TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2025.08.23 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending August 23, 2025, written by Vicki Simons.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding immigration, language, non-domiciled CDLs, and qualifications:
The topics in this section are in some way related to the fatal crash that happened when an illegal alien driving a large truck attempted to make an illegal u-turn in Florida on Tuesday, August 12, according to this article.
I express my deep sympathy — and offer my condolences — to the families of those whose loved ones died in this crash.
It brings me no joy after people have died to underscore the importance of the need for all drivers in the USA — not just truckers — to be able to read, write, and speak English since road signs are all in English.
Immigration
- Administration to halt work visas for truck drivers, Rubio says
- Feds halt work visas for foreign drivers; cite safety, job issues
- State’s ban on truck driver visas won’t impact non-domiciled CDLs
- Trucker ‘begs’ for cancellation of B1 Visas he says put American truckers out of business
- Trucking industry supports pause of work visas for commercial drivers
- U.S. Halts Work Visas for Commercial Truck Drivers
- U.S. stops issuing visas for commercial truck drivers, effective immediately, feds say
- U.S. suspends issuing of visas to foreign truck drivers
- Update: Trump administration immediately pausing all new commercial truck driver work visas
- US Freezes Work Visas for Commercial Truck Drivers
- Work visa programs paused for foreign truck drivers: State Dept.
Language
- ATA says California should answer for how driver in fatal Florida Turnpike crash obtained CDL
- Fatal Florida Crash Exposes Dangerous Gaps in Commercial Driver Licensing Standards
- Fatal Florida turnpike crash brings vehicular homicide charges, Cali CDL scrutiny
- FL officials heading to CA to “throw the book” at illegal u-turn driver during extradition process, trucking company investigation
- Florida crash becomes part of politically-charged immigration debate
- FMCSA launches investigation into deadly Florida crash
- FMCSA Probes Fatal Florida U-Turn Crash Amid CDL and Safety Oversight Concerns
- Footage shows moments leading up to, & moments after, fatal illegal u-turn crash
- Harjinder Singh’s fleet shut down after deadly Florida crash
- Homeland Security calls California’s granting of CDL to illegal immigrant in u-turn crash “asinine”
- Homeland Security teases partnership with USDOT to stop unqualified drivers from obtaining CDLs from ‘sanctuary’ states
- Homeland Security to work with DOT to ‘prevent illegal aliens’ from getting CDLs
- ICE arrests passenger who was inside semi truck cab during deadly Florida Turnpike crash
- Illegal U-turn driver in Florida arrested, issued immigration detainer
- Jay Collins Extradites Harjinder Singh to Florida
- Multiple CDL violations uncovered in Florida truck crash
- One state wants law on lack of English proficiency in truck drivers
- Report: Illegal-alien Truck Driver Who Killed Three Couldn’t Read English, yet Rec’d Two CDLs
- Truck driver in fatal Florida Turnpike crash was arrested by U.S. Marshals in California
- Truck driver in illegal U-turn crash in Florida charged with vehicular homicide, ICE detainer issued
- USDOT says driver in Florida Turnpike crash failed English Language Proficiency assessment, other FMCSA findings released
Non-domiciled CDLs
- OOIDA calls for action regarding non-domiciled CDLs
- OOIDA calls on DOT to freeze states’ issuance of non-domiciled CDL’s
- OOIDA calls on governors to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs
- OOIDA seeks suspension of U.S. states’ ability to issue non-domiciled CDLs
- OOIDA to DOT: Don’t let states issue non-domiciled CDLs
- Truckers tell USDOT to ‘immediately’ suspend states’ authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs
Qualifications
- A Step-by-Step Guide to DOT Driver Qualification Files
- Drivers without a valid CDL removed from service during commercial vehicle enforcement operation in Colorado
2. Regarding inspections and weather:
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- 10 toughest states for truck brake inspections, as blitz arrives
- Are you ready for Brake Safety Week? Prep with these tips from Bendix
- Arizona troopers find 138 commercial vehicle violations during US-60 operation
- Bendix offers tips on how to have a successful Brake Safety Week
- Brake Safety Week begins Sunday. Are your trucks and drivers prepared?
- Checklist for CVSA Brake Safety Week
- CVSA shares 8 brake drum and rotor tips to help truckers through Brake Safety Week 2025
- Halton Region blitzes park 44% of inspected trucks
- Nationwide commercial vehicle brake blitz starts THIS WEEKEND
- Roadside commercial vehicle inspection on I-57 uncovers 15 kilos of cocaine, Illinois troopers say
- Tennessee partnering with other agencies for Highway 22 enforcement saturation
- Truckers prepare for annual Brake Safety Week
Weather
Be on your guard whenever and wherever weather turns nasty.
