The “Pro-Trucker Package” includes major items that directly affect drivers, such as expanding truck parking, halting the speed limiter rule, and increasing flexibility in hours-of-service. These nine initiatives, shaped in part by feedback from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, address key concerns raised by professional drivers.

The nine initiatives include:

• Expanding truck parking capacity
• Withdrawing speed limiter rulemaking
• Increasing hours-of-service flexibility
• Improving FMCSA’s Driver Resource Hub
• Reforming DataQ
• Modernizing the National Consumer Complaint Database
• Addressing unlawful brokering practices
• Maintaining the ELD exemption on pre-2000 engines
• Eliminating unnecessary regulations

One of the main priorities is making it easier for drivers to access the information they need, including guidance on reporting fraud, coercion, or other criminal activity.

FMCSA recently launched a redesigned Driver Resource Hub to support these goals. The updated Hub is mobile-friendly and designed to provide professional drivers with quick access to critical resources, including how to obtain a CDL, details about entry-level driver training, DOT physical requirements, and emergency declarations.

A DOT spokesperson noted that the new layout is more user-friendly and now highlights the topics most relevant to truck drivers.

Key updates for drivers include:

Fraud prevention has become a major focus in the trucking industry. The Hub now features the latest Fraud Alerts, helping drivers identify and avoid scams involving identity theft, fraudulent service providers, or document fraud. While preventing fraud is the primary goal, drivers can also report issues directly. The Hub includes links for filing complaints about safety violations, coercion, and other criminal activity.

Other resources on the Hub have been improved as well. Truckers can now access a Frequently Asked Questions page, the full Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and a Motor Carrier Safety Planner. Additional information covers FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program and the Office of Registration, giving drivers centralized access to critical industry information.

Source: Land Line Media

The post FMCSA Updates Key Resources for Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why Were These ELDs Revoked?

According to the FMCSA, these devices failed to meet the minimum requirements outlined in their functional specification regulations. Gorilla Fleet Safety later confirmed they had self-revoked the registrations for all eight devices in December, citing that the devices were unsupported legacy applications.

Here’s the list of revoked devices, effective May 12:

• AllwaysTrack
• Command Alkon Trackit
• ELDX
• Gorilla Safety Compact ELD
• HCSS ELD
• LB Technologies FleetTrack HOS
• Simplex ELD 2GO
• Trucker Path ELD Pro

Next Steps for Carriers and Drivers

Drivers and carriers currently using any of these devices must replace them with compliant ELDs by July 11, 2025. Until then, FMCSA has provided the following guidance:

• Revert to paper logs or logging software to maintain accurate hours-of-service (HOS) records while making the transition.
• Inspectors are advised not to issue violations for “No record of duty status” or “Failing to use a registered ELD” before the replacement deadline. Instead, they may review paper logs, logging software, or data from the revoked ELD as backup documentation.

Consequences After July 11

After July 11, drivers and carriers who continue to use these revoked devices will face significant penalties:

• They will be considered as operating without an ELD, in violation of FMCSA guidelines (395.8(a)(1)).
• This can lead to out-of-service (OOS) orders as dictated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) criteria.

Will the Revoked Devices Return?

The FMCSA noted that the devices could be reinstated on its registered list if Gorilla Fleet Safety resolves the issues. However, the company’s statement regarding self-revocation indicates that updates are unlikely.

To remain compliant and avoid disruptions, motor carriers should act swiftly to transition to FMCSA-approved devices.

Source: Overdrive

The post FMCSA Revokes Eight Gorilla Fleet Safety ELDs appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

CVED’s mission primarily centers on monitoring trucks exceeding 10,000 lbs., ensuring that they adhere to federal and state laws crafted specifically for large commercial vehicles. The operation addressed unsafe practices and encouraged compliance for a safer highway environment.

Results of the Operation

The enforcement blitz produced significant findings of unsafe practices among commercial vehicle operators. These results included a variety of violations, inspections, and incidents:

• Speeding Violations: 47 total (15 tickets issued and 32 warnings given)
• Seatbelt Violations: 7 instances
• Other Violations: 43 reported cases
• Criminal Defendants: 2 individuals
• Truck Inspections Conducted:
  • 29 Level 3 inspections
  • 10 Level 2 inspections
  • 3 Level 1 inspections
• Total Violations Uncovered in Inspections: 126 infractions recorded

Key Focus Areas

The operation specifically targeted the ten major causes of commercial vehicle crashes. These included:

1. Following too closely
2. Disregarding traffic control devices
3. Unsafe or improper lane changes
4. Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
5. Failure to yield
6. Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while fatigued or ill
7. Seatbelt non-compliance in CMVs
8. Operating a CMV with a radar detector
9. Texting while driving
10. Using a handheld cellphone in a CMV

Advancing Compliance and Awareness

During the campaign, Sgt. Dale Turner emphasized the importance of the division’s ongoing work. “The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division remains committed to ensuring commercial vehicles remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Focused efforts like this raise awareness and voluntary compliance with those laws and regulations,” Turner stated.

Why These Efforts Matter

These targeted enforcement measures are critical in improving highway safety by addressing crash-related behaviors at their root. By raising awareness and identifying violations, agencies like Indiana’s CVED ensure commercial vehicles operate in a way that prioritizes public safety.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: WItz AMFM

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What’s New in the 2025 Out-of-Service Criteria?

