The move reflects a broader push to recognize what it actually takes to handle heavy equipment, move materials, and operate safely in demanding conditions.

A Stronger Focus on the Work Behind the Wheel

Western Star is putting a spotlight on the connection between equipment and the people running it. The company continues to emphasize that performance on the road or jobsite comes down to both.

“The people and the equipment working together are what make this industry work,” said Alex Martin-Banzer, Western Star brand manager.

That message carries through the entire program, which is built to showcase real-world ability rather than just display equipment.

Star Nation Experience Returns in 2026

The Star Nation Experience will return for its fourth year from June 5 through June 8, 2026, in Bend, Oregon. The event brings together operators, dealers, and others connected to trucking for hands-on challenges and team-based competition.

New for 2026 is a head-to-head operator showdown designed to put skills front and center. Participants will take part in off-road challenges and activities that reflect the type of work many operators handle in the field.

The program will also continue its connection with American Truck Simulator, using the platform to reach a wider audience and introduce more people to trucking.

Who Can Take Part

Participation is open to operators with an active Class A CDL, along with members of the American Truck Simulator community across the United States and Canada who are over the age of 21.

Winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the event.

Two returning participants will step into leadership roles as team captains. Ronald Byrd, based in Texas with experience in the oil industry, and Jarett Dorman from British Columbia with a background in crane operations, will help lead the teams during the competition.

Expanding the Role of Dealers

The 2026 event will also bring dealers further into the experience. Two dealers will be selected to attend and bring a customer with them, highlighting how equipment decisions and ongoing support play out beyond the initial purchase.

That addition is intended to strengthen relationships across different parts of the business while showing how each role connects to day-to-day operations.

Building Interest in Trucking Careers

Beyond competition, the larger goal is to bring more attention to trucking as a long-term career option. By showing the level of skill involved and the range of work operators handle, Western Star is aiming to give a clearer picture of what the job actually looks like.

The Star Nation Experience is designed to connect experienced operators with newer entrants and create more visibility around opportunities in the field.

A Broader Industry Effort

Programs like this reflect a growing effort to highlight the people doing the work, not just the equipment being used. Bringing operators, dealers, and newer audiences into the same space helps reinforce the role each plays in keeping freight and materials moving.

With added competition, expanded participation, and a continued focus on real-world skills, the 2026 Star Nation Experience is set to build on that approach while keeping attention on the individuals who make the industry run.

The post Western Star Expands Star Nation Experience to Spotlight Skill and Bring New Attention to Trucking Careers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the new spaces are already available at 24 locations across the Commonwealth. These sites include Interstate on ramps, weigh stations, and other state-owned properties that can be used quickly without waiting for long-term construction projects. For drivers dealing with packed rest areas and limited hours of service flexibility, the additions offer immediate relief in high traffic corridors.

Why These New Spaces Matter to Drivers

Finding safe and legal parking has become one of the most consistent challenges for professional drivers. Congested freight lanes, tight delivery windows, and hours of service limits often leave drivers searching late in the day with few options. PennDOT says the newly opened locations were selected to address those pressure points while allowing drivers to meet federal rest requirements without risking violations or unsafe parking.

“As a commercial driver’s license holder, I know how critical safe parking options are for the people who keep goods moving to and through Pennsylvania,” said Mike Carroll. “The Shapiro Administration is wasting no time in making good on this commitment to give them more options to meet their federal rest requirements. This is a commonsense approach to enhance safety, and the department is looking at ways to add even more spaces.”

Locations Where New Truck Parking Is Now Available

Before the end of 2025, PennDOT completed truck parking additions at the following locations:

• Interstate 99 on ramps in Bellwood, Blair County
• I-79 northbound and southbound weigh stations in Butler County
• Route 100 northbound weigh station in Chester County
• Four I-79 on ramps in Erie County
• I-81 northbound and southbound weigh stations in Franklin County
• Location off I 70 in Fulton County
• I-380 northbound and southbound weigh stations in Lackawanna County
• Location off Route 315 in Luzerne County
• Route 9404 William Penn Highway Park and Ride in Northampton County
• Location off Route 6 in Pike County
• I-81 northbound and southbound weigh stations in Schuylkill County
• Two locations off U.S. 11 in Snyder County
• I 79 southbound weigh station in Washington County
• I-83 northbound and southbound weigh stations in York County

These locations were chosen because they could be activated quickly and are already positioned along heavily traveled freight routes.

