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BIG BLACK EAGLE, 1800 W Hawthorne Lane b1, West Chicago, IL (2026)

07/01/2026

Beginning in July 2026, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is launching a statewide awareness and enforcement campaign focused on load securement for vehicles transporting waste materials. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Arkansas Highway Police (AHP) and the Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB) Office.

According to ARDOT, vehicles hauling waste, garbage, and other loose materials are a major source of litter on Arkansas highways. State law requires these loads to be properly secured to prevent debris from falling onto the roadway during transport.

Throughout the campaign, Arkansas Highway Police will increase enforcement efforts to ensure drivers and carriers comply with load securement requirements. Officials emphasized that the goal is to reduce roadside litter and improve roadway safety rather than generate revenue through citations.

Drivers found violating Arkansas’s load securement laws may face misdemeanor charges, fines, community service, and may also be required to remove any debris or litter left on the roadway.

The campaign comes as cleanup costs continue to rise. ARDOT reported spending approximately $9.7 million removing and disposing of litter from Arkansas roadways in 2025, highlighting the financial impact of improperly secured loads.

06/30/2026

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding commercial drivers to stay sober behind the wheel after stopping a semi truck that was traveling well above the legal speed limit for trucks in California.

According to CHP’s Mount Shasta Division, a traffic stop was conducted earlier this month after a sergeant clocked a semi truck traveling at 75 MPH. California law limits 3-axle trucks to a maximum speed of 55 MPH, making the truck 20 MPH over the legal limit.

During the stop, troopers determined that the driver was operating the commercial vehicle while under the influence of drugs. CHP did not release additional details about the substances involved but emphasized that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol.

The incident serves as another reminder that speeding and impaired driving create serious safety risks, especially for commercial vehicles. CDL drivers, carriers, and fleet operators should remember that drug-impaired driving can lead to criminal charges, loss of driving privileges, and significant consequences for both drivers and motor carriers.

CHP urged all drivers to operate responsibly and reminded the public that driving impaired—whether by alcohol or drugs—puts everyone on the road at risk.

06/24/2026

A Montana man has been sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison after admitting to transporting stolen construction equipment across state lines.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, 43-year-old Eric Brandon Wright pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property. The case involved the theft of construction equipment valued at $181,890 from RDO Rental Equipment in Kalispell, Montana.

Investigators said Wright entered the rental facility during the night of August 23, 2023, and into the early morning of August 24, stealing multiple pieces of digging and mulching equipment along with a Towmaster trailer. Authorities reported that he used an employee’s vehicle to pull the trailer away from the property. While the vehicle was later recovered, a motorized wheelchair that had been inside was missing.

The investigation gained momentum in January 2024 after law enforcement received information that Wright was attempting to sell construction equipment on Facebook. The equipment was traced to a storage facility in Lewiston, Idaho, where Wright had reportedly rented storage space.

Although Wright denied stealing the equipment and claimed he purchased it in Missoula, investigators used cellphone records and surveillance footage to connect his truck to the Kalispell rental yard on the night of the theft.

During a separate investigation, officers located the stolen Towmaster trailer at a residence in Dalton Gardens, Idaho.
Authorities also found an electric wheelchair matching the description of the one missing from the employee’s vehicle.

The case highlights the serious federal consequences of transporting stolen property across state lines. For equipment rental companies, contractors, carriers, and logistics businesses, the theft also serves as a reminder of the financial risks associated with equipment crime and the importance of security measures, tracking systems, and cooperation with law enforcement.

The FBI and the Kalispell Police Department investigated the case.

06/23/2026

C.H. Robinson has acquired Illinois-based DeSpir Logistics in a $75 million cash deal that officially closed on June 22, 2026. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening C.H. Robinson’s capabilities in transporting high-value, high-risk, and temperature-sensitive freight across specialized industries.

DeSpir Logistics is known for managing freight that requires enhanced security, strict handling procedures, and specialized transportation oversight. Its services support sectors including healthcare, life sciences, aerospace, data centers, and high-value retail, where shipment delays, theft, or temperature excursions can result in significant financial losses.

According to C.H. Robinson, the acquisition will help expand its ability to serve customers moving critical cargo such as pharmaceuticals that must remain within precise temperature ranges and sensitive data center equipment that is frequently targeted by cargo thieves. The company said DeSpir’s specialized operational expertise will complement C.H.
Robinson’s larger logistics network and fraud-prevention infrastructure.

For carriers and owner-operators working in specialized freight, the deal signals continued investment in premium transportation services that require higher levels of security, compliance, and shipment visibility.

