Getting Help When You Needed It Most

Jeff Williamson recalled a trip from Reno to Las Vegas when he realized he had left his book of permits at a cashier’s counter. Another driver overheard the situation, caught up with him on the road, and returned the permits. “I had a very long nap, but it saved me from driving another unpaid thousand miles,” he shared.

Thomas Nkovah remembered getting stuck in the mud on a back road in North Carolina. A fellow driver pulled him out and refused any payment, saying simply, “Pass it on.”

Dawne Dynes-McGee shared a story about her car breaking down on Highway 70 in Indiana. A driver stopped, arranged for a part to be delivered, helped fix her car, and even followed her for a while to make sure she got safely on her way.

Deborah Davis recounted being helped by a fellow truck driver in Arizona during a summer heatwave. She had run out of water, and another driver guided her to a safe spot, brought her cold water, and stayed with her until she felt better.

Small Gestures with Big Impact

Jer Weber shared a heartwarming encounter in a Walmart parking lot. An elderly woman gave him five dollars to buy a warm meal from the deli. He initially tried to return it, explaining he was not homeless, but she insisted, and he enjoyed some chicken wings thanks to her generosity.

Diana Mills told how a man stopped when she needed just a bit of oil to get home. He had exactly the amount she needed and quietly helped her get back on the road.

John Marcum remembered delivering lumber in San Diego, where a woman brought him lunch and free empanadas he had never tried before.

Luiz Kinceski shared a story of stopping at a rest area and being invited by an older couple in an RV to join them for lunch. He still remembers their kindness decades later.

Protecting Others in Dangerous Situations

Caroline Kelly recalled a time while driving cross-country when a group of bikers protected her from a harassing car trying to run her off the road. They stayed with her until she was safe, then disappeared.

Teresa Simonson described being trapped by severe winds in her vehicle. Seven semis and numerous cars passed, but two men stopped, held her door open, and helped her escape. She credits their timely intervention for keeping her safe.

Richard Wilkerson remembered finding three women stranded on the side of the road in freezing weather in Michigan. He loaded them into his truck and got them to safety before continuing his delivery.

Acts of Generosity That Go Beyond the Road

Brendan LeBaige shared how he bought a meal and motel nights for a homeless man he saw at a truck stop, leaving a lasting impression on both of them.

James Clark helped a pregnant young lady who ran out of gas on I-77 in North Carolina. He filled her car with fuel, made sure it started, and refused payment. She cried, hugged him, and promised to pray for him.

Rex McIntyre told the story of changing a flat tire for a woman late at night. Twenty-five years later, they are together.

Nanette Windley shared a heartwarming story from Iowa. Lost at night with her four children, a trucker offered to guide them safely to their destination. His truck was lit up brightly, and he stayed with them until they were safely back on the road.

Lessons from the Road

The stories shared by Truck Drivers USA members highlight that acts of kindness do not always need to be grand, but they often arrive at just the right time. Whether it is helping someone in danger, offering food or water, or simply guiding a lost driver to safety, these moments leave lasting impressions.

Join the Truck Drivers USA Community

If these stories inspire you, join the Truck Drivers USA community. Connect with fellow drivers, share your own experiences, and be part of a network that values safety, generosity, and the human side of life on the road.

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Freight Nation was hosted by Brent Hutto for three years, building a loyal audience. Hutto is passing the reins to new co-hosts Todd Waldron, vice president of carrier experience, and John Howland, director of broker sales. Combined, Waldron and Howland bring more than 40 years of industry experience to the show.

“Running a freight business can feel overwhelming,” Waldron said. “Rate swings, fraud risks, and compliance updates. There’s plenty of talk in this industry, but genuine insight is hard to find. That’s why each week we focus on what is working right now, so listeners have timely, relevant information they can use to address business challenges.”

Behind the Freight builds on Truckstop.com’s commitment to equipping carriers and freight professionals with tools, information, and strategies to manage daily operations and long-term business growth.

“Understanding the market is one thing,” Howland said. “Knowing how it affects daily operations is another. By talking to people involved in freight operations, we get insights that help listeners prepare for what’s coming.”