How Drivers Can Find These Parking Spots

To make the new spaces easier to locate, PennDOT added a Public Truck Parking feature to the 511PA system. Drivers can view available parking on www.511PA.com or through the 511PA mobile app. The map shows both existing truck parking and newly designated locations, with updates added as more sites open.

What Comes Next for Pennsylvania Truck Parking

The 339 spaces are only part of PennDOT’s long-term plan. The agency has stated it is continuing to evaluate additional state-owned sites and weigh stations where more parking can be added quickly. These early openings are intended to reduce immediate pressure while larger expansion projects move forward.

For drivers moving freight through Pennsylvania, the added parking means fewer last-minute decisions, less stress at the end of the day, and more opportunities to stay compliant while staying safe.

Source: Truckers News

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“Trucking is more than an industry, it is a family,” said TCF Chairman Greg Owen, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. “Truckers look out for one another, and when one of our family members falls on hard times, we extend our full support.”

For a lot of drivers, that sense of family is real. When you are out on the interstate week after week, knowing someone has your back matters.

St. Christopher’s executive director, Courtney Niemann, shared how much this kind of support means for drivers who are struggling. “The trucking industry is built on community, and the Trucking Cares Foundation continues to show what it means to care for our own,” she said. “Their generosity allows us to offer peace of mind to drivers and families facing medical crises.”

How St. Christopher Helps Drivers

Many drivers have known someone who was forced off the road because of a health issue. When that happens, bills do not slow down. That is where the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund steps in.

The fund provides short-term financial aid to Class A over-the-road drivers when they are unable to work. Over the past 15 years, St. Christopher has helped more than 4,100 drivers and covered over $5.3 million in essential household expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, vehicle loans, and insurance.

The organization also offers free health and wellness programs designed to help drivers stay on the road longer. These include support for diabetes prevention, tobacco cessation, chronic disease management, cancer screenings, and vaccines.

Why This Donation Matters

For any driver who has been sidelined and worried about keeping up with household expenses, support like this is more than a headline. It is really helpful. The $15,000 donation from TCF means more drivers will have a safety net during medical hardships.

Anything that helps truckers move forward financially, physically, or mentally is a win for the entire industry.

Source: Truckers News

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International is recalling certain 2023 through 2026 LT and RH models. The problem centers on the auto neutral function, which may not detect that the parking brake is engaged. If that happens, the transmission may fail to shift into neutral.
This recall affects 11,418 trucks.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the quick-release valve on the rear axle at no cost. Notification letters are scheduled to go out on January 19, 2026. Owners can reach International customer service at 1 800 448 7825. International lists this recall under number 25524. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved are searchable here.

This follows an earlier November 25 recall that also involved LT and RH units.

Mack Trucks

Mack is recalling certain 2025 and 2026 Pioneer models due to load lock clamps on the back of the cab that can loosen and cause the load lock bars to become unsecured.
This recall affects 46 trucks.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the load lock clamps at no cost. Notification letters are planned for January 15, 2026. Owners can reach Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177. Mack lists this recall under number SC0489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved are searchable here.

Mack is also recalling 2026 Anthem units and 2025 through 2026 Pioneer vehicles for an issue with the automatic high beam system. The AHB may fail to switch to low beams as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.
This recall impacts 247 units.

Remedy
As an interim fix, Mack will push a software update over the air to disable the AHB. The final repair is still being developed. Interim letters are expected January 17, 2026, with additional notices once the full solution is ready. Owners may contact the same Mack customer service line. Mack lists this recall under number SC0488. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved are searchable here.

Volvo Trucks

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain 2024 through 2026 VNL models due to the same load lock clamp issue reported in the Mack Pioneer recall. The clamps may loosen and allow the bars to become unsecured.
This recall affects 1,859 vehicles.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the clamps at no cost. Notification letters are planned for January 15, 2026. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo lists this recall under number RVXX2512. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved are searchable here.

