TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2025.11.15 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending November 15, 2025, written by Vicki Simons.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding language, politics, and shut down:
Language
The first article in this section states:
A U.S. federal appeals court on Nov. 10 ordered the Department of Transportation to pause enforcement of its emergency final rule restricting the ability of non-citizens to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
“The purpose of this administrative stay is to give the court sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motions for stay pending review, and should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits of those motions,” the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia wrote in its decision.
As I have mentioned before…
This is part of “General qualifications of drivers [who drive a commercial motor vehicle]” 49 C.F.R. 391.11(b)(2):
Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records;
According to one source, the key functions of the judiciary are:
- Interpreting laws;
- Resolving disputes;
- Upholding the Constitution;
- Protecting individual rights;
- Administering justice;
- Ensuring the rule of law.
Will the courts rule completely in line with The U.S. Constitution and the U.S. code?
It is my sincere hope that they will!
- Appeals court pauses US DOT rule on non-domiciled CDL holders
- California cancels 17,000 CDLs following federal audit
- California explains why Jashanpreet Singh’s CDL was upgraded before crash
- California revokes 17,000 CDLs for immigrants
- California revokes 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants
- California revokes 17,000 wrongly issued non-domiciled CDLs
- California to Revoke 17,000 CDLs for Immigrants
- Court blocks DOT from pushing 200,000 non-domiciled CDL drivers out of trucking
- Court Blocks New Rules Limiting Which Immigrants Can Get CDLs
- Court orders halt on FMCSA’s emergency rule cracking down on non-domiciled CDLs
- Court pauses USDOT rule on non-domiciled CDL holders
- CVSA asks FMCSA to release non-redacted English Language Proficiency enforcement memo
- D.C. Circuit hits pause on non-domiciled CDL rule
- DC court blocks FMCSA’s non-domiciled CDL rule
- Do ELP violations indicate poor safety ratings? Tennessee study says yes
- DOT says California ‘illegally issued’ 17,000 CDLs
- DOT, California continue public brawl over non-domiciled CDLs
- DOT’s non-domiciled CDL crackdown in limbo after court grants emergency stay motion
- Federal Court Hits Pause on FMCSA’s Non-Domiciled CDL Rule
- FMCSA redacts English-proficiency guidance; CVSA pushes back
- FMCSA shouldn’t redact ELP enforcement policy: CVSA | Bill targets extreme-cold diesel derates
- Nevada phasing out non-domiciled CDL program
- Non-Domiciled CDL Restrictions Paused
- Restrictions on non-domiciled CDLs cannot be enforced right now, DC court rules
- US enforcement actions to remove more trucks than ELD mandate
- USDOT says 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs issued by California are cancelled
Politics
These articles are about politics, not in the same vein as the U.S. government shutdown.
- H.R. 5688 Explained — What It Means for Drivers, Fleets, and the Future of CDLs
- Hill Transportation Leaders Eye Highway Bill
- Illinois lawmakers approve harmful bill for trucking
- Jesus Was (and IS) Involved in Politics! Neil Mammen
- NTSB Nominee John DeLeeuw Advances Despite Pushback
- Senators target cold-weather truck shutdowns
- US Pauses Crackdown on Blacklisted Chinese Firms
- White House pardons diesel mechanic imprisoned for ‘deleting’ emissions controls on hundreds of commercial trucks
Shut down
These articles are specifically about the U.S. government shutdown.
- $4.9M for trucker training in funding mix to end shutdown
- Bill to end government shutdown awaits final House vote after passing the Senate
- House Returns for Vote to End Government Shutdown
- House votes to end government shutdown, bill sent for Trump’s signature
- Johnson Calls House to Return for Shutdown Vote
- Senate Democrats Fold on Shutdown Without Policy Victory
- Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown
- Shutdown Nears End as Senate Passes Deal, House Preps Vote
- Trump Signs Funding Bill to End Government Shutdown
- Trump signs funding bill, ending record 43-day government shutdown
- TSA Staff to Receive $10,000 Bonuses After Shutdown
2. Regarding ATRI, brokers, business, capacity, containers, glossary, and issues:
ATRI
According to their website:
ATRI’s primary mission is to conduct research focused on the trucking’s essential role in a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.
- ATRI seeks motor carriers for study on rising insurance costs
- ATRI to Study Rising Commercial Auto Insurance Costs
- ATRI to Study Rising Trucking Insurance Costs and Strategies to Help
Brokers
- Broker threatens to sue trucking company over back solicitation
- How brokers can navigate the capacity crunch using SONAR
Business
- FedEx Profit Guidance Eases Holiday Season Worries
- Should You Buy or Lease a Delivery Van?
