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


$75,000 brokers bond rule now in effect
The FMCSA has the authority to suspend the operating license of transportation brokers whose minimum financial security falls below $75,000 After numerous debates, mixed opinions,

Which Trucking Industry Segment Will Grow the Most in the U.S. and Why
Which trucking industry segment will grow the most in the U.S. and why is a key question for investors, carriers, and logistics operators. A new report from DataNexus Market Research points to tank trucking as the fastest-growing segment, driven by rising demand for chemicals, fuels, and hazardous materials

Dangerous Roads: Massive Indiana Crash Involving More Than 10 Semi Trucks Raises Red Flags
Dangerous winter roads, truck accidents, multi-vehicle pile-ups, and low visibility are back in the spotlight after a major crash in Indiana. A pile-up involving more than 30 vehicles, including at least 10 semi trucks, left several people injured and reignited the debate over how to drive safely on snow- and ice-covered highways.

Jerome Powell under investigation as tensions between Trump and the Fed escalate
The investigation into Powell has raised global concerns over a potential threat to the independence of the U.S. central bank. In the new episode of

Road Alert: 25 States Under Extreme Driving Conditions
Road Alert: 25 States Under Extreme Driving Conditions
Snow, ice, strong winds, and low visibility are keeping major highways under active travel advisories. The alert now affects 25 states and calls for extra caution, especially among truck drivers and freight carriers operating along key corridors.

Human Trafficking: A Nationwide Call to Action on America’s Roads
Human trafficking is the focus of a nationwide awareness week aimed at educating truck drivers, motor carriers, law enforcement, and the public about human trafficking, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if someone may be in danger.