News

A 30-day comment period commenced on April 7, 2025, and will conclude on May 7, 2025, for the purpose of receiving public comments on the specially adopted new rules that establish standards and procedures for the administration and enforcement of a program regarding toll violations for unpaid electronic (E-Z Pass) tolls, fees, and penalties.

The new rules establish a 180-day Amnesty Program in advance of the commencement of a permanent enforcement program that will provide for the suspension of motor vehicle registrations for unpaid tolls, fees, and penalties owed to certain designated New Jersey, interstate, and out-of-State tolling entities.

The full text of the anticipated specially adopted new rules is posted on NJDOT’s Rules Proposals.

 

Washington, DC – The American Transportation Research Institute today released research that highlights insights and strategies for expanding truck parking at public rest areas. The research was a collaborative effort between ATRI and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), representing the 50 state Departments of Transportation, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. 

The lack of available truck parking is a perennial industry issue and one that is receiving increased attention at the state and federal levels. It is estimated that there is just one truck parking space nationally for every 11 truck drivers. 

The research included a joint ATRI / AASHTO survey of the 50 state DOTs to understand the costs and components of state provision of public truck parking spaces. In addition to creating an inventory of truck parking spaces, the research collected data on issues and costs associated with land acquisition, parking space construction, maintenance budgets and amenities offered to truck drivers. Nationally, the average rest area has 19 truck parking spaces, with states in the South having an average of 25 truck parking spaces per rest area while states in the Northeast have an average of 15 per rest area.

The research also features select case studies on truck parking topics of interest, and which states are going above and beyond in their provision of truck parking, with accompanying feedback on those efforts from a truck driver survey of over 500 drivers. Case study topics include truck parking information systems, repurposing state-owned facilities for truck parking, and truck parking provision in the event of severe weather conditions. 

ATRI used findings from the state DOT survey to generate a public truck parking dashboard that features each state’s public truck parking capacity and breadth of amenities and safety features at rest areas. The metrics evaluated in the dashboard consider differences in state size, road mileage and proximity to major freight routes. Parking data from the 47 participating state DOTS are available through an online dashboard on ATRI’s website.

“ATRI’s research underscores the importance of public sector truck parking and provides multiple tools for states to evaluate their progress in meeting this critical industry need,” said Alix Miller, Florida Trucking Association President and CEO. “We applaud FDOT for their commitment to expanding truck parking capacity and our association is committed to continued collaboration to improve freight safety and mobility in the state of Florida.”

"State DOTs strive to deliver the most safe, effective, and efficient transportation network possible; as a result, they continue to pursue a wide range of investments that enhance the nation's multimodal freight system," said Shayne Gill, program director for multimodal transportation for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "Addressing truck parking needs across the country is one of those investments crucial to ensuring we maximize the benefits our highway system provides. American quality of life and economic mobility depend in large part on the quality and vibrancy of our transportation infrastructure to connect people as well as goods to their destinations safely. And adequate truck parking is key to ensuring we achieve those goals."

A copy of the full report and state truck parking assessment dashboard is available on ATRI's website here.

Washington – Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded Congressmen Mike Collins (R-Georgia) and Brandon Gill (R-Texas) for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act.
 
The bill would make it a federal crime to engineer a crash with a commercial motor vehicle.  This hazardous and increasingly pervasive phenomenon is being used by criminals to manipulate the legal system and extort seven-figure settlements from trucking companies.  
 
“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.  These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and contributing to soaring insurance premiums,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom.  “ATA commends Congressmen Mike Collins and Brandon Gill for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would close legal loopholes that criminals are exploiting to attack America’s hardworking truckers.  By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties that apply to all of the conspirators involved in staged collisions, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.”
 
A wide range of schemes in recent years have targeted trucking companies, and these sophisticated fraudsters often have ties to organized crime.  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.  

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would provide a strong, necessary deterrent to prevent these dangerous and costly schemes from taking root, while offering critical protections to the motor carriers and drivers who tirelessly power our nation’s economy and supply chain.
 
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. 

Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded congressional leaders for introducing legislation to repeal the antiquated federal excise tax on the purchase of new trucks and trailers.

“First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking.  Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs.  Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”

The FET began in 1917 to help finance World War I.  Today, it is the highest percentage federal excise tax – at 12 percent – levied on any product, amounting to a $6 billion annual burden on the trucking industry.  In many cases, this exorbitant additional expense simply puts new trucks out of reach, and small businesses with less access to capital are disproportionately harmed.  96% of U.S. trucking companies are small businesses operating 10 trucks or fewer.  Keeping this tax on the books decreases orders for trucks and trailers, consequently reducing manufacturing jobs.  It also delays the deployment of new trucks and trailers, which have greater environmental and safety benefits compared to older models still on the road. 

The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025 was introduced in the House by a bipartisan coalition of Congressmen led by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-California), Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire), Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), Salud Carbajal (D-California), and Max Miller (R-Ohio).  

On March 19, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released two technical assistance documents focused on educating the public about unlawful discrimination related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) in the workplace. 

DEI is a broad term that is not defined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race and sex. Under Title VII, DEI initiatives, policies, programs, or practices may be unlawful if they involve an employer or other covered entity taking an employment action motivated—in whole or in part—by an employee’s or applicant’s race, sex, or another protected characteristic.

In the past five years, DEI policies, programs, and practices have become increasingly prevalent in many of our nation’s largest and most prominent businesses, universities, and cultural institutions. The widespread adoption of DEI, however, does not change longstanding legal prohibitions against the use of race, sex, and other protected characteristics in employment.

To help educate the public about how well-established civil rights rules apply to employment policies, programs, and practices—including those labeled or framed as “DEI”—the EEOC and the DOJ today released a joint one-page technical assistance document, “What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work.” The EEOC also released a longer question-and-answer technical assistance document, “What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work.” Both documents are based on Title VII, existing EEOC policy guidance and technical assistance documents and Supreme Court precedent.

“Far too many employers defend certain types of race or sex preferences as good, provided they are motivated by business interests in ‘diversity, equity, or inclusion.’ But no matter an employer’s motive, there is no ‘good,’ or even acceptable, race or sex discrimination,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas. “In the words of Justice Clarence Thomas in his concurrence in Students for Fair Admissions, ‘two discriminatory wrongs cannot make a right.’”

Lucas emphasized, “While the public may be confused about what rules apply to DEI, the law itself is clear. And there are some serious implications for some very popular types of DEI programs. These technical assistance documents will help employees know their rights and help employers take action to avoid unlawful DEI-related discrimination.”

“The Department of Justice is committed to ending illegal DEI initiatives, policies, and programs,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The technical assistance document provides clear information for employees on how to act should they experience unlawful discrimination based on DEI practices.”

The EEOC investigates and litigates against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; the EEOC is responsible for investigating charges against state and local government employers before referring them to DOJ for potential litigation. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.

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

READ ALERT

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.