- The Company That’s Doing it Different
- The Fleet Leader’s Guide to Maximizing Fleet Financial Performance
- Trucking boycotting NYC after Zohran Mamdani’s election? Get real
- What Commercial Vehicles Dealers Are Buying Right Now
- What it Takes to Build Multiple Billion Dollar Businesses
- White Paper- The age of agility: Seeking advantage amid uncertainty
Capacity
Containers
Glossary
According to the article in this section (and the glossary on this site):
“DVIR means Daily Vehicle Inspection Report.”
Issues
It would have been helpful had this article actually defined what PPE means.
One may find that definition over here:
personal protective equipment.
3. Regarding crashes, drowsy driving, drugs, fatalities, fraud, injury, theft, and violence:
Crashes
Please look through these articles to see if there is anything you can learn to help you prevent being involved in a similar crash.
- Authorities looking into crash of 2 semis on Interstate 30 in Arkansas
- Driver injured after biodiesel tanker overturns in Oklahoma
- No injuries reported in SUV versus big rig crash in Idaho
- Semi crashes into train in metro Atlanta
- Shifting load causes major crash, Interstate 24 closure in Kentucky
- Texas town shares video of big rig colliding with Blocker as part of plea for safer driving
Drowsy driving
Please feel free to read my post:
Drowsy Driving: Dangers, Statistics, and No Substitutes.
Drugs
Never ever haul or take illegal drugs.
Fatalities
I express my deep sympathy — and offer my condolences — to the families of those whose loved ones died in these crashes.
Can you learn anything from the articles below that would help prevent being involved in a fatal large truck crash?
- Bicycle rider dies after being hit by semi truck
- Both drivers dead after semi truck crosses median into oncoming traffic
- Delaware County deputy fatally struck by semi truck while assisting disabled big rig
- Delaware County deputy fatally struck by semi truck while assisting disabled big rig
- Driver identified in crash that killed a deputy sheriff in Indiana
- Driver in fatal Florida u-turn calling for further evidence evaluation prior to trial
- Indiana deputy killed on Interstate 69 while assisting semi truck driver
- Three killed in crash involving semi truck that crossed into oncoming traffic, Pennsylvania troopers say
- Trucker dead after crash in Virginia
- Trucker involved in fatal Florida crash makes court appearance
- Trucking company in crash that killed roadside officer says the driver involved is “a really really good driver”
Fraud
Never attempt to deceive, misrepresent something, intentionally pervert the truth, or pretend to be someone else for the purpose of trying to get something valuable.
Injury
These articles are separate from the fatalities category.
- Pedestrian injured after being struck by semi on I-20 in Georgia
- Picketers allege truck driver intentionally hit them during demonstration outside of Windsor plant
Theft
Never take something that doesn’t belong to you unless you have permission from the owner.
With as much surveillance equipment as is in place in the 21st century, it’s only a matter of time before the thieves are apprehended.
- Cargo theft data shows thieves are getting smarter
- Cargo Thieves Shift Tactics as High-Value Shipments Drive Record Losses
- Cargo Thieves Shift Tactics as High-Value Shipments Drive Record Losses
- Five arrested for using semi trucks to steal loads of steel rods from Texas property
- Four arrested for truck stop card skimmer and diesel theft scheme, California sheriff says
- Man parks stolen trucks on train tracks in attempt to derail a train
Violence
It is never right to perpetrate violence upon someone in an unprovoked manner.
All perpetrators of violence must be dealt with in a just legal manner.
- Driver who ran over officer in “paranoid” episode facing new charges for assaulting officer in jail with “unknown liquid”
- Driver who ran over officer in “paranoid” episode facing new charges for assaulting officer in jail with “unknown liquid”
- PSP searching for person who assaulted trucker in his sleeper over the weekend
4. Regarding autonomous, electric, fuel, maintenance, and oil:
Autonomous
I completely oppose the operation of autonomous, driverless, or self-driving commercial motor vehicles on the same roads as the motoring public — but I share articles on this topic with our readers to help us stay current on the topic.
- Autonomous Truck Firm Einride to Go Public
- Bot Auto partners with Marsh for custom autonomous truck fleet insurance
- Kodiak AI expands ZF partnership for autonomous truck steering
- Kodiak AI Highlights Third-Quarter Autonomous Truck Progress
Electric
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence by asking some questions and getting answers.