If you need to wait for conditions to improve or take a different route, then please bear in mind that you are the “captain of your ship” (truck) and only you can determine if conditions are safe enough in which to drive.
- Category 4 Hurricane Erin buffets northern Caribbean islands but not forecast to hit land
- Hurricane Erin could hammer East Coast
- Hurricane Erin forces evacuations on North Carolina’s Outer Banks but expected to stay offshore
- Hurricane Erin picking up steam as it edges along the East Coast
- Hurricane Erin strengthens into a Category 2 storm as it approaches the northeast Caribbean
- NC town takes steps to ensure rebuilding after Helene does not include truck parking
- Strong winds and waves batter Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard as Hurricane Erin moves out to the sea
- Stronger and bigger Hurricane Erin forecast to create dangerous surf along US coast
3. Regarding economy, employment, freight charges, tariffs, and trade:
Economy
- ACT Research: July Class 8 orders down
- ACT Research: Preliminary net trailer orders down in July
- ACT Research: US trailer orders down in July
- Are We in the Great Trucking Recession? A Look at the Numbers, the Pain, and What Comes Next
- ATA Truck Tonnage Index rises 0.6% in July
- Borderlands Mexico: US trade with Mexico tops $73B in June
- FTR: U.S. trailer net orders fall sharply in July
- FTR: Van rates rise the most since mid-year
- FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index hits record low in June
- Homebuilder Confidence Hits 2022 Low in August
- July Class 8 Truck Sales Return to Year-Over-Year Losses
- Medium-Duty Truck Sales Drop 17% in July
- State of Freight for August: Market outlook remains murky
- Truck Freight Tonnage Inches Up 0.6% in July
- Trucking Industry Q2 2025 Earnings Report
- US Manufacturing Expands at Fastest Pace Since 2022
- US Trailer Orders Rise for Third Straight Month
- US truck freight market grows in Q2 2025 despite uncertainty
Employment
- Mass layoffs hit freight-related firms, over 3,000 jobs cut
- US applications for jobless benefits rise last week, but layoffs remain historically low
Freight charges
The first article in this section says:
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s Digital LTL Council has launched the Preliminary Freight Charges API Standard, which will give carriers, shippers, and 3PLs visibility into freight charges before invoices are issued.
Tariffs
- As US imposes tariffs, Foxconn counters with regional realignment
- Canada to Drop Many Retaliatory Tariffs to Appease Trump
- China and India Look Past Tensions as US Tariffs Bite
- EU, US Lay Out Next Tariff Steps With Focus on Cars, Steel
- European postal operators suspend parcel service to US
- Freight shipments drop in July as tariffs hit demand
- Inflation Fears Still Dominate Fed Debate Over Tariff Impact
- Lawmakers take on China with new tariff bill
- Mail Services Globally Pause US Deliveries Over Tariffs
- Nations Grow Restless Waiting for Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks
- Retailers Brace for Tariff-Driven Price Hikes Ahead
- Trump expands 50% tariff on steel and aluminum to 400 additional product types
- Trump Stuns Logistics Industry With Wider Tariffs on Metal
- Trump Tariffs Spur Manufacturing Boom in Puerto Rico
- Trump, Carney Hold First Call Since Tariff Escalation
- US Copper Firms Hike Prices Even After Trump Tariff Reprieve
- Warehouse data reveals how shippers managed inventory through tariffs
Trade
- Canada Deepens European Ties as US Trade Rift Grows
- Trump Raises Stakes Over Copper Project With CEOs
- Trump trade war on the trans-Pacific hits Zim Q2 profits
- US-EU trade deal: new framework agreement boosts transatlantic economic ties
4. Regarding bridges, crashes, drugs, fatalities, fire, fraud, hit and run, road rage, and theft:
Bridges
The first article in this section says:
Drivers can expect a 38 mile detour outside of Tacoma after a semi truck struck a bridge, forcing officials to shut it down. …
According to Fox 13, the semi truck struck several support beams on the White River Bridge and came to a stop blocking SR 410 in both directions.
If this was an oversized truck, did the trucker have the necessary permit, routing, and even a pilot vehicle?
- Semi truck bridge strike creates 38 mile detour east of Tacoma
- Tractor-trailer hits Washington bridge, creates 38-mile detour
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.
- 3 injured, truck driver cited in Wyoming crash
- After a Truck Crash: The Critical Role of Evidence Preservation
- After the Crash: The Records That Can Make or Break a Trucking Company’s Defense
- Box truck, semi collision shuts down Tennessee road
- Duffy announces crash investigation; calls trucking ‘lawless frontier’
- ‘Mass casualties’ confirmed in New York State Thruway crash involving tour bus
- Motorist freed himself from impalement after crashing into back of semi truck
- NHTSA Investigates Tesla Over Delayed Crash Reporting
- Protecting Your Fleet After a Truck Crash: Have a Plan in Place
- Train hits trailer stuck on Texas tracks
- Truck driver clips car in the passing lane
- Truck driver sparks power outage, rips down power line
- Wrecks, Detours, and Traffic Jams: Risky Roads for Truckers to Avoid
Drugs
Never ever haul or take illegal drugs.
