News

Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded President Trump’s nomination of Derek Barrs to serve as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
 
“With nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement and the commercial motor vehicle industry, Derek Barrs’ career has been defined by his emphasis on making our roads safer for all motorists,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear.  “Derek’s extensive public service at the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol make him exceptionally well qualified to be FMCSA administrator.  He has a proven track record of strengthening ties between the trucking industry and public safety officers to address top transportation challenges such as drug impairment, cargo theft, and human trafficking.
 
“Derek’s deep knowledge of the trucking industry and his collaborative approach will make him an invaluable asset to USDOT.  Under his leadership, the trucking industry is confident that FMCSA will make significant progress towards achieving our shared priorities of improving highway safety and efficiently delivering the nation’s freight.  ATA welcomes Derek’s nomination to this important role, and we urge Senators to swiftly approve his nomination.”
 
Barrs has served in various law enforcement capacities for the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol.  Most recently, he has been a consultant on traffic-related and commercial motor vehicle safety projects across numerous states.  He also joined ATA’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board in 2021, and he has been an active member of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in multiple roles, including serving as the President of the Associate Members, where he represented motor carriers and suppliers to the industry.
 
In January, ATA, the Truckload Carriers Association, and the National Tank Truck Carriers sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to express full support for Barrs.

Over the next few days, the Connecticut State Police, Delaware State Police, New York State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and New Jersey State Police are joining forces for Operation Blarney Stone—a multi-state traffic enforcement initiative focused on making our roads safer.

Troopers will be targeting aggressive driving, DUI, distracted driving (including cell phone use), and other dangerous behaviors to help prevent crashes and keep everyone safe.

If you’re hitting the road, remember: Drive sober, stay focused, and obey the rules of the road. Let’s all do our part to make travel safer for everyone!

On March 11, CVSA resubmitted its petition to FMCSA to amend § 393.86, Rear impact guards and rear end protection, by removing § 393.86(a)(6), Certification and labeling requirements for rear impact protection guards, from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

I-80 westbound remains closed and detoured at Exit 34B until further notice following a new sinkhole that formed in the median on Wednesday, 03-19-25, in Wharton, Morris County. 

Shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, an approximately 15-foot by 15-foot hole opened in the median in the I-80 eastbound work zone. Out of an abundance of caution, NJDOT closed and detoured all lanes on I-80 westbound at Exit 34B/Route 15 northbound. NJDOT has created the following webpage to keep the public informed about progress of repairs: https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/roads/i80/ .

Traffic Mitigation

Due the significant impact of the closures, GPS and other map services may reroute traffic onto local roads that are not designed to handle commercial vehicles or increased traffic volume. This is particularly important for trucks as there are low bridges and weight restrictions on many roads in the area. 

Please remain on the designated detours or alternate routes. Follow all posted signs and regulations, and if you are approaching an intersection, please “Don’t block the box.” 

In addition, NJDOT is using technology to send messages to commercial truckers to provide information about the closure, detour, and alternate routes. The Department is also using digital messaging signs and working with our regional transportation partners to share information so drivers can make informed decisions about potential alternate routes to take

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New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the launch of the agency’s Overnight Truck Parking Pilot, which introduces a new metered parking option in select industrial business zones (IBZ) for commercial vehicles, including large tractor trailers, in an effort to improve parking compliance and minimize overnight truck parking in residential areas. The pilot will run for one year encouraging businesses to ensure compliance with parking regulations while providing drivers with safe and convenient parking options during legally-mandated rest periods.

"As the nation's largest city and a global hub for commerce, New York City depends on the movement of goods to drive our economy forward, but we must also protect neighborhood livability and street safety," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "This Overnight Truck Parking Pilot is a win-win that will add 45 spaces for tractor trailers to communities long burdened by unregulated truck parking — supporting our vital trucking industry, reducing illegal overnight parking in our residential communities, and providing truck drivers with the rest they need in a safe and regulated environment. We will continue to build a city where safety, commerce, and quality of life can all thrive together."