Each episode features conversations with freight professionals about the issues that matter most, including market trends, fraud prevention, compliance, and operational efficiency. The podcast connects broader industry developments with the practical decisions drivers and brokers face every day.

“Every episode goes beyond the headlines,” Truckstop said. “The focus is on connecting broader industry trends with the decisions people make every day, without losing sight of the human side of the business. That mirrors what Truckstop.com has always stood for. Serving this industry means showing up for the people in it, not just the freight they move.”

The debut episode, titled Why Trucking Is About People, Not Just Freight (And Why That’s More Profitable), brings the transition full circle. Hutto joins Waldron and Howland to reflect on how relationships have shaped his career, why carriers remain the industry’s backbone, and how regulatory changes can create major shifts in the market.

The relaunch coincides with the Mid-America Trucking Show, where Truckstop.com is a sponsor. Waldron and Howland will record three live episodes at booth #16160, giving attendees the chance to hear discussions in real time.

New episodes of Behind the Freight will be released bi-weekly. Listeners can subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to stay up to date with actionable insights that help drivers and freight professionals succeed in a dynamic market.

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The Quincy, Illinois-based company positioned the campaign as both a brand effort and a way to highlight the role vocational trucks play in industries such as skilled trades, utilities, infrastructure, maintenance, and other essential services.

“This is a meaningful moment for our industry and for the people who rely on work trucks every day,” said Bo Knapheide, president and CEO of Knapheide. “For 178 years, our mission has stayed the same: build tools that help America work. America’s Work Truck honors that legacy while clarifying what the modern work truck can and should be for today’s workforce.”

Defining the Modern Work Truck

Knapheide explained that the campaign is designed to do more than promote the company brand. It aims to help drivers, fleet managers, and contractors understand how truck bodies and equipment can be configured to make crews more effective and efficient.

“Workers know trucks but not always how a truck can be built to work the way they do,” said Mandar Dighe, vice president of sales and marketing at Knapheide. “No one has told that story at national scale before. America’s Work Truck is a clear signal for the category and a promise of clarity for customers. It defines who we are, who we’ve always been, and how we support the people behind the work.”

By connecting its history and national reach with the story of skilled trades, Knapheide wants to show how modern work trucks support safe and productive fleet operations.

Growth, Capacity, and Supporting Skilled Trades

The campaign comes as demand for vocational trucks rises and awareness of modern truck capabilities remains uneven. Knapheide continues to scale production, technology, and distribution, working with more than 250 distributor partners nationwide.

The company also notes that more work trucks on U.S. roads carry its name than any other brand, and it links this to nearly two centuries of family ownership.

“Our story is deeply tied to America’s story,” Bo Knapheide said. “We’ve built alongside generations of workers through economic cycles and industry change. America’s Work Truck is our way of honoring the past while preparing for the next era of American work.”

Campaign Rollout and Industry Reach

The Work Truck Week introduction is the first step in a larger, year-long campaign. Knapheide plans to expand the message across industry events, business networks, and cultural platforms starting April 1, with broader awareness efforts continuing throughout 2026.

The campaign reinforces Knapheide’s core values of craftsmanship, reliability, and customer service, showing the company’s commitment to supporting independent contractors and national fleets alike.

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Inspection Summary

From January 1 through February 14, CVED officers conducted 6,455 commercial vehicle inspections. These inspections resulted in 653 drivers being placed out of service and 752 vehicles being removed from operation. Inspectors also recorded 49 oversize violations and 278 overweight violations. Maintaining compliance with regulations remains critical for drivers and fleets to stay on the road safely.

Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

During the week of January 12 to 16, ISP CVED participated in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign. Officers used this initiative to identify potential risks and support safe operations across the trucking industry.

Winter Storm Response

Between January 25 and 28, CVED personnel responded to the aftermath of a severe winter storm. During that time, officers investigated 131 vehicle crashes and answered 2,342 calls for service. These efforts were beyond their normal duties, demonstrating the division’s commitment to public and driver safety even under challenging conditions.

Maintaining Compliance

These results emphasize the importance of proactive compliance for all truck drivers. Staying current on vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and safety standards can prevent being placed out of service and protect drivers’ ability to operate efficiently.

