safety of every American on our roadways,” Duffy declared. “There are numerous examples across the country where we’ve had people who are operating this kind of equipment who can’t speak the language. The results have been devastating and have taken the lives of so many American families. That’s going to end right now.”
He thanked the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for its prompt cooperation. Starting June 25, English-language-proficiency violations will once again be included in out-of-service criteria in consistent, nationwide road safety enforcement.
Duffy said DOT’s new directive not only reinforces President Donald Trump’s April 28 executive order “Enforcing Common
“Federal law has always been very clear. Commercial drivers must be proficient in English, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. (US Department of Transportation via YouTube)
Sense Rules of the Road for American Truckers” but that the agency will act further.
In other potential crackdowns, DOT is reviewing security procedures involving how states issue CDLs. “We’re going to review non-domiciled CDLs, and we’re going to improve verification protocols for both domestic and international credentials to ensure only qualified drivers are behind the wheel on American roads. The [executive order] also directs the DOT to improve the working lives of truckers,” Duffy said.
Without specifics, he revealed DOT will examine the ongoing national lack of parking for truckers. He noted that of all the stakeholders he has met since becoming transportation secretary, he has found the trucking industry to be the most vocal about expressing concerns.
“The president’s recent executive order is a clear statement: We support America’s truckers and will safeguard our roadways for our truckers and for the American people. This means enforcing common-sense rules and removing unnecessary burdens that hinder our truckers’ work,” Duffy said. “Our president has grit. This is an industry that also has grit, and you have a USDOT right now that shares that grit. So we are going to work together and fight together to make sure we enforce our laws, make sure our roads are safe, and we take the bad actors out of business and off our roads.”
John Esparza, CEO of Texas Trucking Association, said the lack of truckers proficient in English has been an ongoing issue for years .
“The very basic premise of what is occurring today is safety,” Esparza said, adding that the trucking industry will continue to work with DOT on other critical issues, such as non-domiciled CDL holders and cabotage.
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
South Dakota Truck Driving Championships HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 46TH ANNUAL
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
The 46th Annual South Dakota Truck Driving Championships (TDC) was held in Sioux Falls on May 17, 2025, at Southeast Technical College. We sincerely appreciate their unwavering commitment to hosting our event year after year, helping us showcase the skill and dedication of our trucking professionals. Their continued support plays a vital role in the success of this competition.
Thirty-one dedicated drivers stepped up to participate in this prestigious event. The day started with orientation led by Phil Lentz, Chair of the TDC and Manager of the Sioux Falls Port of Entry. Following this insightful session, drivers tackled a challenging 40-question test derived from the essential “2025
Facts for Drivers” book, provided to each contestant by the SDTA. The test encompassed critical knowledge from four key sections: 1) The Trucking Industry, 2) Safety and Security, 3) First Aid, Health and Wellness, and Personal Safety, and 4) Fire Safety. This rigorous examination not only tested their skills but also underscored the importance of safety and professionalism in the trucking profession.
Following the test, the drivers gathered for an essential review of the course instructions, guided by TDC Chair Phil Lentz and Co-Chair Glade Evenson. Each challenge on the course was meticulously analyzed, and enhanced by video demonstrations to provide visual clarity. As the instructors discussed each problem, the drivers were actively encouraged to ask
questions, fostering an interactive learning environment. After thoroughly covering all six challenges, the drivers were granted five minutes to walk through the skills course, allowing them to gain firsthand experience with each obstacle. This comprehensive approach ensured that all participants were well-prepared and confident as they approached the course.
Following the walk-through, the drivers were strategically divided into two groups to maximize the competition’s effectiveness. One group advanced to the skills course, while the other commenced their critical pre-trip inspections. In an effort to rigorously test their expertise, each competition class faced a tractor-trailer rigged with the same five major defects and seven minor defects. The drivers were allotted a specific time frame to uncover these defects, and their meticulousness in identifying the issues determined their scores. This setup not only challenged their skills but also underscored the importance of thorough inspections in maintaining safety on the road.
