What Technician Appreciation Week recognizes

The week is organized by the American Trucking Associations and its Technology and Maintenance Council to recognize the work of technicians across the industry.

The 2026 theme focuses on acknowledging the technicians who keep trucks moving and maintain the equipment drivers depend on daily.

Why technicians are critical to daily operations

Technicians handle inspections, repairs, and maintenance that determine whether a truck is road-ready.

“Trucking operations run around the clock and cover hundreds of billions of miles to deliver to virtually every home, workplace, and business,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA.

“Our nation owes enormous gratitude to the hardworking men and women who keep our trucks well-maintained and ensure the wheels of our essential industry continue to turn,” he continued. “Their professionalism and commitment to upholding exacting standards enhance the efficiency of our supply chain and help to keep everyone on the road safe.”

Their work supports safe operation and regulatory compliance.

How technicians’ work impacts drivers

Drivers depend on technicians to keep equipment in working condition.

Their work affects

• Whether a truck passes inspections
• How quickly repairs are completed
• The condition of equipment during trips
• The ability to remain in service without delays

What Technician Appreciation Week highlights

The week is intended to recognize the demands and importance of the role.

According to industry leaders, technicians perform one of the most critical functions in trucking by ensuring vehicles are safe and ready for service.

“By ensuring vehicles are safe and ready for service, technicians make it possible for drivers to deliver the goods we all rely on,” said Robert Braswell, executive director of TMC. “This week is an opportunity for both the industry and the public to show their appreciation and thank these professionals for the critical work they do every day.”

How drivers can recognize technicians during the week

Technician Appreciation Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the people responsible for maintaining equipment.

Drivers can

• Recognize technicians at their terminal or shop
• Report equipment issues promptly
• Provide accurate information about mechanical concerns

Frequently asked questions

Q: When is Technician Appreciation Week in 2026?
It is scheduled for June 14 through June 20, 2026.

Q: Who organizes Technician Appreciation Week?
It is organized by the American Trucking Associations and its Technology and Maintenance Council.

Q: Why are technicians important to truck drivers?
They ensure trucks are safe, compliant, and ready for operation.

Q: What does the 2026 theme focus on?
It focuses on recognizing technicians who keep trucks moving.

Q: How can drivers participate?
Drivers can acknowledge technicians and report maintenance issues clearly.

Technician Appreciation Week recognizes the work that keeps trucks on the road. For drivers, it reflects the role maintenance plays in keeping equipment in service and supporting daily operations.

Author: Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry news, regulations, and real-world topics that impact drivers on and off the road. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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The location sits at Exit 20, a well-traveled stretch for regional and long-haul freight moving through the Midwest. For fleets and owner-operators, that placement matters. Easy on and off access can make a difference when you are watching your clock or trying to line up your next break.

Built with Drivers in Mind

This is not a standard convenience store setup. Wawa designed this travel center format to better serve professional drivers alongside everyday travelers.

At the Lima site, drivers will find:

• A high-speed diesel fuel court built to handle larger volumes
• CAT scales available on-site
• Free parking for tractor-trailers
• Clean restrooms and a pet relief area

These are the basic+ drivers to look for when planning stops, especially in busy freight corridors where parking can be limited.

Part of a Growing Travel Center Push

The Lima opening marks the third travel center Wawa has rolled out under this newer format. The company is steadily expanding beyond its traditional footprint, adding locations that can handle both passenger vehicles and commercial traffic.

Other travel centers are already operating in Hope Mills, North Carolina, and Richmond, Indiana, signaling a broader push into areas where truck traffic and regional travel overlap.

For industry stakeholders, this kind of expansion reflects ongoing competition in the truck stop and travel plaza space. More options can improve access to parking and services, but it also raises expectations for speed, cleanliness, and overall driver experience.

A Focus on Convenience and Consistency

Wawa says the goal is to combine its food and beverage offerings with the kind of fuel access and layout that works for larger vehicles.