- Electric roads: Could this be the future of EV charging?
- EV Realty gets boost from Outpost, acquires Stockton property
- FedEx participates in Harbinger cash raise, places electric truck order
- FedEx Places First Order for Harbinger EV Chassis
- Vancouver’s RR Plett Trucking easing into BEVs
- VW-Rivian Joint Venture May Sell EV Tech to Other Carmakers
Fuel
- Albert Transport Pushes Diesel Efficiency to the Limit
- Benchmark diesel price rises to its highest level 16 months
- Diesel prices continue to climb
- Fuel, oil forecasts hold promise
- Renewable Natural Gas Gains Interest From Fleets
- Trucking Fleets Turn to Renewable Diesel for Cleaner Runs
Maintenance
Oil
5. Regarding ban, chemical spill, inspections, plane crash, roads, safety, and training:
Ban
Pay attention to truck bans, whether they are temporary or permanent.
- Caltrans considering eliminating truck ban on I-580 in Oakland
- Coroner looking to ban commercial truck traffic on Route 40 after most recent fatal crash that killed trucker, two others
Chemical spill
All chemical spills are completely preventable.
Please check your equipment to make sure that spills and leaks cannot happen!
Maintenance must be done ahead of time to make sure that loads can be completely secured.
I wonder if anyone who was adversely affected by this chemical spill will sue for any kind of compensation.
If negligence was involved, I expect a lawsuit — perhaps a class action lawsuit — to follow.
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- 15% of trucks sidelined with OOS violations during Brake Safety Week
- Inspectors in Iowa find an interesting discovery
- Ongoing Quebec heavy truck enforcement campaign doles out 2,000 tickets
Plane crash
I include articles about this topic because UPS is known for their trucks and package delivery service.
- All 14 Victims Identified From UPS Cargo Plane Crash
- No people thought unaccounted for as UPS cargo plane crash toll stands at 14, Louisville mayor says
Roads
This section includes articles on road construction and road closures, the latter of which may be temporary.
- Crash causes closure of Iowa bridge
- I-55 bridge closure creates detour in Arkansas
- I-55 Mississippi River Bridge to fully close this weekend for construction
- Interstate 55 Mississippi River bridge set to close this weekend for repairs
- Ontario widens two sections of Hwy. 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon
Safety
- From pre-trip to on-road: Essential safety habits every driver needs
- Protecting Your Payloads: 5 Essential Strategies for Cargo Security
Training
- PTTAC, Bluedrop to roll out truck trainer accreditation program
- Texas Awards Grants to Train 145 Heavy-Duty Truck Drivers
6. Regarding bypass, congestion pricing, ELDs, truck stop, and Truckers Paradise:
Bypass
Congestion pricing
This is another classic example of how various parts of government are crossing jurisdictional lines and layers of authority.
In reality, The Constitution of the United States does not allow the federal government to interfere with state, county, or municipal laws ordinances and regulations — and neither does The 10th Amendment.
ELDs
How many times will the FMCSA reject the use of certain ELDs after they once previously required only self-certification of the products?
Others within the trucking industry were speaking out against the Electronic Logging Devices “mandate” long before December 4, 2017, but you may read my commentary on the mandate.
In TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2017.12.09, I quoted Indiana’s Attorney General, Curtis Hill, regarding the self-certification provision regarding ELDs.
I also asked, “In what other industry besides trucking has the government ever mandated the purchase of a ‘self-certification’ product?“
So, I’m truly distressed for every trucker who invested in a “self-certified” ELD that used to be on the approved list, only to later have that certification revoked!
If you are such a trucker, I want to hear from you about how expensive this was for you.
Is “third-party ELD certification” a good idea?
Is there the possibility that the third party chosen to do the certification can be compromised in any way?
- ATA, CVSA Call for Third-Party ELD Certification
- ELD loopholes fueling fraud, driving good carriers out of business, experts warn
Truck stop
- Iconic Montana truck stop restaurant closed for the winter to “regroup” after staffing and health issues
- Truck stop evicted from Texas property for failure to pay workers, landlord says
Truckers Paradise
According to the third article in this section:
An ambitious plan to create a trucker village has proved to be too ambitious.