At the conclusion of the competition, the top three drivers in each class—Straight, 3-Axle, 4-Axle, Van, Sleeper, Tank, Flatbed, and Twins—are awarded prestigious trophies for their exceptional performance. The champions from each class will proudly represent their state at the National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis, MN, from August 20 to 25, where they will compete against the finest class champions from across the nation. This is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their skills and dedication in the trucking industry!
At the end of the competition, the driver with the highest accumulated score (written test, skills course & pre-trip inspection) was named the 2025 SDTDC’s Grand Champion.
2025 Grand Champion
Terry Buttemeier
Our Top Three Award Winners by Class
3 Axle
Straight Truck 1st Place John Schieber XPO 2nd Place Teri Spencer K&J Trucking, Inc.
Place Virgil Thiewes FedEx Freight, Inc.
4-Axle
1st Place Patrick Schneider XPO
2nd Place Josh Becker K&J Trucking, Inc.
3rd Place Jeff Nelson Old Dominion Freight Line
5-Axle Van
1st Place Jeremy Senger FedEx Freight, Inc.
2nd Place Josh Worthington K&J Trucking, Inc.
3rd Place Seth Sigafoos FedEx Freight, Inc.
Sleeper Berth
1st Place Bryan Wold Cliff Viessman, Inc.
2nd Place Scott Dreesman Johnson Feed, Inc.
3rd Place Todd Fletcher FedEx Freight, Inc.
Flatbed
1st Place Joel Gruis FedEx Freight, Inc.
2nd Place Vinny Harguth Cliff Viessman, Inc.
3rd Place Brian Mazza Johnson Feed, Inc.
Tank
1st Place Terry Buttemeier FedEx Freight, Inc.
2nd Place Nan Harguth Cliff Viessman, Inc.
3rd Place Theron Thompson K&J Trucking, Inc.
Twins
1st Place Josh Kelley FedEx Freight, Inc.
2nd Place Andrew Hanson Rude Transportation, Inc.
3rd Place Tim Zulauf Old Dominion Freight Line
The following special awards were also given out at the Banquet:
Rookie of the Year
Jeff Nelson
Old Dominion Freight Line
Chuck Fjellin Award (Best Written Exam)
Bryan Wold Cliff Viessman, Inc.
Ron Green Award
(Best Pre-Trip Inspection)
Dan Norgaard
Old Dominion Freight Line
Larry Thury Award (Best Course Score)
Terry Buttemeier FedEx Freight, Inc.
Company Award
(Highest Company Average Score for Companies with 3+ Competitors)
XPO
2025 Inspector’s Challenge
The Inspector Challenge winner will be competing in Minneapolis, MN, at the National Inspectors Challenge, held in conjunction with the National Truck Driving Championships.
Competitors
Trooper Trey Bedford, Tilford Port of Entry
Inspector Paul Beaudry, Sioux Falls Port of Entry
Inspector Trevor Samuelson, Sioux Falls Port of Entry
Inspector Kelly Oxender, Sioux Falls Port of Entry
Trooper Megan Koch, Jefferson Port of Entry
Inspector Mae Heikkinen, Tilford Port of Entry
Champion: Trooper Trey Bedford
2nd: Inspector Trevor Samuelson
Thank You! to our SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
T-SHIRT SPONSOR
(Sponsored T-Shirts For All Volunteers)
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
RAFFLE ITEM SPONSORS
Great West Casualty Company
Peterbilt of Sioux Falls
DRIVER GOODIE BAG SPONSORS
Cliff Viessman, Inc.
North American Truck & Trailer
North Central International
Peterbilt of Sioux Falls
RAS Companies
South Dakota Road Team
Jeff Eschen, Gary Schmidt, Jeremy Senger and Mike Whitehead
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Coca-Cola Company
Gateway Lounge / Gibs Sports Bar
Pepsi Company www.SouthDakotaCDL.com
Cliff Viessman, Inc.