"We understand the importance of truck deliveries in New York City and our goals is to make them as safe, seamless, and environmentally-friendly as possible," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Too often, residential areas and working-class communities bear the burden of illegal overnight truck parking. This pilot will address this inequity by offering legal spaces for truck drivers to park in select industrial business zones."

The three IBZs selected for the pilot cover areas in three outer boroughs that have been plagued by illegal overnight parking. The pilot will cover corridors within the following IBZs.

• Flatlands/Fairfield IBZ in Brooklyn (Flatlands Avenue from Erskine Street to Fountain Avenue).
• Hunts Point IBZ in The Bronx (Ryawa Avenue from Manida Street to Halleck Street).
• Maspeth IBZ in Queens (56th Road from 43rd Street to 49th Street).

Truck operators will be able to use the ParkNYC app to pay for parking, which will be available 24 hours a day in eight-hour increments at $10 for each 8-hour session Monday through Saturday (there is no payment for parking citywide on Sundays). To facilitate seamless parking payments, businesses are encouraged to sign up for a Park NYC Business Account, which will allow for all employee parking transactions to be managed centrally by the business. This account allows companies to manage all employee parking transactions through a single Park NYC wallet, simplifying the payment process for fleet operations. Businesses can ensure compliance with parking regulations while providing drivers with safe and convenient parking options during their mandated rest periods. Truck operators may park for consecutive eight-hour periods, if they choose.

This pilot launch is the latest step in NYC DOT's freight management efforts to address challenges presented by the increased ordering of goods online and subsequent truck deliveries, which account for nearly 90% of goods. To date, these efforts include:

Loading Zones: Usingits web platform and public feedback, NYC DOT continues to build upon its success in installing loading zones, with over 3,000 loading zones since December 2021 and 500 new ones added last year to combat double parking and blocked bike/bus lanes.

Blue Highways: This initiative encompasses NYC DOT's efforts with New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to promote the use of NYC's waterways to complement roadways, to transport goods in and around the city. By adding marine facilities to the freight effort, the city can reduce its overreliance on trucks, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Microhubs: NYC DOT proposed rules last month allowing for a three-year microhubs pilot program to offer safe, dedicated spaces for truck operators to transfer deliveries onto safer and more sustainable modes of transportation for the last leg of delivery, including e-cargo bikes, handcarts, and smaller electric sprinter vans. The rules allow for dedicated on-street spaces for delivery vehicles to transfer goods to safer and more sustainable delivery modes. On-street microhub zones will be about 80-100 feet in length and NYC DOT expects to launch 20 microhubs over the next year.

Off-Hour Deliveries: NYC DOT's Off-Hour Deliveries (OHD) program encourages goods delivery during the off-peak hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in efforts to decrease congestion, double parking, and truck emissions. NYC DOT recently launched its OHD incentives program, offering one-time monetary reimbursements to help businesses make the switch to off-peak deliveries. For more information visit nyc.gov/ohd.

Commercial Cargo Bikes: Another initiative to address last-mile deliveries in NYC is NYC DOT's Commercial Cargo Bicycle Program, which encourages companies to use cargo bicycles to make local deliveries by allowing participants to load and unload in commercial vehicle loading zones and at designated cargo bicycle corrals.

LockerNYC: NYC DOT launched the LockerNYC year-long pilot program last April to give New Yorkers a safe and secure option for package deliveries and returns to cut down on package thefts and reduce the number of delivery truck trips.

Automatic Camera Enforcement: The city is also enhancing double parking enforcement through its Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program. In partnership with the MTA, over 1,000 buses across dozens of routes are equipped with cameras that automatically capture double parking violations and bus lane obstructions. Once captured by the cameras, video, images, license plate, location and time stamp information are then transmitted to NYC DOT for review and processing.

Each year, CVSA asks its member jurisdictions to capture and report data on two focus areas – one is related to driver compliance and the other pertains to critically important vehicle violations.

This year’s International Roadcheck will focus on tires and false records of duty status.

