According to a release issued Tuesday, traffic is expected to rise with the holiday rush, and officials say that means higher risks on the road. “With an increase in traffic comes a greater risk of crashes, and far too many of these crashes occur in work zones,” the release stated.

So far in 2025, there have already been 252 work zone crashes on the Ohio Turnpike. Many of those wrecks were preventable, according to officials.

Troopers say they will keep a sharp focus on violations that lead directly to crashes, especially speeding. Enforcement will include both patrol cars and aircraft watching traffic from above. “This is a necessary step as so far this year, troopers have issued 1,666 citations in turnpike work zones,” the release stated. “Of these citations, 56% were for 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, which is way too fast.”

Truck drivers know better than most the importance of slowing down and staying alert in tight construction areas. Simple choices like observing posted limits, watching signage carefully, leaving more following distance, and cutting out distractions “can go a long way in protecting everyone,” according to the release.

Officials added that construction crews are especially vulnerable because they often do not have the protection of heavy barriers. “It’s important to remember that not all workers in work zones are protected by concrete barrier walls,” the Ohio Turnpike stated. “In many cases, only barrels or cones separate roadway workers from vehicles traveling at highway speeds. This limited protection makes it even more critical for drivers to stay focused and cautious at all times while traveling through work zones. Let’s Be Safe Together.”

For truckers running the Ohio Turnpike this holiday weekend, the message is clear: keep it slow, keep it safe, and avoid unnecessary violations that could cost more than just money.

Source: The Trucker

The post Work Zone Crackdown on Ohio Turnpike Ahead of Labor Day appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

These aren’t just workers doing their jobs. They’re young professionals who are stepping up, demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism, and a deep commitment to safety, quality, and growth. The award is a nod to those who are proving that trucking and diesel careers can offer purpose, pride, and long-term opportunity.

“These young professionals are setting the standard for what it means to build a meaningful, purpose-driven career in the industry — and we want to recognize them for it,” said Lindsey Trent, president of the Next Generation in Trucking Association.

Who’s Eligible for the NEXT Top Talent Award?

To qualify, nominees must:

• Be employed in the U.S. as a truck driver or technician
• Be under 30 years old
• Demonstrate excellence in skill and professionalism
• Prioritize safety and quality in their work
• Contribute positively to their team or company
• Show motivation to grow within the industry
• Inspire others with their passion for trucking

Winners will be named in September 2025, aligning with both National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and National Technician Appreciation Week. Those selected will receive national recognition and will be featured in the association’s communications and at key industry events.

Rebecca Brewster, president and COO of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), emphasized why programs like this are so important:

“With the average age of today’s truck driver at 47, our industry must be intentional about attracting and retaining younger talent.”

How to Nominate a Rising Star

Nominations for the NEXT Top Talent Award are open through August 29, 2025. If you know a young driver or technician who’s raising the bar, this is the chance to shine a light on their work. Submit a nomination here.

Source: The Trucker

The post NEXT Top Talent Award Honors Young Drivers and Technicians Making a Mark in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to a recent Truckstop.com survey of more than 500 U.S.-based freight carriers, 60% of drivers say they’re feeling positive about the future of the industry. And it’s not just wishful thinking — drivers are pointing to real improvements thanks to tools that are finally starting to lighten the load.

From AI-powered route planning to better fraud protection, truckers are seeing the upside of newer tech in their daily work. Decision-making is becoming quicker, more accurate, and a lot less stressful. That means less second-guessing on dispatches, fewer headaches from scams, and smoother trip planning overall.

“What we found is that carriers are adopting technology faster than ever, and they’re seeing the results,” said Todd Waldron, vice-president of carrier experience. “From stronger fraud prevention to smarter routing, tools like the ones we’re building are giving carriers more confidence and control over their operations.”

Younger drivers are especially leaning in. Nearly 70% of all respondents — and 79% of those under 35 — say they’re comfortable using the latest tech tools. That includes everything from electronic logging devices (ELDs) and AI-based dispatch tools to advanced telematics and predictive maintenance systems that help catch problems before they sideline a rig.