- “America’s Biggest Truck Stop” Falls Silent — Inside the Eviction of Trucker’s Paradise in Texas
- More trouble in Truckers Paradise: Total truck stop closure
- Truckers Paradise evicted one year after launch
7. Regarding insurance, intermodal, legal, and multimodal:
Insurance
- Bot Auto Insurance Model Making Autonomous Truck Risk Measurable, Not Theoretical
- Perspective: Helping Contract Drivers With Insurance Claims
- The Insurance Experts: 3 strategies to drive safety and skill in your commercial fleet
Intermodal
- Schneider Launches Fast Track Intermodal Service
- UP CEO: BNSF wrong on intermodal lanes closure after merger
Legal
- First Brands Founder Wins Control of Personal Bank Accounts
- Halton Hills, Ont., struggling to uproot illegal truck yards sprouting on farmland
- Tennessee cops asking for public help in hit-and-run investigation
- Truck driver sentenced after officials say he dumped 4,000 gallons of gas ‘to speed up his route’
Multimodal
8. Regarding economy, future, health coverage, jobs, ownership, pay, rates, taxes, and tolls:
Economy
- DAT: Spot load and truck posts hold firm entering November
- ACT: Used truck market holds steady in October
- Aifleet’s bold move: cutting its fleet size to survive in freight recession
- Cass Freight Index: Shipments and freight expenditures continue to decline
- Mullen, TFI executives advise fleets to tighten belts, retain talent during slump
- Navigating the trenches: Trucking’s rocky road in 2025
- New GXO Chief Sees Logistics Opportunities Amid Downturn
- October freight shipments plunge, Cass data shows
- Ongoing Uncertainty Hampers Truck Orders in October
- Owner-operators stay conservative as recommended oil change intervals grow
- Radiant Logistics navigating downside of freight cycle
- Rare October as container volumes, China recovery diverge
- Tighter inventories could boost trucking demand
- Titanium turns in ‘most efficient trucking quarter’ in two years, sees capacity slowly tightening
- Trucking fleets, OEMs expect more pain before any gains
- Truckload’s value in critical lane is on the rise despite weak demand
- US Import Slowdown Signals Possible ‘Goods Recession’
- White House: October Jobs, CPI Data Likely Lost
Future
Among the quotes in this article is:
“The economy stinks … especially the consumer economy. And what do we all ship? Things that fuel the consumer economy,” [DAT Chief of Strategy Ken] Adamo said.
Health coverage
From the article linked below:
For the rough quarter of Overdrive readers who’ve relied on those plans in recent years, as reported in May, owner-operators’ cash outlays for plan premiums could rise if nothing changes and enhanced subsidies expire.
If the cost of your health coverage goes up, will you be able to pay for it?
Jobs
Feel free to look at this post on this website:
Truck Driving Jobs and Truck Driver Jobs in the Future
Ownership
Quotes from this article include:
We’re digging ourselves deeper and deeper into debt, both as a nation and as a populace. …
Most critically of all, however, the U.S. government, long ago sold to the highest bidders, now operates as a shell company for corporate interests. …
There are a few things we can do — demand transparency, reject cronyism and graft, insist on fair pricing and honest accounting methods, call a halt to incentive-driven government programs that prioritize profits over people — but it will require that “we the people” stop playing politics and stand united against the politicians and corporate interests who have turned our government and economy into a pay-to-play exercise in fascism.
Pay
Rates
- FTR, Truckstop: Van spot rates rise as expected
- Spot Market Rates Dip as Freight Volumes Show Mixed Trends Across Equipment Types
- Trucking carrier sentiment suppressed by weak rate environment and economic uncertainty: Ritchie Bros.
Taxes
- Oregon’s highway-funds package will simplify weight-mile tax
- Transportation showdown: State’s gas tax hike heads for ballot fight
Tolls
A quote from this article:
“When I woke up on Friday (Oct. 31) they handed me a $360,000 cost increase,” said Moran, president of Elk Grove Village-based Moran Transportation Corp. “No notice, no word, no nothing. It’s the largest single cost increase I’ve seen from any vendor in 46 years of business.”
Ouch!
The article further states:
The state of Illinois passed a bill on October 31st that will raise tolls on the Illinois Tollway for commercial vehicles by 30% starting January 1st, 2027.
Question: Will these toll increases adversely affect your trucking business and/or your trucking paycheck — or will you simply try to pass along the increase to your customers?
If you try to pass along the increase to your customers, how many of them will continue to pay it?
Please comment through the form below. Thanks.
9. Regarding parking, parts, ports, and recalls:
Parking
Parts
- FleetPride, TruckPro Merger Will Broaden Aftermarket Parts Offering
- Two aftermarket truck parts suppliers combining into one
Ports
- Arkansas Invests $4.6M in 5 Port Infrastructure Projects
- Import Cargo Slows Into Major Container Ports
- US suspends port fees on Chinese ships
Recalls
If your tractor or trailer is under a recall, please have the work attended to as soon as possible.
