The seminar is scheduled for Aug. 19-20 at The Commons in downtown Columbus, Indiana.

ACT Research has become one of the more recognized forecasting and analytics firms tied to the North American trucking industry since launching in 1986. The company is widely followed by fleets, truck manufacturers, suppliers, and businesses connected to commercial transportation markets.

Freight, Truck Orders, And Market Forecasts Expected to Lead Discussions

According to ACT Research, analysts during the seminar will present outlooks covering multiple areas of the trucking industry between 2026 and 2029.

Topics expected to be discussed include:

freight market conditions
Class 8 truck demand
trailer markets
medium-duty vehicle trends
used truck pricing
emerging transportation technology

With fleets continuing to watch operating costs, freight demand, and equipment pricing closely, long-term forecasting events remain a major focus across several areas of the trucking industry heading into 2026.

Industry Executives Scheduled to Speak During Event

The seminar will also feature several high-profile transportation industry executives.

Scheduled keynote speakers include:

Rusty Rush, CEO of Rush Enterprises
Alison Trueblood, vice president and general manager at Cummins
Derek Leathers, CEO of Werner Enterprises

ACT said the event regularly attracts transportation decision makers from across the commercial vehicle sector, including fleet operations, manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and financial organizations connected to trucking.

Seminar Marks Major Milestone for ACT Research

Along with serving as the company’s 75th Market Vitals Seminar, the event also marks ACT Research’s 40th anniversary.

The company said networking opportunities throughout the seminar are designed to encourage discussion between transportation leaders and businesses navigating changes in freight markets, commercial vehicle demand, and broader economic conditions affecting trucking.

As fleets continue evaluating freight activity and equipment planning for the years ahead, events focused on forecasting and market analysis continue drawing significant attention throughout the transportation industry.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post ACT Research Marks 40 Years with Industry Outlook Seminar Focused on Trucking Trends Through 2029 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The new location opened at Exit 79 and includes 63 truck parking spaces with free parking available for Love’s customers. The company said it has added 870 truck parking spaces nationwide so far in 2026.

Parking shortages continue affecting many major freight corridors across the country, especially along interstate routes where overnight parking fills quickly during heavier shipping periods. Additional parking along I-25 may help drivers running through central New Mexico avoid longer searches late in the driving day.

The Truth or Consequences location includes:

six diesel bays
four showers
laundry facilities
a CAT Scale
self-checkout options
a dog park
fresh food prepared on site daily
an Arby’s restaurant

Indiana And Texas Locations Receive Major Upgrades

Along with opening new locations, Love’s also continues remodeling existing travel stops through its Road Ahead Plan.

The company recently completed updates at its Marion, Indiana, location, including the addition of 74 truck parking spaces. The location now offers a total of 221 truck parking spaces.

Love’s also remodeled the Marion location’s:

showers
restrooms
sales floor areas

In Encinal, Texas, the company completed renovations involving the sales floor, showers, restrooms, and the location’s Subway restaurant.

According to Love’s, the company has opened nine new stores and completed updates at 16 locations so far in 2026.

The Truth or Consequences grand opening also included two community donations. Love’s announced it will donate $5,000 to Hot Springs High School and another $5,000 to the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Love’s Travel Stops

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The new Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 will be limited to 250 trucks and includes several custom exterior and interior design details tied to the patriotic-themed release. Peterbilt said the truck is available for order now through authorized dealerships through the end of the year.

Special Exterior Features Highlight American Theme

The Freedom 250 edition includes multiple custom styling features built around the anniversary theme. Drivers ordering the truck can choose from 58-inch, 72-inch, and 80-inch sleeper configurations featuring a special Stars and Stripes sleeper badge. The truck also includes Freedom 250 etched exhaust guards along with a Texas square bumper.

Peterbilt paired those design elements with a custom three-color paint scheme using Freedom Red and Freedom Blue metallic paint. The limited edition release is based on the Model 589 platform, which has remained popular among drivers looking for a more traditional long hood appearance combined with modern performance and interior technology.

Interior Includes Custom Freedom 250 Details

Inside the cab, buyers can choose between Sandstone or Alpine Gray Platinum trim packages. The truck also includes black leather seats featuring embroidered Freedom 250 logos in the headrests, along with a commemorative Freedom 250 dashboard badge. Peterbilt said the goal behind the release was to create a truck that celebrates both American history and the trucking industry itself.