K&J Trucking, Inc.
Midwest Peterbilt Group
Mid States Transport, Inc.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Rude Transportation, Inc.
Sioux Falls Truck & Trailer
XPO
SOUTH DAKOTA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Shauna Abbas
Nick Cleveringa
Glade Evenson
Shanna Gray
Patty Hinz
Steve Hoffman
Brenda Jensen
Bailey Johnson
Trevor Johnson
Don Knowler
Phil Lentz
Jennifer Raddaatz
Leslie Schipper
Michael Steltz
Michelle Wells
Thank you to our committee members for all of your efforts and dedication to making this year’s TDCs a success!
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SD Truck Driving Champions Club Recognizes Some Amazing People at the SD TDCs Banquet
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
The SD Truck Driving Champions Club took the opportunity during the TDC Banquet to recognize some amazing representatives in the trucking industry.
Distinguished Service Award
Jere Rions
Jere Rions has been an invaluable member of the SD Truck Driving Champions Club for many years. His unwavering dedication as a volunteer has made a significant impact on his fellow members, as he generously shares his extensive knowledge and experience.
Jere’s commitment to preparing class champions for national competitions is unmatched; he is always ready to lend a hand and inspire others. His hard work and passion for the industry truly set him apart as one of our most dedicated volunteers.
We deeply appreciate all that Jere has contributed to the Champions Club over the years, and his influence continues to elevate this organization to new heights.
Jerry Cudmore Professional Excellence Award
Jerry “Skimpy” Seaman
The Jerry Cudmore Award was created in 2014, and has been given to a handful of deserving people. To be considered for this award, a person must be very involved with the SDTDCs - going above and beyond for the betterment of not only themselves, but for all who are involved.
This year’s recipient has done just that. Jerry Seaman, better known as Skimpy to most, is a professional truck driver for K&J Trucking, Inc., is the recipient of the 2025 Jerry Cudmore Professional Excellence Award.
Since 2008, Skimpy has been committed to the SD TDCs, demonstrating his skills through multiple participations, including at the National Truck Driving Championships. Skimpy has gone above and beyond with the SD Truck Driving Champions Club. He and his wife Wilma have been long-time volunteers at the SD TDCs.
Skimpy truly believes in the betterment of all champions and advocates for safety, not only by his words, but also by example.
Congratulations to Jere Rions and Skimpy Seaman on your well-deserved award!
Governor Rhoden Declares May 17, 2025, as JERRY CUDMORE DAY
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
In January, the Champions Club came together to explore meaningful ways to honor Jerry Cudmore for his invaluable contributions to our community. We decided to reach out to the Governor to declare May 17, 2025, as Jerry Cudmore Day—a gesture that truly reflects our gratitude. Michelle Wells from the SDTA eagerly embraced this challenge and skillfully made the necessary arrangements.
Our aim was to ensure that Jerry could be at the banquet to receive this well-deserved recognition. For those unfamiliar with his journey, Jerry Cudmore is courageously battling advanced
EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION
State of South Dakota | Office of the Governor
Whereas, Jerry Cudmore built a spectacular career as a professional truck driver, dedicating an extraordinary 44 years to the industry where he achieved an impressive milestone by logging 4.7 million accident-free miles, without a single speeding ticket or logging violation; and
Whereas, In 1984, Jerry Cudmore made his extraordinary debut at the SD Truck Driving Championships, and since then has consistently showcased his skills by competing every year, with only a few exceptions before his retirement. He proudly competed in the National Truck Driving Championships an impressive 13 times, showcasing his unparalleled skills and unwavering dedication to the craft; and
Whereas, In 1994, Jerry Cudmore founded the SD Truck Driving Champions Club, a prestigious assembly of class champions from both current and past competitions in South Dakota. This club is dedicated to
Parkinson’s Disease. With the unwavering support of his good friend Glade Evenson, we coordinated transportation for Jerry through Wheelchair Express, allowing him to join us for this special occasion.
