A compilation of news about the trucking industry.
States pass bills regarding predatory towing
Legislation regarding predatory towing is being reviewed in several state chambers to protect consumers, especially truck drivers. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has been working with states to implement standards that safeguard truckers from unauthorized towing.
In Florida, bill HB179 aims to address abusive towing practices by establishing maximum fees and complaint resolution processes. On the other hand, in Kentucky, bill SB107 has been introduced to regulate fees and enforcement in towing companies, while in Mississippi, bills HB1622 and SB2635 seek to regulate unauthorized towing of commercial vehicles.
Similarly, in Missouri, bill HB2214 protects truckers against excessive charges for unauthorized towing. Additionally, two bills in Virginia seek to prohibit towing requests at accident scenes, protecting drivers from being pressured by towing companies in roadside emergencies.

OOIDA sent letter requesting support for the DRIVE Act
OOIDA sent a letter on February 20 requesting support for the DRIVE Act. In the letter, it explained that speed limiters could make roads less safe by forcing trucks to travel below traffic flow, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
The DRIVE Act aims to prevent the FMCSA from moving forward with regulations requiring speed limiters on heavy trucks. OOIDA, representing small business truckers, opposes these limiters and supports HR3039. In total, HR3039 has 36 co-sponsors, while the Senate bill has nine.
The FMCSA is expected to propose in May a requirement for most commercial vehicles to use a speed limiting device. Although the proposed maximum speed has not yet been revealed, options of 60, 65, and 68 mph are being considered, all significantly slower than traffic flow on many U.S. roads. The idea has faced resistance among truckers, with thousands expressing opposition when the FMCSA announced its plans in 2022, receiving around 15,000 comments, the majority from truckers disagreeing with the regulation.

Weekly diesel prices in the U.S.
According to data published by the Energy Information Administration, the national average price of a gallon of diesel decreased by 5.1 cents in the week ending February 26th.
The national average now stands at $4.058 per gallon. The average price of a gallon of diesel by region, according to the EIA report, is as follows:
- Lower Atlantic – $4.120
- Central Atlantic – $4.324
- California – $5.225
- East Coast – $4.185
- West Coast – $4.692
- Gulf Coast – $3.768
- Midwest – $3.961
- Rocky Mountains – $3.999


Indiana Detects Violations During Oversized Load Enforcement Operation
The operation involved state troopers and motor carrier inspectors working together to verify trucks transporting oversized loads in Indiana.

DOT Brings Freight Leaders Together to Reduce Cargo Delays
More than 54 million tons of goods move through the U.S. freight network every day. The DOT brought together over 100 industry leaders to reduce delays and logistics costs through its FLOW program

Pythons Spread to New Areas of Florida, Posing a Challenge for Trucking
The discovery of a new breeding population in Charlotte County, near I-75 and US-41, raises potential concerns for truck drivers, trailers, and logistics facilities across Florida. How these invasive snakes could hitch a ride in commercial vehicles.

Nevada’s Runaway Ramps Save Lives
Runaway ramps on highways help stop vehicles experiencing brake failure, saving lives on the road.

California Highway Patrol Inspections: What They Check on Commercial Trucks and How to Prepare
Learn what the California Highway Patrol checks on commercial trucks in California, including brakes, tires, documents, hours of service, and safety.

Indiana, the RV Capital of the World: The Business Behind America’s RV Industry
Indiana accounts for the vast majority of RV manufacturing in the United States. But behind the factories is a lesser-known business: delivering brand-new recreational vehicles to dealerships across the country. Who are the drivers making these trips, how does the delivery business work, and when is a commercial driver’s license (CDL) required?