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The event will take place March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, where thousands of drivers, carriers, and industry professionals gather each year for one of trucking’s largest annual events.

A Night That Brings the Industry Together

The Silent Auction will be held during the MATS Opening Night Reception. The event brings together attendees, exhibitors, and industry leaders for an evening of networking, food, and entertainment as the show officially gets underway.

Auction items are donated by industry partners, and attendees can place bids throughout the reception. All proceeds from the auction go directly toward supporting SCF and its work assisting truck drivers and their families during times of illness or injury.

“Last year’s Silent Auction was an incredible example of what happens when our industry comes together for drivers in need,” said Courtney Niemann, executive director of SCF. “The generosity we saw — from donated items to competitive bidding — directly translated into meaningful support for truckers and their families. We’re excited to bring that same energy back to MATS this year.”

According to SCF, last year’s auction raised more than $13,500 for the nonprofit, with participation from donors, bidders, and volunteers across the trucking industry.

Why the Fund Matters to Drivers

For many professional drivers, especially owner-operators, time away from the road due to medical issues can quickly create financial strain. The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund provides short-term assistance for Class A over-the-road drivers who have been forced out of work because of illness or injury within the last 365 days.

The organization also offers health and wellness initiatives aimed at helping drivers prevent long-term health problems and stay on the road.

“Owner-operators and professional drivers are the backbone of our nation’s supply chain, but they often don’t have a safety net when unexpected health issues arise,” said Norita Taylor, SCF board president and director of public relations at OOIDA. “The Silent Auction at MATS is a powerful reminder that this industry stands behind its drivers. Every bid placed, and every item donated, helps ensure that professional drivers have somewhere to turn when illness or injury takes them off the road.”

Opening Night Reception Sponsor

This year’s Opening Night Reception is sponsored by Triumph, a company focused on modernizing and simplifying freight transactions through financial and technology services designed for the trucking industry.

A Major Gathering for the Trucking Industry

Now in its more than 50-year history, the Mid-America Trucking Show continues to be the largest annual gathering in trucking. Each year, the event draws thousands of drivers, fleet representatives, manufacturers, and service providers from across North America.

The Silent Auction remains one of the show’s community-focused events, giving the industry a way to support drivers facing difficult circumstances.

SCF encourages MATS exhibitors and industry partners to donate items for the auction and invites attendees to participate in bidding during the Opening Night Reception.

More information about the Silent Auction and how to donate items can be found here. Drivers or industry partners interested in supporting the organization can also contact Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy, at diane@truckersfund.org.

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“As freight fraud continues to rise across the industry, education and verification are critical,” said Joe Ohr, CEO, NMFTA. “The Hub reflects the industry’s commitment to protecting the integrity of carrier identification and supporting the entire supply chain with clear, actionable resources.”

The Real Cost of Freight Fraud

Freight fraud is a costly and growing problem. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the industry loses approximately $6.6 billion annually due to fraudulent activities.

“Freight fraud continues to evolve in sophistication, impacting supply chain efficiency, safety, and trust,” NMFTA explained. “The Freight Fraud Prevention Hub serves as a centralized destination for educational content, practical tools, and timely insights focused on carrier identity, impersonation risks, and fraud-prevention best practices.”

How the Hub Supports Carriers

The hub complements NMFTA’s SCAC Verified campaign, which enhances carrier identity verification. While SCAC Verified helps confirm carrier legitimacy, the Hub offers education and resources to detect and prevent fraud throughout the supply chain.

Current features include:

• Freight Fraud Prevention Best Practices – actionable strategies to reduce risk for fleets and shippers.
• Fraud Basics – educational material on how fraud occurs and its impact on the transportation system.
• Expert Webinars and Insights – guidance from industry leaders on emerging fraud trends and prevention techniques.
• Ongoing Updates – partner contributions and real-world examples to help companies stay ahead of new threats.

Collaboration Is Key

“Freight fraud cannot be solved in silos,” NMFTA emphasized. “Preventing it requires a shared industry response. Industry organizations are invited to join the Freight Fraud Prevention Hub Partner Program and collaborate with peers to share expertise, insights, and strategies to combat freight fraud.”