“Wawa’s 60-year history includes innovating and evolving our store design to meet the changing needs of customers, said Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “In less than one year, we opened three locations that provide the convenience of fuel and Wawa’s fresh food and beverages to local customers, travelers, and professional drivers.”

What This Means on the Road

For drivers, another reliable stop along I-75 can help with trip planning, especially on routes where timing and available parking can shift quickly.

For fleets, it adds another consistent option for fueling and breaks, which can help with route efficiency and driver satisfaction.

As more companies invest in upgraded travel centers, the expectation is simple. Drivers want fast fuel, available parking, and a place that makes it easy to get back on the road without losing time. Locations like this are aiming to check those boxes while keeping up with the demands of modern trucking.

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The company said the projects completed during the final quarter of the year are part of a broader effort to improve consistency and reliability for drivers traveling across its network.

New Travel Centers Added in Ohio and Texas

During November, Pilot opened two new locations designed to provide expanded services and updated layouts for drivers moving through high traffic corridors.

The new facilities include:

• Eagle Pass, Texas, Pilot location number 360, added as a new network site
• Findlay, Ohio, Pilot location number 360, rebuilt following a complete raze and rebuild project

Both locations were designed to offer updated amenities and improved access for drivers along their routes.

Renovations Completed at Nine Existing Locations

In addition to opening new facilities, Pilot completed curb to counter renovations at nine travel centers across the United States and Canada. These projects focused on upgrading exterior access points, interior layouts, and core services drivers rely on during stops.

The renovated locations include:

• Flying J 461 in Tilbury, Ontario
• Flying J 518 in Myerstown, Pennsylvania
• Flying J 623 in Midway, Florida
• One9 1224 in Bismarck, North Dakota
• Pilot 134 in St. Cloud, Minnesota
• Pilot 180 in Bellemont, Arizona
• Pilot 209 in Van Horn, Texas
• Pilot 448 in Hebron, Indiana
• Pilot 1028 in Buffalo, Texas

Pilot said these updates are intended to improve the overall stop experience from arrival through departure.

EV Charging Network Reaches New Milestones

Pilot also reported continued growth of its electric vehicle charging network during the final quarter of the year. The company now operates more than 1,000 charging stalls across nearly 250 locations.

Since early October, Pilot added charging capabilities at 26 additional sites, increasing access along major travel corridors and in more communities.

The company marked its largest charging station to date at an event in Elkton, Maryland, attended by representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Energy Administration, and Pilot’s network partners.

End of Year Focus on Driver Experience

Pilot said the combination of new builds, renovations, and charging expansion reflects an ongoing focus on providing reliable stops for drivers regardless of vehicle type.

The company described the investments as part of its effort to maintain consistency across the network while adapting to evolving transportation needs as 2025 ends.

Source: Truckers News

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The decision, announced in the Federal Register, extends an existing exemption that lets specialized carriers bypass the standard 30-minute break requirement. The Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association first pushed for the relief, and FMCSA confirmed that the renewal will remain active through June 17, 2030.

This exemption matters because these hauls come with challenges that do not apply to most freight. Oversize and overweight loads travel under strict permits issued by state or local authorities, and stopping them is not as simple as pulling into the nearest rest area. In its original June notice, FMCSA highlighted that difficulty, stating, “According to SC&RA, the 30-minute break uniquely affects oversize/overweight loads and has exacerbated the number of instances in which drivers have had to park these loads at roadside, consequently impacting the safety of both the general public and the driver.”

That reality carries weight for anyone who has ever tried to find parking for a load wider than the space itself.

What Drivers Need to Know

The exemption covers interstate motor carriers hauling loads that require an oversize or overweight permit. If the load needs state or local authorization, this exemption applies. FMCSA confirmed once again that these hauls operate outside the typical rest break requirement because stopping them safely and legally is far more complicated.