Volvo is also recalling certain 2026 VNR and 2024 through 2026 VNL trucks for automatic high beams that may not switch to low beams as required under FMVSS 108.
This recall affects 4,887 trucks.

Remedy
Volvo will roll out an over-the-air update to disable the AHB feature until a permanent repair is available. Interim letters will be mailed on January 17, 2026, with follow-up notices to come. Volvo lists this recall under number RVXX2511. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved are searchable here.

Source: The Trucker

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Each year, TCA highlights professional drivers whose quick thinking, courage, and compassion make a real difference on the road. After reviewing dozens of nominations from across the country, TCA has selected its Top Five finalists. Now it’s your turn to help choose the Top Three drivers to be honored at TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention, February 28 through March 3 in Orlando, Florida.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this program is hearing directly from our members about the incredible things their drivers do when no one is watching,” said Zander Gambill, vice president of membership outreach at TCA. “These finalists embody the courage and compassion that define our industry, and we’re excited to invite the public to help us celebrate them.”

Meet the Top Five Finalists

These drivers’ stories show what it means to step up when it counts:

• Kevin Olsen
• Terry Walde
• Amity Cataldo
• Deshown Moye
• Heather Barkey

TCA encourages drivers, industry colleagues, friends, and family to read these stories, share them, and cast votes for the drivers who best represent the spirit of the Highway Angel program.

Click here to cast your vote and support the drivers making a difference every day.

Source: The Trucker

The post Vote Now for the TCA Highway Angel of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

PACCAR Recall

PACCAR is recalling some 2026 Peterbilt 567 and 589 trucks because the air tanks don’t hold enough air for the brakes. That means these trucks don’t meet the federal safety standard for air brakes. Only 62 trucks are affected, but if you drive one of them, it’s important to get it fixed.

Dealers will replace the tanks with the right ones at no cost. Letters to owners are expected to go out on January 16, 2026. You can also call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. The PACCAR recall number is 25PACH.

International Recall

International is recalling certain 2023-2026 LT trucks and 2024-2025 RH trucks. The problem is with the Hill Start Assist system. If the exhaust port gets clogged, it could delay or stop the service brakes from releasing, which is dangerous.

This recall covers 1,303 trucks. Dealers will relocate the HSA valve exhaust free of charge. Letters were mailed on January 12, 2026. For questions, call International at 1-800-448-7825. The recall number is 25522.

What This Means for Drivers

If you drive one of these trucks, check your VIN and set up a repair appointment as soon as possible. Both PACCAR and International are handling the repairs at no cost, but waiting could put you and your load at risk. Staying on top of recalls keeps you safe on the road and helps make sure your deliveries stay on schedule.

Source: The Trucker

The post PACCAR and International Recall Over 1,300 Trucks; Drivers Should Take Note appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Road Team has been around since 1996, and its mission has always stayed the same. Members teach students and the public about safe driving and how to share the road with commercial vehicles. Over the years, more than 150,000 students across Florida have learned from Road Team presentations.

Drivers cannot simply sign up. Member companies nominate candidates, and only drivers with strong experience, solid work history, and clean records are considered. To qualify, each nominee must have at least 10 years behind the wheel with a CDL, at least five years with their current company, and a proven commitment to safety. Communication skills matter too, because Road Team members spend a lot of time talking with students and the public.

President and CEO of FTA, Alix Miller, underscored the importance of the program.
“Our Road Team continues their enormous impact on students across the state with collaborative efforts from planning with schools and government groups to the support from our member companies to make it possible. The employing companies are giving their drivers time and the equipment to take to events, because the image of the industry and safety message delivered is so important.”

Meet the 2025 to 2028 Florida Road Team

Matthew Chidester, Walmart Transportation, Palm Bay
A 30-year driver with Walmart. He serves as a Walmart Certified Driver Trainer and Driver Ambassador. He has a spotless safety record and has spent years coaching youth sports.

Christopher Grandshaw, Walmart Transportation, Brooksville
Twenty-five years on the road and more than 2.3 million miles with Walmart. He is a Lead Certified Driver Trainer and Safety Team Pod Captain. He stays active in community events, including the Brooksville Christmas Parade, Wreaths Across America, and multiple hurricane relief efforts.