10. Regarding study, technology, Tesla, and weather:
Study
- FMCSA launches crash-risk study on driver schedules
- FMCSA wants to study driver schedules and crash risk
Technology
- AI is turning peak season challenges into opportunities
- Carrier Logistics Unveils AI Tool to Streamline LTL Ops
- Cyberattack Drives Major Loss at Jaguar Land Rover
- Delivering the immense potential of IoT for distribution
- eBook: Is Driver Resistance to Dash Cams Shifting?
- Freightos brand adopts Visa/Transcard payment financing tool
- From guardrails to potholes, AI is becoming the new eyes on America’s roads
- How Fleets Can Navigate the AI Revolution
- How to Win Over Dash Cam Skeptics
- How Tucker Freight Lines Modernized Its TMS and Integrated Its Fleet Systems
- J. J. Keller unveils two-in-one telematics device
- J.J. Keller Simplifies Compliance and Visibility with Two-In-One Telematics Device
- Lytx Fatigue Detection Technology Uses AI, Human Reviews
- Lytx unveils Coach Assist
- Mitchell 1 Enhances TruckSeries Search Capabilities with ‘Did You Mean’ Feature
- SparkCharge launches SparkAI for commercial fleets
Tesla
- Tesla Cybertruck Head Exits, Adding to Executive Turnover
- Tesla semi gets slight redesign update before true production has even started
Weather
- Arctic air hits much of the US, bringing snow to some areas and very chilly temperatures to Florida
- Early season blizzard conditions slam Chicago, Midwest
- Record-low temperatures shock the Southeast US while snowfall blankets parts of the Northeast
- Snow forecast for Northern Plains and potential record cold in the South
- Your First Winter as an Owner-Operator — How to Stay Rolling When the Cold Hits Hard
11. Regarding tariffs, trade, USPS, and veterans:
Tariffs
For a much better and more thorough explanation about the problems with Trump-issued tariffs, please search for the word “tariffs” in Peggy Hall’s Substack archive.
- Borderlands Mexico: Tariffs forcing nearshoring, regional sourcing, experts say
- A New Era For Global Freight
- ACT: Tariffs and uncertainty weigh heavily on 2026 forecast
- China to Restrict Chemicals After Deal on Fentanyl Tariffs
- If Supreme Court Strikes Tariffs, Wall Street Doubts Refunds
- Sheinbaum’s China Tariff Plan Postponed as Backlash Builds
- Trump Moves to Cut Tariffs on Key Food Imports
Trade
- China’s Purchases of US Soybeans Stall Despite Trade Truce
- US strikes trade deals across Latin America, lowers tariffs on Argentina’s beef
- US, Argentina Advance New Trade Accord
- US-China Soybean Trade Stalls After Early Surge
USPS
- US Postal Service plans parcel price hikes in January
- USPS reports 5.7% decline in parcel volumes, $9B loss
Veterans
- CDLLife App: Truckers Pay Homage to Veterans
- How military service set these trucking entrepreneurs straight on course to success
- SelecTrucks’ Proud to Serve program hits $1 million in savings for military veterans
- Veterans Day: Military Commercial Vehicles Used By Civilians
12. Regarding awards and recognition:
Awards
This section contains articles with different kinds of awards.
Congratulations to every professional truck driver who has achieved a level of success and performance on the job!
- Driver says he’s spent 3.5M miles in his rig and he’ll never get rid of it
- Five finalists named for ATA National Driver of the Year Award
- Joseph Bayards named Driver of the Year by ISAAC; Tandet Group wins inaugural eco fleet award
- Louisiana trucker with 5.1 million safe miles wins Diesel Brothers custom truck and $50K
- OTA names Elkelouei Driver of the Year, honors Gillmore with Truck Hero award
- Pilot awards largest prize in contest history
- Pilot crowns Road Warrior champs
Recognition
This section contains articles regarding different kinds of recognition.
Thanks to all professional truck drivers who care about their fellow human beings!
- Finish line: Chance to help research to aid fellow truckers
- National Tank Services Sarnia, Ont. marks 20 years of no lost-time injuries
- Trucker of 52 years honors our country’s veterans with personalized semi truck showcasing military stories
I wish you — and all professional truck drivers — safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Return from TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2025.11.15 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