The agency reviewed 15 public comments before the final renewal — 11 supported the exemption, three opposed it, and one was neutral. Among those in favor was Nick Wright, a technical trooper with the Kansas State Patrol, who backed the clarification for enforcement purposes. Wright noted confusion among officers in the field, and he supported ensuring the exemption clearly applied to oversize and overweight shipments.

Opponents argued that every CDL holder should follow the same 30-minute break rule to maintain alertness. FMCSA acknowledged those concerns yet ultimately sided with the practical challenges raised by specialized carriers. The agency agreed that finding a safe place for a large, permitted load is significantly harder than parking a standard truck. As FMCSA noted, “The agency believes finding suitable parking for trucks with oversize or overweight loads is particularly difficult, as SC&RA pointed out, and the default option is likely to be parking on the shoulder of a highway, with the load sometimes extending into the lanes of traffic.”

Anyone who has hauled these loads knows that is not an exaggeration.

Why This Matters for Drivers

Oversize and overweight hauls already involve tight planning, escort vehicles, limited travel hours, route restrictions, and strict permit rules. Forcing a mandatory break in the middle of a narrow time window can create risk instead of reducing it.

With this renewal, drivers hauling specialized loads can continue trip planning based on safety, weather, escorts, route timing, and permit conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all break timer.

The exemption does not remove fatigue management responsibilities. It allows drivers and carriers to make decisions that fit the realities of these unique operations rather than relying on a rule designed for standard freight.

For now, the extension through 2030 gives the specialized sector stability while also clearing up confusion for enforcement officers across multiple states.

Source: Land Line Media

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The test took place on the fifteen-thousand-foot runway at the Launch and Landing Facility. Before the tow work began, DTNA product validation engineer Nate Fleming hauled Dream Chaser roughly ten miles from NASA’s Space Systems Processing Facility. The careful move positioned the vehicle for the runway portion of the project.

“A lot was riding on this testing,” Fleming said. “Sierra Space trusted me to haul Dream Chaser, and trusted the Cascadia to carry it safely.”

The job required steady acceleration and smooth speed control. Sierra Space set up the test trailer and relied on a standard Cascadia sleeper with a seventy-two-inch raised roof. The truck ran Sierra Space’s programmed test speeds and reached up to seventy miles per hour. The powertrain used a Detroit DD15 engine paired with a DT12 automated manual transmission and Detroit axles to deliver consistent traction across the full runway.

Dream Chaser is built for vertical launch inside a rocket fairing, followed by wing deployment in orbit and a controlled return to Earth. Its landing gear setup includes tandem rear wheels and a single reinforced skid plate to reduce weight and simplify the design. Sierra Space used the tow test to confirm how the landing system behaves during a high-speed rollout.

“Dream Chaser is redefining how cargo moves in space, and that shared spirit of innovation made this partnership a natural fit,” said David Carson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at DTNA.

Sierra Space notes that Dream Chaser’s ability to land on a runway places returned cargo closer to processing teams and distribution points. The tow test supports that mission by proving the vehicle can handle repeated landings under realistic conditions.

“This test is about proving we can land safely, reliably, and repeatedly,” said Klint Combs, vice president of test engineering at Sierra Space.

For truck drivers, the project highlights how a dependable tractor and a skilled operator can support work far beyond everyday freight. In this case, a Cascadia helped push a new spaceplane one step closer to routine missions.

Source: Trucking Info

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“Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads and communities,” said Joe Stuglis, vice president, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear. “For more than four decades, the Highway Hero Award has celebrated those who step up in critical moments to protect others. We’re proud to continue this tradition and shine a spotlight on their inspiring stories.”

The Highway Hero Award has been recognizing drivers since 1983, honoring men and women who go far beyond the everyday job of hauling freight. Every year, the program looks for drivers who jumped into action during emergencies, protected others on the road, or showed exceptional bravery while on duty.

Nominations are now open through January 31, 2026. To qualify, nominees must hold a valid CDL and operate a commercial vehicle such as a long-haul truck, vocational truck, infrastructure truck, or a non-lifesaving emergency vehicle with rim sizes over 19 inches. The heroic act must have taken place between January 1 and December 31, 2025, while the driver was actively working in the United States or Canada.