Demetrius Dee Hastings, UPS, Jacksonville
On the road since 2000 with two million safe miles in the last seven years at UPS. Dee has a military background and has worked as a Manufacturing Supervisor and Logistics Lead in the U.S. Military. His volunteer work includes United Way, Meals on Wheels, Wreaths Across America, and local youth programs.

Larry Johnson, Walmart Transportation, Alachua
Twenty-five years of professional experience with Walmart and more than 1.7 million miles logged. He works as a Driver Ambassador and Ambassador Mentor and stays involved in youth sports.

Michael Lightfoot, Walmart Transportation, Alachua
Twenty-three years of experience, including five with Walmart. He has 361,000 miles with the company and previous experience at R E D and South Point Distribution. He is a Certified Driver Trainer, Store Ambassador, and Wall of Fame honoree.

Russell Rusty Roberts, Walmart Transportation, MacClenny
Nearly three decades on the road and twenty-five years with Walmart. He serves as a Driver Culture Ambassador, Certified Driver Trainer, and Store Ambassador. Rusty is active in food distribution efforts and hurricane relief operations.

Miguel Sanchez, UPS, Jacksonville
A twenty-four-year professional with 1.5 million safe miles in the last seven years. Miguel won the Twins class at the 2025 National Truck Driving Championships and is the 2025 Grand Champion for Florida’s Truck Driving Championships. He gives back as a volunteer Bible Group Leader and basketball league announcer.

Elizabeth Emmanuel, Vice President of Public Affairs, highlighted why these drivers were selected.
The 2025 to 2028 Florida Road Team Captain joins the ranks of an expert group of professionals trained to educate and participate in community events. Our Captains are selected based on their driving record, community involvement, regulatory expertise, and public speaking skills. They’ve had additional testing and training to ensure their presentations adapt to every age group.”

Drivers continuing on the Road Team include:

• Scott Brown, FedEx, Tampa
  • Michael Cherry, Walmart Transportation, Palm Coast
  • Mihaly Ramirez, FedEx, Orlando
  • Omar Stebbins, XPO Logistics, Pompano Beach
  • Anthony Tirone, Walmart Transportation, Fort Pierce
  • Chevelle Walker, Werner Enterprises, Lake City

This new class brings a broad mix of experience, safety commitment, and community involvement. Florida drivers will be seeing these ambassadors at schools, events, and safety programs statewide over the next three years.

Image Source: Florida Trucking Association

Source: Truckers News

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The TCA Fleet Safety Awards are officially open for entries, inviting carriers of all sizes to show how their teams go above and beyond to maintain exceptional safety records and strong safety cultures.

The TCA Fleet Safety Awards is a program that recognizes fleets with superior safety records and exceptional company safety cultures, the association said. “If your safety team has raised the bar, now is the time to get them the recognition they’ve earned all year long.”

This annual competition is open to all TCA carrier members. Awards are given for first, second, and third place across six mileage-based divisions, ensuring fleets are judged fairly against others running similar miles. Winners from each division will then compete for the Grand Prize in both Large and Small Carrier categories, a top honor in the industry that highlights a company’s commitment to driver safety and operational excellence.

Award recipients will be recognized at TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention in Orlando, happening February 28 through March 3. The event will also feature keynote speaker NFL legend Jimmy Johnson, making the celebration one that is both professional and memorable.

TCA expressed appreciation for the companies helping make the program possible. “TCA would like to thank our presenting sponsors, Great West Casualty Company and Arthur J Gallagher,” the organization said. “Thank you for helping the association celebrate the best in safety.”

Truck drivers and fleet safety teams who have made safety their top priority throughout the year are encouraged to get involved and showcase their results. Recognition from this program not only celebrates your achievements but can also help strengthen your fleet’s reputation with shippers, drivers, and industry partners.

For more information or to submit an entry, click here, or contact Hailey Betham with TCA’s safety and policy team at hbetham@truckload.org.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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Love’s recently announced the creation of Love’s Media Group, a new division designed to connect brands with truck drivers in a way no other platform can. The Oklahoma City-based company says this is the first retail media network in the country created specifically for America’s travel stops and the first built to reach professional drivers at scale.