The hub is now live and accessible to all logistics professionals seeking to protect their operations and their drivers from fraud schemes.

Explore the Freight Fraud Prevention Hub here.

Source: The Trucker

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Richardson serves as a lead driver for Averitt’s On Tour Logistics (OTL) unit, which supports production and event transportation. The Pinnacle Awards recognized his contributions during the Live Production Summit, a three-day professional conference that gathers experts from global live events, touring, and entertainment production.

Toby Eaton, another Averitt OTL driver, was also nominated, reflecting the team’s strong presence in the live production sector.

“Travis’ recognition by his peers at the Live Production Summit reflects the level of service and reliability he brings to every tour,” said Danny Crooks, Averitt’s vice president of corporate transportation. “We’re proud of Travis and Toby for representing Averitt and OTL so well within the live production community.”

The Driver USA award, part of the Pinnacle Awards, is peer-selected. Nominees are submitted by attendees of the Live Production Summit, and winners are chosen through attendee voting. This makes the honor especially meaningful, as it reflects recognition from industry colleagues.

Richardson’s award celebrates his professionalism and dedication to national touring operations. Averitt emphasized that the recognition underscores the value of reliable drivers in complex logistics, particularly in supporting high-profile live events where timing, coordination, and care are critical.

Source: The Trucker

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“Since most drivers rely on ELDs today, filling out a manual log may seem like a lost art,” said Tim Adam, J.J. Keller industry business advisor. “This quick video simplifies the process without the guesswork.”

Why This Matters for Drivers

Even though electronic logging devices are the standard, many drivers still need to complete paper logs occasionally. The new video acts as a visual guide for proper logbook completion, helping reduce mistakes and ensuring compliance. According to J.J. Keller, it’s especially useful for drivers who only fill out logs once in a while or who want a quick refresher.

“This innovative feature offers users a quick, visual guide to properly completing log books, especially helpful as electronic logs become more common and traditional log completion becomes less frequent,” the company said.

How It Helps You on the Road

The QR code is placed right on the logbook cover, so drivers can scan it anytime. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about accuracy, consistency, and saving time. Drivers can watch the video on their phone or tablet and follow along, which makes onboarding new drivers or training teams easier.

“We’ve taken something familiar and reimagined it,” said Joel Clark, J.J. Keller director of product management. “J. J. Keller is committed to making compliance easier and more intuitive. By combining traditional tools with modern technology, we’re helping customers stay compliant, confident, and efficient.”

Key Benefits

• Visual Guidance: Scan the code for an easy-to-follow tutorial
• Improved Accuracy: Reduce errors and stay compliant
• User-Friendly: Perfect for drivers who don’t fill logs daily
• Seamless Integration: Built directly into the log book covers
• Training-Ready: Supports quick onboarding or refresher sessions

Drivers can check out the instructional video here.

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“Built on a completely new platform – 90 percent new compared with the legacy model – the Volvo VNR is purpose-built for navigating congested city streets, distribution centers, and urban routes where visibility, precision, and agility are critical,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We are excited to begin production and get these trucks into the hands of our customers.”

The first units rolled off the line in February 2026 and are slated for delivery to Clayton, a national single-family homebuilder. Orders for the new VNR opened six months after its March 2025 unveiling.

Made in the U.S., Supported by Skilled Workforce

The New River Valley Plant, where all North American Volvo trucks are assembled, is the company’s largest manufacturing site worldwide. Voorhoeve emphasized Volvo’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, noting, “Volvo has built trucks for the U.S. and Canadian markets in Virginia for more than 40 years. The expansion supports the company’s growth plans in North America and its long-standing commitment to U.S. manufacturing and a skilled workforce.”

Volvo recently invested $400 million in upgrades at the plant, including a new 350,000-square-foot facility for cab welding and improved paint and material flow systems.

Fuel Efficiency and Safety Upgrades

The new Volvo VNR offers up to 7.5 percent better fuel economy than the previous model, thanks to improved aerodynamics, advanced powertrain features, and idle-shutdown systems. Volvo says this increase helps lower operating costs while supporting sustainability goals in regional and local delivery applications.