“The Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 is a tribute to the resilience and greatness of our nation and to the hardworking men and women who keep America moving every day,” said Erik Johnson, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “This truck delivers the superior quality and pride of ownership that Peterbilt customers expect, wrapped in a design that celebrates 250 years of freedom and the enduring Class of the open road.”

Peterbilt Merchandise Collection Also Planned

Along with the truck release, Peterbilt said it plans to launch a Freedom 250 merchandise collection through the company’s online store. Pre-sales for the merchandise collection are expected to begin in June. With only 250 units planned, the Freedom 250 edition becomes one of Peterbilt’s more limited special production releases tied to the Model 589 platform.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

Image Source: Peterbilt

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The recall affects 247 Fontaine Fusion flatbed trailers manufactured between Feb. 28, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

According to recall information, the affected trailers were built using high-strength steel components that later went through a hot-dip galvanizing process. During manufacturing, hydrogen may have been introduced into the steel, creating conditions that could weaken the trailer structure over time. A small number of affected trailers have already shown cracking tied to the issue.

Cracking Could Spread Under Load

The concern is that continued operation may allow cracks to expand further through the trailer’s main beams while the equipment remains under load.

If the damage worsens, the recall warns that the beam could partially or completely fracture during operation. That could leave the trailer unable to properly support the load and create a serious hazard on the road.

Owners are being advised not to operate affected trailers until inspections and repairs are completed.

Fontaine Will Inspect and Replace Affected Trailers

Fontaine Trailer stated it will inspect the recalled equipment and replace trailers if necessary at no cost to owners. Owner notification letters were expected to begin mailing earlier this month.

Drivers or carriers with affected trailers can contact Fontaine Trailer customer service at 1-800-821-6535, option 5, for information about inspections and repairs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall identification number for the issue is 26V291000.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

The post Recall Warns Drivers to Stop Using Certain Fontaine Fusion Flatbeds appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Jeremy Steger of XPO earned the event’s Grand Champion title while also taking first place in the 4 Axle division.

Garo Boghossian of FedEx Freight received Rookie of the Year honors, and XPO secured the overall team championship during the two-day event.

Source: Jenn Koss Photos

Division Winners and Top Finishers

The championships featured drivers competing across several vehicle classes tied to different freight operations throughout the industry.

Step Van
• Matthew Callis, Old Dominion
• Roland Bates, FedEx Freight
• John Summerfeld, UPS

Straight Truck
• Brent Glasenapp, FedEx
• Richard Truchon, XPO
• Ben Messenger, XPO

3 Axle
• Andy Rynearson, XPO
• Mike Dicosola, FedEx Freight
• Doug Jawson, FedEx Freight

4 Axle
• Jeremy Steger, XPO
• Garo Boghossian, FedEx Freight
• Paul Smith, FedEx Freight

5 Axle
• Ryatt Hirschfeld, Old Dominion
• Anthony Biarro, Walmart
• Raj Deerpalsing, Kwik Trip

Flatbed
• Codie Gadke, FedEx Freight
• Anthony Angeli, McLane
• Duane Staveness, FedEx Freight

Tanker
• Jeff Langenhahn, XPO
• Shawn Modaff, FedEx Freight
• Matt Boenisch, FedEx Freight

Sleeper
• Bill Minor, Walmart
• Terry Tillen, Walmart
• Don Knocke

Twins
• Connor Dent, FedEx Freight
• Nick Jarntowski, Old Dominion
• Richard Charlebois

Drivers advancing from state competitions will continue to the National Truck Driving and Step Van Driving Championships scheduled for Aug. 11 through 14 in Pittsburgh.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Jenn Koss Photos

The post XPO Driver Earns Grand Champion Title at Wisconsin Truck Driving Championships appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The May 16 event, called “Trucks Are For Girls,” was coordinated through Women In Trucking and Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Around 50 girls and their parents attended the event, according to WIT Director of Driver Engagement Jenny Fall, who organized the program alongside Moon Star Express Director of Human Resources and Safety Renee Osear.

Some girls arrived curious about truck driving itself. Others knew very little about the transportation industry before walking through the doors.

By the end of the event, many had spent time learning pre-trip basics, asking questions about trucking jobs, touring the WITney® Educational Trailer, and hearing directly from industry professionals about careers connected to transportation.

“I got to talk with girls who didn’t know anything about the careers in trucking to girls who were confident they wanted to drive someday,” said Fall. “These girls were 10 to 12 years old, and their excitement, engagement, and overall attitudes made this day so special.”

The Event Focused on Showing How Broad Trucking Careers Really Are

Throughout the day, organizers introduced participants to different parts of the industry instead of presenting trucking as a single career path.