With 662 Love’s locations across 42 states, the company says the new platform will allow advertisers to connect with millions of truckers and travelers who rely on their network every day.

“Love’s Media Group represents an exciting evolution of our commitment to enhancing the customer experience while creating new value for our brand partners,” said Patrick McLean, chief marketing officer of Love’s. “We’re uniquely positioned at the intersection of mobility, loyalty, and commerce. With our nationwide footprint and deep relationships with both professional drivers and travelers on the road, we can offer advertisers something no one else can: direct access to a high-volume, high-intent audience in motion.”

For drivers, this means more of the video content and product information they already see at pumps or inside the store will be integrated into one connected system. Love’s Media Group will combine physical and digital spaces, including fuel pump screens, in-store signage, the Love’s Connect app, and the My Love Rewards program to create a seamless experience for customers and advertisers alike.

While that may sound like just another marketing move, the company says it’s actually about improving engagement with a key audience, the trucking community. For years, truck drivers have been a tough group for advertisers to reach through traditional channels. Love’s is positioning this new platform as a way to bridge that gap while supporting the services and products drivers actually care about.

“Love’s has been serving America’s travelers for more than 60 years, and that trust is the foundation of our media network,” McLean added. “We’re not just offering advertising inventory, we’re providing brands with the opportunity to be part of memorable customer moments and build lasting relationships with audiences that are difficult to reach through traditional channels.”

The new platform is already being tested with select brand partners, focusing on delivering measurable results for companies and relevant experiences for drivers. Whether it’s showcasing new gear, highlighting safety technology, or promoting loyalty rewards, Love’s Media Group aims to give truckers information that feels timely and useful, not just promotional.

For professional drivers, this move could mean better awareness of the products and services designed for life on the road and another reminder that Love’s continues to evolve to meet the needs of the people who keep freight moving.

Image Source: Love’s Travel Stops

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“Reaching the 100000th Model 567 milestone is a major achievement, and we’re proud to recognize WM as the recipient of this special truck,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “WMs’ trust in Peterbilt highlights our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique business needs of our customers.”

For those in trucking, the Model 567 has become a familiar sight, especially in heavy-duty and refuse operations where durability, uptime, and operator comfort are everything. WM has relied on Peterbilt trucks for years to keep its fleet moving, trusting in their performance and reliability day after day.

According to Peterbilt, “The Model 567 is a versatile vehicle designed for robust heavy and severe duty configurations. It offers maximum durability, fuel efficiency, and uptime for all applications, including refuse.”

That kind of versatility is why so many fleets and drivers value this model. Whether it’s hauling waste through tight city routes or tackling rough construction terrain, the 567 has built its name on consistency and strength.

Todd Poste, vice president of supply chain and chief procurement officer at WM, underscored the relationship between the companies. “We’re honored to accept the 100000th Peterbilt Model 567. Our partnership with Peterbilt and Rush Refuse Systems has been instrumental in helping us deliver on our mission of environmental responsibility and operational excellence. We look forward to continuing this relationship as we drive toward a more sustainable future.”

Rush Refuse Systems, which has worked closely with both WM and Peterbilt, also marked the event as a milestone for the industry. “Delivering the 100000th Peterbilt Model 567 is a tremendous milestone, and we are honored to share it with WM, one of our most valued and long-term customers,” said Rusty Rush, chairman, CEO, and president of Rush Enterprises. “As the market share leaders in the Refuse industry, Peterbilt and Rush Enterprises are proud of our partnership that drives innovation and provides total solutions for customers like WM who lead the way in the industry.”

For truck drivers, these milestones are more than corporate announcements; they represent the craftsmanship and reliability that keep fleets on the road and drivers on schedule. Every mile logged in a Model 567 stands as proof of how a truck built for performance and comfort supports the people doing the real work.

As Peterbilt’s Montero added, “The 100000th Model 567 delivery reflects manufacturing excellence and a legacy of class and outstanding performance Peterbilt is known for.”

The company recently reached another milestone by producing its first Model 567 in Canada for Environmental 360 Solutions, further evidence that this model continues to expand its reach in industries that rely on toughness and precision every single day.

Image Source: Peterbilt
Source: The Trucker

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