HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES DALILAH’S LAW WITH ‘NO ENGLISH, NO LICENSE’ PROVISION
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted 35–26 on March 18 to advance Dalilah’s Law, mandating English proficiency for CDL holders, tightening training-provider oversight, and authorizing funding penalties for noncompliant states. The bill moves to the full House amid strong industry support and partisan debate.
MORE AUTOMATED TRUCKS DEPLOYED ON I-70 OHIO–INDIANA CORRIDOR
Ohio and Indiana expanded their DOT-backed Truck Automation Corridor with three additional automated trucks hauling for Nussbaum, testing ADAS and platooning features in real-world traffic and weather. Professional drivers remain in the seat while safety and reliability are evaluated.
STATES TIGHTEN ENFORCEMENT ON NON-DOMICILED CDLS AND ENGLISH RULES
Alabama, South Dakota, and Indiana moved to verify legal status, require English proficiency, and revoke noncompliant non‑domiciled CDLs, mirroring recent federal crackdowns. New statutes raise fines for drivers and carriers and add in-person verification requirements in some states.
CBP SEIZES 39 PYTHONS HIDDEN IN TRACTOR AT LAREDO PORT
Officers at the World Trade Bridge discovered 39 live pythons concealed in a tractor on March 5, assessing $34,824 in penalties and turning the reptiles over to U.S. Fish & Wildlife. CBP seized the equipment as the multi-agency investigation proceeds.
U.S. DIESEL AVERAGE TOPS $5/GAL AS FUEL SURGE INTENSIFIES
EIA’s March 17 update put national on‑highway diesel at $5.07/gal, with the West Coast at $5.856 and broad increases across all regions. Gasoline climbed to a $3.79 average as global disruptions tightened energy supply.
DIESEL SURGES PAST $5 NATIONALLY; SPOT RATES NUDGE HIGHER IN RESPONSE
Carriers report modest rate concessions as fuel costs spike, though margins remain under pressure; California’s average now exceeds $6.40/gal. Analysts note van, reefer and flatbed spot rates ticked up week over week but lag the fuel surge.
ITC BACKS U.S. TRAILER MAKERS; COMMERCE DUTY CALCULATIONS COMING THIS SUMMER
A preliminary ITC finding supports domestic producers’ injury claims against low‑priced imports, sending the case to Commerce for antidumping and countervailing duty estimates. The ruling could reshape North America’s trailer competitive landscape.
MICHELIN CONNECTED FLEET UNVEILS SMART PREDICTIVE TIRE FOR TRAILERS
The system blends real-time pressure/temperature telemetry with predictive analytics to cut roadside events, extend tire life and improve fuel efficiency. International pilots reported up to 80% fewer tire incidents and measurable cost savings.
NHTSA RECALLS HIT FORD, GM, ARBOC AND MITSUBISHI FUSO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Issues range from rear ABS plumbing and EGR valve failures to software errors and missing electronic manuals, with owner notices beginning in March and April. Fleets are urged to check affected VINs and schedule remedies to maintain safety compliance.
HYUNDAI TRANSLEAD PLANS $450M EXPANSION WITH TWO ILLINOIS TRAILER PLANTS
The OEM will establish two advanced manufacturing sites in Will County, creating roughly 2,500 jobs and increasing U.S. capacity. Initial production is slated to begin by Q2 2027 as the company positions for a market upturn.
ATA CHIEF WARNS IRAN CONFLICT’S FUEL SHOCK THREATENS 2026 TRUCKING RECOVERY
At TMC in Nashville, ATA’s Chris Spear said diesel jumped about $1/gal in two weeks and cautioned DEF availability could also be strained. He called for trade certainty, including a longer USMCA extension, amid rising operating costs.
OLD DOMINION OPENS NEW 65-DOOR SERVICE CENTER IN PASCO, WASHINGTON
The expanded LTL facility adds network capacity in eastern Washington following a multi‑year deal with the Port of Pasco. It replaces an older site as the carrier positions for regional growth.
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