Just as everything was in place, we faced a setback when Jerry unfortunately fell during the week of competition and was hospitalized. Undeterred, Glade, Michelle, and Brenda Jensen took it upon themselves to bring the proclamation to him in the hospital the day before the competition. Witnessing this heartfelt moment, Jerry was visibly moved and profoundly grateful for the recognition of his dedication and spirit. This testament to our collective effort emphasizes the impact Jerry has had on our community and the importance of celebrating those who inspire us all.
This is how the proclamation read:
equipping these exceptional drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in national competitions, ensuring they represent South Dakota with excellence and pride; and
Whereas, Jerry Cudmore proudly holds the distinction of being South Dakota’s inaugural America’s Road Team Captain for the American Trucking Association, a testament to his exceptional commitment to promoting the trucking industry and advocating for road safety; and
Whereas, Jerry Cudmore’s remarkable talent was recognized when he clinched the 3-axle Grand Champion Trophy at the National Truck Driving Championships in 2001. In 2005, he won the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award. This award is presented to the contestant who most exemplifies all the best attributes of a professional truck driver. Contestants are judged on their driving record, skill, knowledge, attitude, and professionalism; and
Whereas, After an accomplished career as a professional truck driver, Jerry Cudmore dedicated 13 years to shaping the future of aspiring drivers at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD. His commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of trucking professionals exemplifies his passion for the industry and his desire to make a lasting impact; and
Whereas, Jerry Cudmore has devoted his life to the unwavering commitment of safely delivering goods, earning the profound respect of his company, his fellow drivers, and all those who have had the privilege to cross his path:
Now, Therefore, I, Larry Rhoden, Governor of the State of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2025, as Jerry Cudmore Day in South Dakota.
Senate Votes to Block Clean Air Standards in California
Rules Include Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Tailpipe Emissions
Mary Clare Jalonik | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted on May 22 to block California’s first-in-the nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, acting to kill the nation’s most aggressive effort to transition toward electric vehicles as President Donald Trump’s administration has doubled down on fossil fuels.
The resolution approved by the Senate goes to the White House, where Trump is expected to sign it, along with two other measures blocking California’s rules that the Senate is poised to pass. The House approved the three resolutions earlier this month.
The GOP effort to kill the rules could have a profound impact on California’s longtime efforts to curb air pollution. The push comes after Senate Republicans established a new exception to the filibuster on Wednesday to allow them to weigh in on the issue.
California makes up roughly 11% of the U.S. car market, giving it significant power to shape purchasing trends. Vehicles are one of the largest sources of planet-warming emissions.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state air regulators say that what Congress is doing is illegal and they will likely sue to keep the rules in place.
The two other resolutions would block rules to cut tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and curb smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. Democrats charge that Republicans are acting at the behest of the oil and gas industry and they say California should be able to set its own standards after obtaining waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Republicans say the phaseout of gas-powered cars, along with other waivers that California has obtained from the EPA, is costly for consumers and manufacturers, puts pressure on the nation’s energy grid and has become a de facto nationwide electric vehicle mandate.
“The waivers in question allow California to implement a stringent electric vehicle mandate, which – given California’s size and the fact that a number of other states have signed on to California’s mandate – would end up not just affecting the state of California, but the whole country,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., before the vote.
American Trucking Associations in a statement called it a “monumental victory” for the trucking industry and consumers.
“California is the breeding ground of all bad public policy, and it’s long past time that our nation’s leadership in Washington
stop abdicating its responsibility to unelected, cubicle-dwelling bureaucrats in Sacramento who have no understanding of the real world and how it works. Today’s Senate action sends a resounding message nationwide that this is not the United States of California, nor will it ever be,” ATA President Chris Spear said May 22. “We appreciate the leadership of President Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and leaders in Congress who listened to our concerns and acted decisively to reverse this destructive rulemaking, which would have decimated our industry and unleashed a torrent of economic pain on the American families and businesses that we serve.”