When asked what’s going to shape the next five years in trucking, three things rose to the top: fuel prices, freight availability, and — you guessed it — technology. AI, in particular, is expected to bring the most impact to route optimization, dispatch efficiency, and maintenance planning.

In a job where every minute and mile count, these tools aren’t just bells and whistles anymore — they’re turning into essentials. And for many drivers, that’s a step in the right direction.

Source: Truck News

The post Truckers Say Tech Is Finally Starting to Work for Them, Not Against Them appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This milestone is more than numbers—it’s a reflection of TCA’s continued support for education, family, and the future of trucking.

“The TCA Scholarship Fund remains one of the most valuable initiatives offered through TCA membership, providing an opportunity to give back and honor the legacy and future of the truckload industry,” said TCA Scholarship Fund Chairman Joey Hogan of Covenant Logistics. “In the face of economic challenges, we were able to provide over $176,000 in scholarship monies, which reflects TCA’s strong commitment to this important program.”

Supporting Trucking Families Since 1973

Established over five decades ago, the TCA Scholarship Fund has helped thousands of students pursue higher education. All applicants must be in good academic standing and connected to a TCA member company—whether through family, employment, or direct involvement.

Endowed Named Scholarships

Four-year university students received both named and standard awards. Here are the named scholarship recipients for 2025–26:

• Katie Pulliam – Greater Omaha Express, NAIT Scholarship – $6,250
• Aadya Menon – NFI Interactive Logistics, John Kaburick Scholarship – $4,500
• Michael Henretty Jr. – Werner Enterprises, Darrel Clark Wilson III Scholarship – $3,250
• Jorkaeff Nogales – Bennett Motor Express, Kai Norris Scholarship – $3,250
• Nicholas Farrell – Load One, Thomas Welby Scholarship – $3,250
• Joe Smith III – Western Dairy Transport, Stoney Reese Stubbs Scholarship – $3,250
• Kaden Buatte – Prime Inc., Robert Low Scholarship – $3,250
• Annika Waltenberg – Bison Transport, Robert D. Penner Scholarship – $3,250
• Jennifer Miranda – Tucker Freight Lines, Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship – $3,250
• Kalee O’Brien – Paschall Truck Lines, Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship – $3,250
• Jorleney Aguirre – Landstar Transportation Logistics, Keith Tuttle Scholarship – $3,250
• Gitali Jain – NFI Interactive Logistics, Tom Kretsinger, Jr. Scholarship – $3,250
• Emily Ritenour – Werner Enterprises, Bill Giroux Scholarship – $3,250
• Caleb Studdie – Central Oregon Truck Company, Bill Giroux Scholarship – $3,250
• Brianna Telles Fernandez – Covenant Transport Services, Bill Giroux Scholarship – $3,250

Four-Year College Scholarship Recipients – $2,725 Each

• Emma Bowden – Roehl Transport Inc.
• Kennedy Buatte – Prime Inc.
• Teigen Wormstadt – Fortune Transportation Company, Inc.
• Hong Han – Kriska Holdings
• Gurjaan Rai – Bison Transport
• Sebastian Ruiz – S&H Express
• Matthew Tlapanco – Knight-Swift Transportation
• Ganella Adams – Brown Trucking Co.
• Kaitlyn Huff – J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
• Gabrielle McClister – Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
• Andrea Mistichelli – NFI Interactive Logistics
• Caleb Moore – J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
• Zachary Polubinski – Spur Freight / AIT
• Hannah Sherer – Knight-Swift Transportation
• Kathrinne Sugandi – Millis Transfer, Inc.
• Jack Rogers – Don Hummer Trucking Corp
• Alec Schaublin – Thomas E. Keller Trucking, Inc.
• Brandon Stice – CFI
• Uriel Aguillon – Hendrickson
• Cooper Calvert – Paschall Truck Lines, Inc.
• Parnoor Singh Gill – Bison Transport
• Isabella Ivins – TCI Transportation Services Inc.
• Robert Tolhurst – Bison Transport
• Antonio Verdugo – TCI Transportation Services Inc.
• Brett Faccio – Buchanan Hauling & Rigging, Inc.
• Ethan Moore – Halvor Lines, Inc.
• Isaac Crespo – NFI Interactive Logistics
• Roberto Rodriguez – Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
• Sadisha Widyalankara – Bison Transport
• Theresa Stephens – McLeod Software
• Kevin White – Prime Inc.
• Drew Merritt – Hendrickson
• Isilma Villalta – Roehl Transport Inc.
• Firas Elkhattabi – Boyle Transportation
• Chase Gugliuzza – TCI Transportation Services Inc.
• Jeremiah Mathew – Stevens Transport Inc.
• Logan Dudley – Knight-Swift Transportation
• Kendrick Brown – NFI Interactive Logistics
• Madeline Falknor – Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.
• Lillian Maddox – Covenant Transport Services
• Isabella Yust – CFI

