The latest news from the trucking industry in the United States.
Federal Requirements for CDL Medical Certification
The final rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), published in April 2015, requires medical examiners to electronically report the results of Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams no later than the following day, and allows the FMCSA to send this information directly to state driver licensing agencies. This eliminates the need for drivers to physically present their medical certificate.
Although implementation has been delayed twice (in 2018 and 2021) since its publication, the new compliance date is June 23, 2025. Some states, such as Texas and Maryland, have already begun operating under the new regulations, accepting medical certificates electronically from the National Registry.
The most recent delay of the rule was to complete IT systems and give states time to adapt. Once in effect, CDL-licensed drivers will no longer need to carry a physical copy of their medical certificate, although they must continue to carry a paper copy until the compliance date of June 23.

Southern U.S. Border Port of Entry to Cost $150 Million
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $150 million grant to build a new highway and port of entry on the border between San Diego and Baja California. The goal is to improve freight connectivity, border security, and reverse prior environmental regulations.
The project, called the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, includes a new highway (State Route 11) and will facilitate the crossing of approximately 3,600 trucks daily, easing congestion in Otay Mesa and Tecate. It will also fund inspection equipment for customs and security agencies.
Originally funded in fiscal year 2022 under the INFRA program, the project was pushed forward during the Trump administration and is part of an effort to reduce the infrastructure grant backlog inherited by the Biden administration.
California Governor Gavin Newsom supported the project for its economic and job impact. Meanwhile, new highway laws are being discussed in Congress with a focus on state flexibility and bipartisan collaboration.

Associations Question TPR Self-Certification System
Two driver training industry associations, the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, have expressed concern about the lack of oversight in the enforcement of the federal entry-level driver training regulations in effect since 2022.
They claim that many unethical schools continue to operate and graduate unprepared drivers due to a poorly monitored self-certification system in the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) also joined in the criticism, calling for greater oversight, auditing, and the immediate removal of unauthorized providers. Steve Gold, director of the largest network of driving schools in the country, also expressed concern and plans to meet with the FMCSA on April 16 to address the issue directly.
According to Gold, when a driver graduates, their school notifies federal regulators, who then inform the state. The state may issue the commercial driver’s license (CDL), although the thoroughness of the process varies: some states rigorously verify the legitimacy of the school, while others rely on the information provided by federal regulators. So far, only four schools have been removed from the TPR since 2023, despite hundreds of complaints.


NSA Warns of Cyberattacks That Could Impact the Logistics Industry
A joint advisory from the National Security Agency (NSA), the FBI, and 16 other international cybersecurity agencies warns about vulnerable routers and network devices.

Freedom 250 Grand Prix Set to Make History in America’s Capital
Organized by INDYCAR in collaboration with the White House, the “Freedom 250 Grand Prix” will combine high-speed racing with a celebration of American patriotism.

Safe Driver Week 2026 Begins: Stay Prepared
The Safe Driver Week by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), officially began on July 12.

ICE Expands Inspections for Truck Drivers: Required Documents
ICE agents have joined commercial vehicle inspections at selected U.S. weigh stations. Drivers should be prepared to present a valid CDL, vehicle documents, proof of legal work authorization, and meet the federal English proficiency requirement.

Common DOT Violations and How to Avoid Them
Common Department of Transportation (DOT) violations for truck drivers in Texas and California and how to avoid them.

New World Screwworm Cases Rise in Texas as Origin Remains Unknown
Uncertainty surrounds the spread of the New World screwworm in Texas; experts still don’t know how it entered the U.S.