To help drivers and motor carriers prepare for this year’s International Roadcheck, CVSA created an informational flyer on this year’s focus areas.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s record-high budget plan includes $1.2 billion in new sales taxes and fees, and even with some tax cuts thrown in, the proposal has drawn the ire of Republicans, business lobbying groups and even fellow Democrats in the Legislature.

The Democratic governor outlined a $58.1 billion budget on Tuesday that tries to pull off a tough balancing act: It includes money for the popular ANCHOR property tax relief program, full funding for school districts and additional aid for the struggling New Jersey Transit system. His proposal also foresees a $1.2 billion deficit.

New fees on the most expensive home sales, online gambling and other activities seek to bridge the gap, but they're already running into opposition. In a statement Tuesday, state Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, said “revenue raisers” should only be used “as a last resort.”

Proposed hike in budget

• Warehouse truck traffic: Murphy proposed a $2 “truck traffic excise fee” on warehouses throughout the state, based on the number of truck trips, which would bring in $20 million. According to budget documents, this fee is meant to “mitigate the impact of new warehouse development on traffic and road quality.” Murphy proposed a $1 fee in 2024, but it was never approved. 

READ MORE from NorthJersey.com

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13-15. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and mobile patrols to verify regulatory compliance. Data from the 72 hours of International Roadcheck will be collected and the results will be released this summer.

Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a driver violation category and a vehicle violation category. During International Roadcheck, inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. While all 37 steps will be completed, as usual, inspectors will also pay close attention to the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) and the vehicle’s tires.

Driver Focus Area

Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations are in place to safeguard transportation safety by limiting driving hours and mandating adequate rest breaks to ensure commercial motor vehicle drivers have the opportunity to get the rest they need, thereby preventing crashes and incidents caused by fatigue.

To ensure compliance with HOS regulations, drivers must accurately reflect their times and duty statuses in their RODS, which is a log that a commercial motor vehicle driver must maintain to record their driving activity. Failure to record, complete or retain the log, or knowingly falsifying logs or other related reports, is not only a driver out-of-service violation, it also makes the driver and/or carrier liable to prosecution.

During the driver portion of an inspection, inspectors check the driver’s documents, license or commercial driver’s license, medical examiner’s certificate and skill performance certificate (if applicable), record of duty status, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (in the U.S.), seat belt usage, and alcohol and/or drug impairment. If an inspector identifies driver out-of-service violations, they place the driver out of service, restricting that driver from operating their vehicle.

Vehicle Focus Area

The importance of proper tire maintenance cannot be overstated. Tire failure while in transit is a hazard to all motorists. It is also far more expensive and time consuming for motor carriers to repair an in-transit tire failure versus proactively maintaining tire health and addressing tire issues before the vehicle is on the road.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will check tires’ tread depth and proper inflation. They will also be on the lookout for tire damage, such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and improper repairs.

During the vehicle portion of the Level I Inspection, inspectors ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers are compliant with applicable regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include the examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.

A vehicle that successfully passes a Level I or V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months.

If out-of-service violations are found during an inspection, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle is restricted from operating until all out-of-service violations have been properly addressed.

As part of International Roadcheck, inspectors may also be available to answer questions about tire health and violations, and to help drivers navigate the HOS regulations in their jurisdictions.

In case of inclement weather or other limiting circumstances during the three days of International Roadcheck, a jurisdiction or an inspector may opt to conduct a limited Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection or Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection, instead of a Level I Inspection. Level II and III Inspections are not eligible for a CVSA decal.

CVSA is a nonprofit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The Alliance aims to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities and believes that collaboration between government and industry improves road safety and saves lives. Its mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement by providing guidance, education and advocacy for enforcement and industry across North America.

There’s labor peace at Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast ports — for another six years.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to ratify the new master contract with port employers represented by the United States Maritime Alliance.

The union in a release said nearly 99% of rank-and-file members voted to approve the pact covering 24,000 workers in container handling at 14 ports from Boston to Texas.

The extension to the master contract is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2024, and runs through Sept. 30, 2030.