Last year, CVSA’s voting members approved 15 key modifications to the out-of-service criteria. These adjustments are now active and will impact inspections across North America. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable changes:

• License Endorsements & Restrictions: Updates have been made to “Part I, Item 2. Operator’s/Chauffeur’s License or Permit (Non-CDL), B. Endorsements and Restrictions” and “Part I, Item 3. Commercial Driver’s License, c. Endorsements and Restrictions” to clarify Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate requirements.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit: “Part I, Item 3. Commercial Driver’s License, b. Commercial Learner’s Permit (1)” now explicitly states that a supervising driver for a learner must be fully authorized to operate a commercial vehicle.
• Medical Certification Updates: In “Part I, Item 4. Driver Medical/Physical Requirements, b. Medical Certificate (3),” passenger-carrying and property-carrying vehicles are now included under the same out-of-service condition, removing property-carrying vehicles from a separate clause.
• Brake System Changes: A new out-of-service condition has been added for inoperative brakes caused by an unplugged electrical cable in “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, A. Defective Brakes, (7) Hydraulic and Electric Brakes, (H).” Additionally, language was added to address a disconnected service gladhand in “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing.”
• Air Brake Hose & Tubing Adjustments: The previous out-of-service condition for crimped hoses and tubing, which restricts airflow, has been removed from “Part II, Item 1.” Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing, (5).”
• Brake Hose and Line Markings: Language has been introduced to “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing” and “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, o. Hydraulic Brakes (3)” to address cases where brake hoses or lines are marked for applications other than the specified brake system.
• Tractor Protection System: “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, l. Tractor Protection System” now requires both the primary and secondary systems to be below 20 psi, rather than just one.
• Cargo Securement Clarifications: Additional language has been included in “Part II, Item 2. Cargo Securement, a. General Securement” to clarify violations of regulation 392.9(a)(2).
• Lighting Device Updates: A new section has been added specifically for projecting load lamps under “Part II, Item 9. Lighting Devices (Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Stop Lamps, Turn Signals and Lamps/Flags on Projecting Loads), b. At Any Time – Day or Night.”
• Suspension System Adjustments: Clarifications regarding U-bolt bottom plates have been included in “Part II, Item 11. Suspensions, a. Axle Parts/Members (1).” A note and updated diagram have been added to “Part II, Item 11. Suspensions, d. Suspension Connecting Rod and Tracking Component Assembly (2).”
• Tire Regulations: Additional notes have been added to “Part II, Item 12. Tires, a. Any Tire on Any Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit, (8)” and “b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit (4)” regarding rubber mud flaps.
• Tire Leaks & Automatic Tire Inflation Systems (ATIS): In “Part II, Item 12. Tires, b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit,” a new out-of-service condition has been introduced for tires without ATIS if a leak is present in the tread area. Meanwhile, leaks in the sidewall are now considered out of service, regardless of whether ATIS is used.
• Radial & Bias Tires Unified: Changes to “Part II, Item 12. Tires, b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit, (6)-(7), (8)-(9)” eliminate separate out-of-service conditions for radial and bias tires, merging them into a single category.

What This Means for Drivers

These updates have been fully integrated into the North American Standard Inspection Program, impacting training materials, inspection procedures, operational policies, and training videos. Truck drivers should ensure they understand these changes to remain compliant during inspections.

For further details, truckers can contact CVSA Director of Inspection Programs Kerri Wirachowsky by calling 202-998-1650.

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In 2021, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) introduced a valuable initiative to make life easier for truckers involved in hauling watercraft: Call Before You Haul, a toll-free 24/7 hotline (844-311-4873) designed to streamline compliance with state laws.

Here’s How the Hotline Helps Truckers

Before hitting the road with a boat, truckers can dial the hotline to provide information about the type, origin, and destination of the watercraft. Once the information is submitted, the destination state or province is notified, and a follow-up inspection—along with decontamination if necessary—is arranged at no cost.

By utilizing this service, truckers avoid fines, delays, and help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Though truckers are still required to stop at each inspection station, the watercraft is registered in the hotline system, making it easier to expedite the inspection process, ultimately reducing hold-ups along the way.

What’s at Stake: Aquatic Invasive Species

The purpose behind this careful inspection and decontamination process is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that pose serious threats to ecosystems, local economies, and recreational waters. Invasive species like quagga mussels, zebra mussels, and watermilfoil result in millions of dollars in damages every year. They degrade water quality, harm native species, and reduce the quality of outdoor activities like boating.

These invasive species hitch rides on watercraft, often in places that are easy to spot—such as on the hull or trailer—and in hard-to-see areas like the boat’s motor or bilge pump. Some of these species, like the spiny waterflea, are microscopic, while others, such as giant goldfish, can be much larger.

Steps Truckers Can Take to Prevent the Spread

To protect waterways and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, truckers should take the following precautions before hauling a watercraft:

1. Clean the boat and trailer thoroughly, removing all mud, plants, and animals.
2. Drain all water from the boat’s ballast, wells, and engine areas, and remove the drain plug.
3. Dry the watercraft completely to ensure no hidden water or contaminants remain.

After completing these steps, truckers should contact the Call Before You Haul hotline to arrange an inspection of the watercraft.

Benefits for Truckers Using Call Before You Haul

By participating in the program, truckers:

• Ensure legal compliance: States and provinces have strict regulations regarding aquatic invasive species, and noncompliance can result in fines and penalties.
• Protect the environment: Preventing the spread of these invasive species preserves ecosystems, protects native species, and ensures healthy water quality.
• Support economic stability: Healthy water bodies are crucial for the success of industries like boating, tourism, and recreation.
• Tackle a key route for invasive species: Studies show that one-third of boats carrying invasive mussels in the Pacific Northwest were commercially hauled.
• Contribute to industry growth: Following the “clean, drained, and dry” approach helps protect the interests of truckers, dealers, and buyers in the boating industry.

For further details about Call Before You Haul and how it assists truckers in hauling watercraft safely and legally, visit the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission’s website.

Source: Overdrive

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