- Trucker arrested when 238 pounds of cocaine was found in his load
- Truckers accused in cocaine smuggling ring
- Trucking Cares Foundation commemorates National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day
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?
- Colorado DOT reports 21 unbuckled fatalities during July enforcement period
- Hit and run driver that killed trucker identified as former police lieutenant
- Hit-and-run suspect in Atlanta identified, warrant issued
- North Carolina authorities stepping up patrols after deadly crash in Charlotte
- One Oklahoma Turnpike worker killed, another critically injured, after being hit by semi truck
- Work crew member killed, another critically injured after semi drifts from roadway
Fire
It seems to me that there are a lot more truck fires than there used to be and I wonder if that is because more electric trucks with lithium batteries are in use.
In the case of the first article in this section, I saw the video and it appeared as though the trailer was on fire.
Was that a brake fire?
- 40,000 pounds of ribeye steak “total loss” after semi truck fire
- 5 Freeway shut down in LA after semi truck hauling Teslas catches fire
- Missouri big rig fire burns 40,000 pounds of ribeyes
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.
- Former Massachusetts State Trooper sentenced for conspiracy to falsify CDL test scores
- Highway secures investment for carrier fraud platform
Hit and run
Running after a vehicle crash is a cowardly thing to do.
- FHP searching for semi truck that fled after entering highway in front of Jeep
- Pickup driver who struck trucker on I-75 shoulder and fled was police officer of 14 years
- Police looking at possible semi truck in Georgia hit and run
Road rage
Seek to avoid road rage incidents.
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.
- Iowa man sentenced to prison for using trucking company credit card to buy $140K in Pokemon cards, gaming items, gift cards
- Thieves target meat load, equipment in Ontario
- Yard security upgrades key as thieves grab trucks, trailers and freight
5. Regarding brokers, business, cold chain, and recalls:
Brokers
- Broker transparency — why does it matter to truckers?
- Why You Should Be Scoring Every Broker You Work With
Business
- Are You Even Ready to Grow — Lessons Every Owner-Operator Needs Before Adding a Truck
- Building a Backup Load Plan in Case of Cancellation
- Building a Reputation That Attracts Direct Freight
- Diversity in the Commercial Trucking Industry
- Heavy, oversize hauling’s high costs can yield high profits if done right
- The Link Between Hyper-Competition and Freight Fraud
- Trucking Company Profit and Loss (P&L)
- Walking the Fine Line on Truck Owner-Operator Classification
- Walking the Fine Line on Truck Owner-Operator Classification
- Why Some Owner-Ops Plateau and How to Break Through
Cold chain
Recalls
If your tractor or trailer is under a recall, please have the work attended to as soon as possible.
- Nearly 2,500 Volvo trucks recalled for oversteer guidance issue that could result in loss of control
6. Regarding automation, technology, and tires:
Automation
Although a bit related, automation here is different from autonomous driving.
- Beyond visibility: project44’s journey to intelligent automation
- Outpost brings AI-pwered gate automation system to market
- PCS Unveils Cortex AI Engine to Automate Freight Operations
Technology
- How to Get the Most Out of Free Tools Like Google Sheets in Trucking
- How to Use Data to Make Smarter Growth Decisions
- Tech Roundup: Organizations plan to double down on AI Investment
- Technology at the Wheel: A 7-Step Playbook for Winning Fleets
- Trucker reviewing dashcam footage calls police after realizing the deer he hit was actually a man
Tires
7. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions, EPA, fuel, and oil:
Autonomous vehicles
I most adamantly oppose the operation of self-driving, autonomous, or driverless 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.
- Automated driving comment period open
- Honda Taps US Startup in Self-Driving Software Deal
- Kodiak Robotics enhances autonomous truck safety with NXP tech
- Kodiak selects NXP chip technologies for autonomous trucks
- What is Congress doing to make sure autonomous vehicles are safe?
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence by asking some questions and getting answers.
- Electric vehicle network charging ahead
- Ford Seeks to Sell Excess Battery Supply in Weak EV Market
- Greenlane Announces Second Commercial Freight Charging Corridor
- Republicans Seek to End USPS Commitment to EV Fleet
Emissions
This issue falls right in the crosshairs of the “federal government versus states rights” argument.