Submitting a nomination is simple. Drivers, coworkers, fleet managers, or anyone who witnessed the event can share a detailed account of what happened. Goodyear will review all entries, create an approved list of nominees, and then hand it over to a judging panel. One Highway Hero will be selected along with up to two finalists.

The winner will be announced in early 2026. Along with cash prizes, the top honoree will also receive a ride on the Goodyear Blimp. Finalists will also earn cash awards, recognizing their bravery and contributions to road safety.

If you know a driver who stepped up when the road needed them most, now is the time to put their name in the running.

Source: The Trucker

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Apex, an Atlas Van Lines agent, teamed up with Move for Hunger to get 1,000 meal kits delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville. The nonprofit coordinated the collection of 20 pallets of shelf-stable food, and Apex hauled the load at no cost to the food bank.

For many Tennesseans, hunger isn’t an abstract problem. More than a million people in the state don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and a large portion of them are children. Apex drivers and warehouse crews didn’t sit on the sidelines. They backed Move For Hunger financially and provided the truck, the time, and the manpower to make sure those meals reached people who actually need them.

Move For Hunger specializes in turning unused or donated food into something useful by working with movers and transportation companies nationwide. Instead of letting good food go to waste, they rely on the trucking industry to get it where it needs to go. That model continues to grow as more carriers and moving companies pitch in.

According to Move For Hunger, the meal kits delivered in this run came from community drives and corporate partners. Once distributed by Second Harvest, they’ll supply thousands of families across Tennessee with reliable, healthy meals.

The nonprofit’s founder, Adam Lowy, praised the effort and highlighted what partnerships like this can accomplish. “Every delivery like this brings us one step closer to a hunger-free future,” said Adam Lowy, founder of Move For Hunger. “We’re grateful to Apex Moving + Storage for their unwavering commitment to our shared goal. By mobilizing their trucks and teams, we’re turning potential waste into lifelines for neighbors in Nashville and beyond. Since 2009, our network has delivered over 55 million meals – including more than one million meals in Tennessee – and initiatives like this keep that momentum going strong.”

For drivers, this kind of work is a reminder of how much impact a truck can make beyond the highway. A single load can feed thousands. And when companies put their rigs to use for something like this, it shows the real power of the transportation industry: when drivers move, communities move forward, too.

Source: Truckers News

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“Join us Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Fla., for the truckload industry’s premier event,” TCA said. “From high-impact sessions like this to unmatched networking and celebration of our members, there’s no better place to prepare for the year ahead.” 

Costello is widely regarded as one of the most reliable voices on trucking economics. His session will cover key topics like freight demand, rate trends, consumer spending, inflation pressures, and how global markets can impact U.S. trucking. Drivers and carriers attending will walk away with insights to help plan routes, negotiate rates, and make smarter decisions for 2026. 

“Bob will unpack the trends shaping truckload in the year ahead,” TCA said. “From freight demand and rates to consumer spending, inflation pressures, and the broader global economy. His insights will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align your strategy with the realities of today’s market.” 

Truckload 2026 also promises entertainment and networking beyond the economic sessions. NFL legend Jimmy Johnson will give the keynote, while Sugar Ray will close out the event with a live performance. Attendees can combine industry learning with a chance to relax and connect with peers from across the country. 

For truck drivers, small fleet operators, and dispatchers, sessions like Costello’s aren’t just numbers on a chart. They provide practical information that can affect pay, freight planning, and business decisions for the year ahead. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: American Trucking Associations

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The Truckload Carriers Association has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year program. Five drivers will be selected, and each one will walk away with a 20000 dollar cash prize and industrywide recognition. Nominations stay open through December 5, and the winners will be announced at TCA’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida, running February 28 through March 3.