Girls rotated through activity stations that included a pre-trip inspection exercise with a quiz component, craft activities, yoga sessions led by Operation Broga Executive Director Maggie Wolarik, and a full walkthrough experience inside the WITney® trailer.

The conversations surrounding those activities often expanded beyond driving itself.

According to Fall, one parent shared concerns about helping her daughter find future career opportunities outside a traditional four-year college route. That discussion became an opportunity to explain how trucking companies rely on operations staff, customer service teams, logistics personnel, safety departments, and many other positions alongside professional drivers.

“One mom shared that her daughter just wasn’t into school, so she wanted to help her find something that didn’t need a 4-year degree,” Fall said. “I got to talk with her about all the things in trucking that I’ve gotten to see from driving a truck to operations and customer service roles. I say it all the time: the future of trucking is bright!”

Industry Groups Continue Looking for New Ways to Reach Younger Audiences

Events centered around younger students have become more visible across parts of the trucking industry as organizations search for ways to build earlier awareness around transportation careers.

For many families, trucking still feels limited to what they see from the highway. Programs like “Trucks Are For Girls” are designed to widen that perspective by introducing students to the variety of jobs supporting freight movement every day.

That includes careers connected to dispatching, maintenance, safety, recruiting, logistics, customer support, and operations management in addition to driving itself.

At the end of the event, participants received Women In Trucking Girl Scout patches along with dolls wearing personalized I Heart Trucking® shirts.

For organizers, the larger objective was not simply hosting a one-day event. The goal was to help more young girls leave with a stronger understanding that transportation offers multiple career paths long before they begin making long-term career decisions.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Source: Women In Trucking

Image Source: Women In Trucking

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According to FMCSA, the funding will support projects involving state agencies, law enforcement organizations, training providers, and industry groups connected to the trucking and bus industries.

The agency said the grants are intended to strengthen roadway safety, improve commercial driver qualification systems, support workforce development efforts, and expand technology used during roadside inspections and investigations.

Funding Will Support CDL Systems, Enforcement, And Driver Training

FMCSA said part of the funding will help states modernize commercial driver licensing systems and improve compliance with federal CDL requirements.

Other funding areas include safety enforcement training for law enforcement personnel and technology programs designed to improve inspection and investigation efficiency.

The agency also said grant funding will support career training programs for current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces transitioning into trucking and transportation careers.

“These grant programs reflect FMCSA’s commitment to advancing safety while supporting the continued growth of the commercial motor vehicle industry,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs. “By partnering with states, training providers, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, we are helping build a stronger transportation workforce, improving safety outcomes, and delivering on the administration’s mission to move freight more safely and efficiently across the country.”

Several Grant Programs Are Included in the Funding Announcement

FMCSA said the available funding includes multiple grant categories connected to commercial vehicle safety, licensing, technology, and workforce development.

The High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant Program supports projects tied to crash reduction efforts, hazardous materials transportation safety, commercial vehicle enforcement initiatives, safety data improvement projects, and public education connected to commercial vehicle safety.

FMCSA also announced funding through the High Priority Innovative Technology Development Grant Program, which focuses on technology systems connected to commercial vehicle safety networks and enforcement operations.

Additional funding includes the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant Program, which helps states improve CDL system performance, strengthen licensing compliance, and modernize driver qualification systems.

FMCSA also said the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program will continue supporting organizations that provide training opportunities for military veterans and other individuals entering trucking and transportation careers.

Applications Remain Open Through June 17

FMCSA encouraged eligible organizations to submit projects as soon as possible.

According to the agency, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 17.

Additional grant information, eligibility requirements, and funding details are available through FMCSA’s grants page and Grants.gov.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post FMCSA Opens More Than $217 Million in Funding for Safety, CDL Systems, and Driver Training Programs appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The one-day inspection campaign took place on April 14 and involved enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to CVSA, inspectors completed 4,021 commercial vehicle inspections during the initiative.

Inspection results released this week showed that 574 commercial vehicles were placed out of service due to brake-related violations discovered during roadside inspections.

CVSA said vehicles are removed from operation when inspectors determine the violations are serious enough to make continued travel unsafe.

Most Vehicles Passed Without Brake-Related Out-of-Service Violations

According to the inspection data, 3,447 commercial vehicles completed Brake Safety Day without any brake-related out-of-service violations.

CVSA also reported participation from 47 jurisdictions across North America during this year’s enforcement campaign.