Newsom, a Democrat, announced plans in 2020 to ban the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles within 15 years as part of an aggressive effort to lower emissions from the transportation sector. Plug-in hybrids and used gas cars could still be sold.
The Biden administration approved the state’s waiver to implement the standards in December, a month before Trump returned to office. The California rules are stricter than a Bidenera rule that tightens emissions standards but does not require sales of electric vehicles.
Biden’s EPA said in announcing the decision that opponents of the California waivers did not meet their legal burden to show how either the EV rule or a separate measure on heavy-duty vehicles was inconsistent with the Clean Air Act.
Through a series of votes on May 21, Republicans set a new precedent for the Senate to reject the state EPA waivers with a simple majority vote, as opposed to the 60 vote threshold on legislation that is subject to a filibuster. The votes were a workaround that enabled them to hold the votes after the Senate parliamentarian agreed with the Government Accountability Office that California’s policies are not subject to the Congressional Review Act, a law that allows Congress to reject federal regulations under certain circumstances.
Democrats fought the changes, which were the latest attempt to chip away at the Senate filibuster after both parties have used their majorities in the past two decades to lower the threshold for nominations. Democrats tried in 2022 to roll back the filibuster for legislation, as well, but were thwarted by members of their own caucus who disagreed with the effort.
Republicans have insisted that they would not try a similar move after regaining the majority this year. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the move to block California’s laws were a “point of no return” and called the Republicans “fair weather institutionalists.”
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
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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.
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Trucking Industry Implores Trump to Crack Down on Staged Accidents
Dana Guthrie | The Trucker
WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is applauding Congressman Mike Collins (R-Georgia) for continuing to lead the effort to stop the costly and risky practice of criminals purposefully crashing into trucks in an attempt to shakedown motor carriers for a payout.
In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi that was co-signed by six of his colleagues, Collins urged the Trump Administration to form a specialized task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting staged accident fraud.
“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA senior vice president of legislative affairs. “These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and inflating insurance premiums. ATA strongly encourages Attorney General Bondi to crack down on this dangerous lawlessness by establishing a specialized task force dedicated to holding these criminals accountable, and we thank Congressman Collins for spearheading this effort to protect America’s hardworking truckers.”
Widespread Fraud
According to the ATA, a wide range of schemes in recent years have targeted trucking companies, and these sophisticated fraudsters often have ties to organized crime. This perilous, pervasive phenomenon manipulates the legal system to extort trucking companies for settlements upwards of seven-figures. One such criminal ring was exposed in Louisiana for staging accidents with unsuspecting commercial trucks beginning in 2011. To date, 63 people have been indicted in the federal probe into this conspiracy, including plaintiff attorneys who are alleged to have been the masterminds.
To stem the tide, Collins is recommending that the Attorney General organize the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, local police departments, businesses, and the public to help identify and dismantle criminal enterprises. In addition to Collins, the letter was signed by Congressmen Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Tony Wied (R-Wisconsin), Tom Barrett (R-Michigan), Glenn Grothman (R-Wisconsin), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin), and Jimmy Patronis (R-Florida).
“This enforcement initiative would build on a parallel legislative effort,” ATA said. “Last month, Congressmen Collins and Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced and ATA endorsed the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would make it a federal crime to engineer a crash with a commercial motor vehicle. Specifically, the bill establishes straightforward criminal penalties not just for the drivers who stage these collisions— but also for the attorneys, physicians, and other co-conspirators who knowingly participate in the fraud to extort victimized motor carriers. This measure would provide a strong, necessary deterrent to prevent these schemes, while offering critical protections to the motor carriers and drivers who tirelessly power our nation’s economy and supply chain.”
Reprinted from The Trucker.
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