Two-Year College Scholarship Recipients – $2,000 Each

• Alanna Severson – Marten Transport, Ltd.
• Carson Kunze – Grand Island Express, Inc.
• Mabel Ornelas – Arlo G. Lott Trucking, Inc.
• Lucas Brooks – Givens Transportation Inc.
• Clare Phillips – Werner Enterprises, Inc.
• Jacob Greene – Covenant Transport Services

A Fair and Comprehensive Selection Process

Scholarships were awarded through an independent review facilitated by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). The selection committee evaluated students based on GPA, major, extracurricular involvement, work experience, and overall academic promise.

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Invests Over $175,000 in 62 Students Connected to the Trucking Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello paints a promising picture of what lies ahead. “In this edition of Forecast, you will see that the trucking industry continues to dominate the freight transportation industry in terms of both tonnage and revenue, comprising 72.2% of tonnage and 79.2% of revenue in 2022,” he explained. This stronghold is projected to remain well into the future as the nation continues to rely on trucks to move the majority of freight.

Sustained Growth in Tonnage and Revenue

The ATA’s Freight Transportation Forecast projects significant growth for trucking. Overall truck tonnage is estimated to grow from 11.3 billion tons this year to 14.2 billion tons by 2034. This represents 72.4% of the freight tonnage in 2023, with a slight increase to 72.6% by the end of the forecast period.

Revenue growth is equally impressive. Trucking’s revenue is expected to grow from $1.01 trillion to $1.51 trillion over the same period, accounting for 78.8% of the freight market. These numbers highlight trucking’s resilience and its critical role in driving the economy forward.

Trucking in the Bigger Freight Picture

While trucking leads the way, other modes of freight transportation are also evolving. Rail intermodal revenues, for example, are projected to grow from $21.7 billion in 2023 to $35.2 billion in the coming years, reflecting its complementary role in logistics. Similarly, pipelines and air cargo will see steady increases in their shares.

Strategic Insights for Leaders

These projections serve as a valuable guide for policymakers and industry leaders. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized their importance: “Knowing where our industry and economy are headed is critical for decision makers. This Freight Forecast should be top of mind for policymakers in Washington, Sacramento, and wherever decisions are being made that affect trucking.”

Whether planning infrastructure investments or shaping regulations, decision-makers can rely on trucking’s consistent growth to inform their strategies.

Source: ATA

The post The Road Ahead: Insights from Bob Costello on the Future of Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This scholarship is a dream come true for me,” Little said. “I’ve always wanted to become a truck driver and now I have the support to make it happen. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

The Future of Trucking Scholarship, launched earlier this year, aims to financially support aspiring truck drivers from the St. Louis area. This scholarship is awarded every quarter to a deserving individual.

Brock Bauza, director of enrollment at Driver Resource Center, shared his excitement about Jason’s new chapter.

“We are thrilled to have Jason as the first recipient of the Future of Trucking Scholarship,” Bauza said. “His enthusiasm for the industry is exactly what we’re looking to support with this scholarship.”

Applications for the next scholarship round are now open, with a deadline set for November 30, 2024. Visit their website to find out more or to submit your application!

Source: The Trucker

Image: Future of Trucking

The post Introducing the First Recipient of the Future of Trucking Scholarship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.