- California releases new plan to expand use of zero-emission-vehicles despite federal pushbacks & lawsuits
- California Under Fire Over Clean Truck Partnership
- CARB Crafts New Auto Pollution Rules After Trump Attacks
- Clean Truck Partnership collapses under federal antitrust threat
- Endangerment finding rollback could put trucking ‘back on track’
- Justice Department joins lawsuits against CARB
- Late entrant into California’s Clean Truck Partnership battles: a pair of federal court actions
- Truck makers trying to get out of emission pact with California
- Trump’s DOJ Enters Lawsuits Targeting CARB Truck Standards
- Trump’s DOJ files motions to intervene in lawsuits against CARB
- US Sues California to Block Tough Emissions Standards for Trucks
EPA
- EPA Acts to Curb Sudden DEF-Related Diesel Engine Derates
- EPA Nears Key Decision on Biofuel Waivers for Oil Refiners
- Trump EPA Waives Refiners From Biofuel-Blending Mandate
Fuel
Oil
8. Regarding containers and ports:
Containers
- Key LA-Long Beach truck, rail metrics unfazed by record container surge
- Trans-Pacific container rates fall to pre-Red Sea crisis levels
Ports
- Port of Baltimore Reopens After Explosion Halts Traffic
- Port of New Orleans reports 2% container growth in first half of 2025
9. Regarding HOV, maintenance, operations, and parking:
HOV
Maintenance
- Maintenance tips: How to prevent wear and tear on your truck’s engine
- That One Injector That Could Be Draining Your Wallet — What Every Small Carrier Needs to Know About the 7th Injector
Operations
- Michigan House panel votes on revised left lane truck rule
- Michigan lawmakers advance bill banning big rigs from the left lane
- Ohio troopers share dash cam video of pickup’s dangerous off-road school bus pass
- Staying on the Straight and Narrow: Why trucks jackknife and how to avoid making the 6 o’clock news
- Tips For Hauling Oversized Loads
Parking
- Arizona rolls out AI-based truck parking availability system
- Exclusive: Beyond the myth of the truck parking shortage
- Inside America’s $100+ billion truck parking crisis
- JFK Airport Expands Truck Parking to 150 Spaces
- Lack of Truck Parking Costs $100B a Year, Report Finds
- Lack of Truck Parking Costs $100B a Year, Report Finds
- Michigan offers $1M grant to convert defunct mom & pop truck stop into used car dealership
- Study: Truck parking shortage costs trucking $100B annually
- Truck Parking Club Says There’s No Parking Shortage — Drivers May Say Otherwise
- Truck parking shortage costs trucking $100B annually: Study
10. Regarding legal, medical certificate, politics, and Wyoming:
Legal
- ‘Thermonuclear’ Verdicts on the Rise, Report Finds
- U.S. Postal Service penalized $33K for hazmat deficiencies in Seattle
Medical certificate
- Briefly:FMCSA extends use of paper medical examiner’s certificate
- Feds extend medical certification waiver
- FMCSA allows more time for drivers to use paper med certs
- FMCSA expands waiver to allow truckers to use paper medical certificates for 60 days
- FMCSA Extends Waiver on Electronic Medical Certifications
- FMCSA Modifies Waiver for Paper Medical Certificates
Politics
- States act to address lane splitting, lane filtering
- Towing reforms adopted in one Midwestern state
- Truckers still have time to shape the next highway bill
Wyoming
11. Regarding safety, scales, and weight:
Safety
Scales
- A New Truck Scales Project Could Modernize Freight Movement — If the Right Tech Follows
- Caltrans breaks ground on new scale facility on I-80 capable of inspecting 1,000 trucks per hour
Weight
- Colorado DOT announces commercial vehicle weight load restrictions on ‘historic’ US 24 bridge due to thinning steel
- Retailers, trucking clash over vehicle weight limits
12. Regarding awards, awards – recognition, and driver appreciation:
Awards
I applaud all professional truck drivers who compete in truck driving championships!
Congratulations to all winners and Driver of the Year finalists!
- Langenhahn, Reed Among Cadre of Returning NTDC Champions
- National Truck Driving Championships starts; winners announced Saturday
- NCI announces more Driver of the Year finalists
Awards – recognition
I recognize those who helped truckers — and truckers who helped others — who needed help in a time of need.
- First responders honored for work in South Carolina crash that involved 6 big rigs
- Goodyear hands out annual honor
- Goodyear Highway Hero Award goes to J.B. Hunt driver Adam Medley
- Hero trucker named TCA Highway Angel for foiling abduction
- J.B. Hunt driver from Wisconsin named Goodyear’s Highway Hero
- Medley named Goodyear Highway Hero for helping man off the road
- TCA names retired rancher now a driver for Melton a Highway Angel
Driver appreciation
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is scheduled to take place September 14-20, 2025.
Be on the lookout for freebies and discounts.
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: 2025.08.23 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
