WHITE HOUSE FINALIZES 25% TARIFFS ON IMPORTED MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS; PARTS CREDIT EXPANDED
President Trump signed orders imposing a 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and parts starting Nov. 1, while expanding a credit program to offset parts tariffs for U.S.-assembled vehicles. The move could reshape cross-border truck sourcing and fleet acquisition plans ahead of peak season.
ADMINISTRATION EXTENDS PARTS-TARIFF REBATE THROUGH 2030; 25% TRUCK TARIFFS TO BEGIN NOV. 1
AP reports a five-year extension of a 3.75% rebate on U.S.-assembled vehicles to blunt parts tariffs, and confirms new 25% import taxes on medium- and heavy-duty trucks and a 10% levy on buses. Automakers and engine makers are also eligible, adding urgency to near-term procurement decisions.
REPORT: U.S. TO EASE AUTO-PARTS TARIFF BURDEN WITH 5-YEAR EXTENSION FOR RELIEF PROGRAM
Transport Topics (via Bloomberg) says the Commerce Department is set to formalize a five-year extension that lets automakers reduce what they pay on certain parts tariffs. The change comes as fleets and OEMs brace for 25% truck import duties next month.
CALIFORNIA PUSHES BACK AFTER $40M DOT PENALTY, SAYS ROADSIDE ENGLISH TESTS “NOT NEEDED”
Following USDOT’s decision to withhold more than $40 million over English-language proficiency enforcement, California reaffirmed its stance that out-of-service orders for ELP are unnecessary and defended its safety record. The dispute could affect inspections and enforcement practices in the state.
USDOT PULLS $40M IN SAFETY FUNDS FROM CALIFORNIA OVER TRUCKER ENGLISH PROFICIENCY ENFORCEMENT
DOT says California failed to adopt enforcement compatible with FMCSA’s English-language requirement for CMV drivers, triggering a suspension of MCSAP reimbursements. The action escalates a nationwide push to place noncompliant drivers out of service at roadside inspections.
FMCSA FORMALIZES GUIDANCE: DRIVERS FAILING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TO BE PLACED OUT OF SERVICE
The agency updated enforcement policy to include English-language proficiency violations in out-of-service criteria nationwide. FMCSA says the step is aimed at safety and consistent nationwide enforcement, raising compliance stakes for carriers operating in multilingual workforces.
ARKANSAS LAUNCHES $2.7M AI-ENABLED TRUCK INSPECTION PILOT ON I-40 AND I-55 CORRIDORS
ARDOT and Arkansas State Police will deploy weigh-in-motion sensors and AI sorting at high-volume scales to streamline inspections and keep freight moving. The project targets safety and efficiency gains without costly capacity expansions at critical east-west and north-south routes.
WESTBOUND I‑94 IN METRO DETROIT CLOSED TODAY-SUNDAY FOR EMERGENCY BRIDGE BEAM DEMOLITION
MDOT begins a weekend shutdown of WB I‑94 between I‑696 and 8 Mile after a recent bridge strike damaged the Frazho Road overpass. Truckers should expect detours via I‑696/M‑3/M‑102 and plan around ramp closures through Sunday afternoon.
CLASS 8 RETAIL SALES DROP 25% IN SEPTEMBER AS TARIFF UNCERTAINTY AND SOFT FREIGHT WEIGH
Wards/Transport Topics data show a third straight monthly year-over-year decline, with fleets pausing purchases amid weak rates and looming 25% import duties. Analysts expect continued softness until pricing and regulatory clarity improve.
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA Q3 SALES SLIDE 39% AMID WEAK DEMAND AND HIGHER TRADE COSTS
DTNA’s third-quarter unit sales fell sharply, part of a broader global decline at Daimler Truck. Management cites weak freight rates and tariff uncertainty adding to cost pressures and complicating order books across North America.
MEXICO, SUPPLIER TO 70% OF U.S. HEAVY-TRUCK IMPORTS, FACES NEW DUTY RISKS AHEAD OF NOV. 1
Bloomberg/Transport Topics note Mexico exports about $15 billion in trucks to the U.S. annually and plans to challenge the new tariffs tied to a national security probe. Cross-border truck sourcing and pricing are poised for disruption as duties take effect.
ADMINISTRATION CONFIRMS NOV. 1 START DATE FOR 25% HEAVY-TRUCK IMPORT TARIFFS AFTER EARLIER DELAY
After initially targeting Oct. 1, the White House pushed the start to Nov. 1 amid industry pushback and exemption lobbying. Fleets weighing equipment refreshes now face a compressed window to order around the new cost structure.
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