“The new Volvo VNR incorporates a comprehensive Volvo safety package, with advanced onboard technologies designed to support operation in dense urban traffic and pedestrian-heavy environments,” Volvo stated. “The truck offers better forward visibility than the previous model, enabled by a sloped hood design and a larger panoramic windshield. It also incorporates industry-first safety innovations, including integrated side curtain airbags, making it the safest regional truck ever produced by Volvo Trucks North America.”

Optimized for Urban and Regional Routes

The VNR’s tighter turning radius makes it ideal for city streets, distribution centers, and other confined areas. Its features include:

• Up to 7.5 percent improved fuel efficiency
• Volvo Active Safety Platform with Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus
• Camera Monitor System for enhanced visibility, including infrared tech for low-light conditions and digital reference lines for trailer positioning
• Multiple axle options, including Adaptive Loading, Electronically Controlled Suspension, and Global Rear Air Suspension
• Class 8 configurations: 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 tractors, plus straight trucks with multiple body types
• Two trim levels: Core for practical durability, Edge for enhanced comfort and premium in-cab features
• 24-volt electrical architecture supporting advanced safety and connectivity
• Engine options: VGT engines from 405-455 HP with 1450-1850 lb-ft of torque, plus D13 Turbo Compound engines with waste heat recovery and two additional low-NOx ratings

“The start of production of the Volvo VNR follows the launch of Volvo Trucks’ all-new long-haul Volvo VNL,” Volvo said. “Together, the VNL and VNR reflect the company’s focus on application-specific trucks designed to improve efficiency, safety, and uptime across a range of fleet operations.”

For drivers navigating city routes and regional deliveries, the VNR promises better maneuverability, enhanced safety, and improved fuel efficiency—making it a strong choice for fleets focused on reliability and driver comfort.

Source: The Trucker

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The agency announced the revocations on Tuesday, reinforcing that only ELDs meeting the minimum technical requirements outlined in federal regulations may remain approved for use by motor carriers and drivers.

Why the Devices Were Removed

As is standard practice in ELD enforcement actions, FMCSA did not specify which technical elements led to the revocations. The agency stated only that the devices failed to comply with the minimum requirements established in 49 Code of Federal Regulations Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395.

FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs emphasized that compliance is non-negotiable.

“If an ELD isn’t meeting federal requirements, it’s taken out of service — plain and simple,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “We’ll keep making clear, fair decisions that put safety first and support everyone who shares America’s roadways.”

List of Revoked ELDs

The following four devices were officially revoked from the FMCSA registered ELD list:

• PremierRide Logs from PremierRide Logs LLC
• DSG Elogs from DSG Tracking LLC
• State Elogs from State Elog LLC
• State Elogs 2 from State Elog LLC

Once a device is revoked, it is no longer considered compliant for recording hours of service.

Response From One ELD Provider

A representative from State Elog said the company had previously been in communication with FMCSA regarding compliance issues with the original State Elogs system. According to the company, FMCSA was informed that the original system would be discontinued and that operations would continue only on State Elogs 2.

After the compliance deadline passed, both devices were revoked.

“We are currently investigating the situation and will be contacting FMCSA to clarify the circumstances and dispute the removal,” the State Elog representative added.

Attempts to contact the other companies affected by the revocations had not been returned as of press time.

What Drivers and Carriers Need to Do Next

Motor carriers and drivers using any of the revoked devices have a limited window to transition to compliant logging solutions. FMCSA has provided a 60-day period to replace revoked ELDs.

During this transition period, the agency advises drivers to discontinue use of the revoked devices and instead use paper logs or logging software to record hours of service.

All affected devices must be replaced with compliant ELDs by March 15.

Enforcement After the Deadline

Beginning March 15, any motor carrier or driver continuing to use one of the revoked devices will be operating without an ELD. That status can result in citations, enforcement action, and potential impacts to safety records.

FMCSA noted that if any ELD provider corrects all identified deficiencies, the agency may restore the device to the registered list and notify the industry of the update.

Source: Overdrive

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