Nominations are submitted online, but here’s the catch: you can’t nominate yourself. Drivers must be employed by a TCA carrier member and put forward by their company. If you’ve got a spotless safety record, help others on and off the road, and make a difference in your fleet, you’re exactly who this award is built for.

TCA Vice President Zander Gambill shared why the program matters so much.
“This program is a powerful way to shine a spotlight on the men and women who represent the very best of our industry,” said Zander Gambill, TCA Vice President. “These drivers not only keep our supply chain moving, they lead, inspire, and set the standard for excellence. We’re incredibly grateful to Love’s and Cummins for their continued partnership in celebrating their achievements.”

Every year, five pros are picked from fleets nationwide. For 2025, the honorees were Perry Carter of Cargo Transporters, Scott Lindsey of Cheema Freightlines, Toby Wallis of Freymiller, Walter Jackson of Landstar, and Gerald Rhoden of Stevens Transport.

Drivers like these prove that professionalism and pride behind the wheel still get noticed. If you think someone in your fleet deserves a shot, or your company wants to put your name forward, now is the window. Programs like this don’t just hand out plaques; they pay real money and shine a light on the drivers who keep the industry moving.

If you want to be nominated, talk to your safety manager, dispatch, or company leadership and let them know the deadline is coming fast.

Image Source: Toby Wallis, a driver for Freymiller, one of TCA’s Professional Drivers of the Year for 2025 (Source: Truckload Carriers Association)

Other Source: Truckers News

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This marks the first statewide expansion of designated truck parking outside of new facility construction projects, providing drivers more options to safely rest and comply with hours-of-service regulations.

PennDOT plans to place new truck parking spots in key areas, including:

• Interstate on-ramps where safety and sightlines are clear
• Weigh stations used by the Pennsylvania State Police for motor carrier safety enforcement
• Various locations within the highway right-of-way

“Truck parking is a nationwide issue,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As a commercial driver’s license-holder myself, I know how important this commonsense approach is to our economy and workforce. By adding these spots – and looking at ways to add even more – we’re giving truckers many more options to safely park and meet their rest requirements.”

Michael Hampton, senior policy advisor at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, also highlighted the safety benefits from a federal perspective.

The new spaces will be clearly marked with signage installed by PennDOT.

“This initiative directly supports our mission to ensure motor carrier safety by reducing driver fatigue and improving the overall safety of our highways,” PSP Director Bureau of Patrol Major Robert Krol said. “Safe, designated parking is essential for commercial drivers, and this effort represents a significant step forward in protecting everyone who travels on Pennsylvania’s roads.”

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has invested over $30 million into expanding truck parking. As it moves toward open-road tolling, officials are reviewing interchange layouts to potentially add more parking spaces.

“The trucking community is essential to our mission of supporting national commerce,” Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said. “We are dedicated to finding innovative solutions that address the increasing truck parking shortages along our system, and we take pride in collaborating with partners throughout the Commonwealth to enhance driver safety and improve logistics efficiency.”

Drivers can now find public truck parking locations through Pennsylvania’s 511 website, either on the map homepage or listed under the “traffic” menu. New spaces will be updated as they become available.

“Truck drivers are essential to keeping our economy moving, goods on our shelves and food in our pantries – but they need safe places to stop and rest,” Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association President and CEO Rebecca Oyler said. “With only one parking space for every 11 drivers on the road, too many truckers are forced to choose between breaking hours-of-service laws or stopping in unsafe locations. Every new space added to our highway network means one more trucker has a safe and secure place to stop.”

A 2023 study commissioned by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Advisory Committee found that truck parking demand is far outpacing supply.

“The supply of truck parking has failed to keep pace with the escalating demand, leading to a widespread shortage of truck parking across Pennsylvania,” Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Cabon, wrote in a bill memo.

PennDOT’s new expansion follows the study’s recommendation to repurpose select state-owned surplus properties. A truck parking task force is also working with regional, municipal, and industry partners to develop additional local solutions.

Source: Land Line Media

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