Inspectors placed additional attention on brake drums and rotors this year. The organization said inspectors identified 43 drum and rotor violations, including 21 that resulted in out-of-service orders.

Brake hoses, tubing systems, steering axle components, air loss rate failures, parking brake systems, and low-air warning devices were also among the violations identified during inspections.

Performance Brake Testing Was Used in Multiple States

CVSA said 10 U.S. jurisdictions used performance-based brake testers during 349 inspections conducted throughout the initiative.

The testing equipment measures actual braking performance to determine whether a commercial vehicle meets minimum braking efficiency standards required under federal regulations and CVSA out-of-service criteria.

According to CVSA, 26 vehicles failed to meet the required 43.5% braking efficiency threshold and were placed out of service.

Most inspections completed during Brake Safety Day were North American Standard Level I Inspections, which involve a 37-step inspection process reviewing both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical condition.

The Level I inspection remains the most commonly performed commercial vehicle inspection throughout North America.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post CVSA Brake Safety Inspections Put Hundreds of Commercial Vehicles Out of Service appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The incident happened on April 11 shortly after 5 a.m. while Hunt was traveling westbound through the area.

According to TCA, Hunt noticed a large dust cloud near the shoulder before realizing a Honda sedan had overturned off the roadway.

“I saw a dust cloud and checked the shoulder, and the vehicle was upside down,” said Hunt. “I put on my hazards, grabbed my flashlight, and went over to check on him.”

Crash Scene Response Happened Before Emergency Crews Arrived

After safely parking his truck, Hunt walked over to check on the driver involved in the crash.

TCA said Hunt noticed the motorist appeared disoriented and performed what the association described as a concussion check while assessing the situation.

Although the driver reportedly believed medical assistance was unnecessary, Hunt contacted emergency services and stayed at the scene until responders arrived.

“He looked shell-shocked, and I could tell something wasn’t right,” Hunt said. “Even though he didn’t think he needed help, I called emergency services anyway—better safe than sorry, especially with adrenaline.”

The association credited Hunt for remaining calm during the situation and continuing to monitor the driver while waiting for emergency personnel.

Highway Angel Recognition Program Continues Highlighting Drivers

TCA launched the Highway Angel program in 1997 to recognize professional truck drivers who step in during emergencies or assist others while working on the road.

According to the association, nearly 1,500 drivers have received Highway Angel recognition since the program began.

The organization said Hunt’s actions stood out because he immediately stopped to help after spotting the overturned vehicle during the early morning hours along Interstate 58.

The Highway Angel program continues with support from EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Source: Nigel Hunt, TCA, Truckers News

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The agency released updated enforcement figures as Colorado’s mandatory chain carry season approaches its May 31 end date.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, port of entry officers conducted weekly proactive chain inspections throughout the season, while troopers assigned to the Interstate 70 corridor also carried out monthly mobile enforcement operations focused on commercial vehicles traveling through mountain areas.

The state patrol said enforcement efforts resulted in 2,218 citations at port of entry locations, 187 citations during mobile checkpoint operations, and 317 “port runner” stops involving commercial drivers who bypassed inspection points before later being stopped by troopers.

Officials also reported that 9.6% of commercial drivers contacted during mobile chain enforcement operations violated Colorado’s “Must Carry” chain law requirements.

Colorado Chain Carry Rules Continue Through the End of May

Colorado’s commercial vehicle chain law applies to commercial vehicles with a GVWR greater than 16,001 pounds that operate along designated mountain routes.

The law requires commercial drivers to carry four tire chains or approved traction devices between Sept. 1 and May 31 on Interstate 70 from Morrison to the Utah state line, along with several state and U.S. highways west of Interstate 25.

Colorado also restricts commercial vehicles from using left lanes in several mountain sections of Interstate 70, including Glenwood Canyon, Vail Pass, Georgetown Hill, Floyd Hill, Dowd Junction, and areas surrounding the Eisenhower–Johnson Tunnel corridor.

“We know that I-70 is also ‘main street’ for many of our mountain communities for commuting and emergency service access. Keeping the interstate open through the Colorado mountains is crucial for the state’s economy,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

“In addition to keeping our tourism industries thriving, we also need the corridor to transport goods and life-saving services.”

Commercial drivers who fail to carry chains can face $100 fines, while drivers who fail to install chains when required can receive $500 citations. Trucks that block traffic because of inadequate traction can face penalties reaching $1,000.

Colorado’s current mandatory chain carry period remains in effect through May 31.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Colorado State Patrol

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