The approval vote gives ILA members a 62% pay raise over the six years of the contract, accelerated raises and improved benefits. The pact allows terminal operators and ocean carriers to introduce limited automation equipment in container handling linked to guarantees that protect union jobs.

ILA President Harold Daggett, who the union said had been the target of death threats during the strike, earlier called the contract historic, and worth as much as $35 billion in total.

The ILA and USMX will formally sign the contract on March 11. 

Members of USMX unanimously approved the contract in January.

READ MORE FROM FREIGHTWAVES

BUTLER, PA, February 2025 – Hunter Truck is honored to have been recognized by Peterbilt Motors with several prestigious awards for 2024. These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our team, whose efforts continue to uphold the high standards we strive for year after year.

Looking Forward: Iconic Photo of Homer Hunter positioned behind Hunter Truck’s 2024 Peterbilt Awards

These awards are given to Peterbilt Dealer Groups that exceed expectations and go above and beyond for customers all year long. Hunter Truck has been awarded as a 2024 Best-in-Class Dealer Group, earned 2 Platinum Oval Awards, achieved 7 Platinum Service Awards, and honored with a 40th Anniversary Award from Peterbilt. Peterbilt announced these achievements in February at the 2025 Peterbilt Dealer Meeting that took place in Tucson, AZ.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Hunter Truck team. We are honored to be acknowledged for our commitment to serving our customers and striving for excellence” said Jeffrey Hunter, President of Hunter Truck. “Every achievement we’ve earned is a direct result of the resilience, talent, and passion of our team members. It’s truly an honor to lead such a committed group of people.”

Hunter Truck’s Ownership and Leadership Team accept the ‘Best-In-Class’ Dealer Group of the Year Award for 2024

The Best-in-Class Dealer Group is awarded to Peterbilt Dealers based on a combination of Peterbilt’s Standard of Excellence scores, financial performance, parts and service performance, and utilization of PACCAR training programs. In 2024, Hunter Truck was able to train over 550 team members and host 63 classes, both on-site and virtually, at our Technical Training Facility in Butler, PA.

Hunter Truck also achieved 7 Platinum Service Awards for a selection of our locations. Peterbilt’s Platinum Service Award requires dealerships to achieve several key factors including world-class facilities and driver’s lounges, utilization of PACCAR Solutions Service Management, expanded hours of service, excellent parts availability, certified PACCAR MX engine technicians and lower dwell time for repairs, as well as performing RapidCheck triage.

Hunter Truck dealerships that were honored with this award include:
– Hunter Truck – Buffalo
– Hunter Truck – Butler
– Hunter Truck – Clarksburg
– Hunter Truck – Clearfield
– Hunter Truck – Lancaster
– Hunter Truck – Pennsville
– Hunter Truck – Wheeling

Seven Hunter Truck dealerships achieved Platinum Service Center Certification in 2024

“I want to extend my congratulations to our locations that earned Platinum Service Center status in 2024. Achieving this recognition is no small feat and requires tremendous effort from the entire service team,” said Jeff Walters, Senior VP of Service at Hunter Truck. “I’m incredibly proud of our teams for their dedication and the continuous improvement they bring to our service departments.”

Along with the Platinum Service Awards, our dealerships in Butler, PA and Lancaster, PA were honored with Platinum Oval Awards. The Platinum Oval is awarded to dealerships that achieved both Platinum Service Center Certification and had the highest scores in the 2024 Peterbilt Standards of Excellence program.

These dealerships represent the best in operational performance, financial achievement, facility presentation and customer satisfaction.

Hunter Truck was also honored to receive a 40th Anniversary Award from Peterbilt, recognizing our four decades of partnership and commitment to Peterbilt Motors.

Hunter Truck’s Ownership and Leadership Team is honored with a 40th Anniversary Award from Peterbilt Motors.

 

These awards are a testament to Hunter Truck’s unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. A heartfelt thank you goes out to every member of the Hunter Truck team—we couldn’t achieve this success without your dedication and hard work. Looking ahead, we remain focused on raising the bar, supporting our customers, and continuing to deliver the exceptional service that has become the foundation of our success.