As demand grows for protected and temperature-controlled freight, logistics providers are increasingly focusing on niche services that offer greater control over high-value cargo movements.

DeSpir generated approximately $62 million in revenue during its last fiscal year and operates a logistics network that includes audited carrier partners, security escorts, law enforcement professionals, and cargo security specialists.

The acquisition further positions C.H. Robinson to compete in specialized freight segments where cargo protection and operational precision are critical.

06/22/2026

The Illinois Tollway has unveiled a proposed 15-year, $26.5 billion infrastructure investment plan called Driving Connections, which would fund major improvements across the state’s tollway system through 2042. To help pay for the program, officials are proposing toll increases for both passenger and commercial vehicles beginning January 1, 2027.

Under the proposal, commercial vehicle toll rates for I-PASS users would increase by approximately 30%. After the adjustment, commercial carriers and owner-operators would pay an average of about $0.90 per mile in toll costs across the system. Passenger vehicle drivers would also see higher rates, with tolls increasing by roughly 45 cents per transaction for I-PASS users.

The proposed increase could have a significant impact on trucking companies, fleets, owner-operators, and brokers that regularly move freight through Illinois. Higher toll expenses may affect operating costs, route planning, freight rates, and overall transportation budgets, especially for carriers running high-mileage regional and Midwest freight lanes.

Illinois Tollway officials say the investment plan is designed to modernize and improve transportation infrastructure while supporting long-term economic growth and mobility throughout the state.

The agency will hold public meetings across the 12 counties served by the Tollway system, giving drivers, carriers, businesses, and residents an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed toll increases and other elements of the plan before implementation.

If approved, the new toll rates would take effect at the start of 2027, making this one of the most significant toll adjustments Illinois commercial vehicle operators have faced in recent years.

06/21/2026

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has begun updating software on approximately 330,000 Freightliner and Western Star trucks equipped with Detroit DD13 and DD15 engines to comply with new federal guidance on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system inducements.

The update raises the final DEF-related speed restriction from 5 mph to 25 mph and extends the amount of time operators have to address certain emissions system component issues before reaching the final inducement stage. According to DTNA, the change is designed to reduce unnecessary downtime while still maintaining emissions compliance requirements.

The software rollout began in February 2026 and will continue throughout the year. Trucks equipped with DD15 engines from model years 2021 through 2025 and DD13 engines from model years 2022 through 2025 are included in the update program. New Freightliner and Western Star trucks powered by Detroit engines are already being delivered with the revised software installed.

The move follows EPA guidance issued in August 2025 that encouraged manufacturers to reduce the operational impact caused by DEF-related derates and “limp mode” events, particularly in cases involving sensor failures and other system-related issues. The guidance was intended to provide relief for trucking companies, owner-operators, farmers, and other businesses that have faced costly downtime due to emissions system problems.

DTNA emphasized that emissions compliance remains mandatory and affected vehicles must still be repaired when DEF system issues occur. The company also noted that the software update does not change the inducement logic related to low DEF tank levels, meaning operators are still responsible for maintaining adequate DEF levels at all times.

For carriers, owner-operators, and fleet managers, the update could help reduce disruptions caused by DEF system faults by allowing trucks to remain more operational while repairs are scheduled and completed.

06/19/2026

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially removed the requirement for truck drivers to carry a copy of their electronic logging device (ELD) user’s manual inside a commercial motor vehicle.

Under a Final Rule scheduled for publication on June 22, 2026, FMCSA determined that the requirement is no longer necessary because most ELDs already provide electronic access to user manuals, and drivers are expected to know how to operate their devices to maintain accurate records of duty status.

The agency first proposed eliminating the rule in May 2025 and received strong support from industry stakeholders. Many commenters argued that keeping a paper manual in the truck offered little to no safety benefit and created an unnecessary compliance burden for carriers and drivers.

FMCSA also noted that more than 3,000 drivers were cited for violations related to the ELD manual requirement in 2024. Industry groups pointed out that these violations could negatively impact carrier compliance records despite having no direct connection to roadway safety.

According to the agency, eliminating the requirement reduces regulatory burden without compromising safety standards. Drivers and carriers should still ensure they understand how to properly operate their ELD systems and remain compliant with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, but they will no longer need to keep a physical ELD user’s manual in the truck.

06/17/2026

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has signed legislation that dramatically increases penalties for trucks traveling through Smuggler’s Notch, one of the most restrictive roadways for commercial vehicles in the state.

The new law, S.326, takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is designed to discourage truck drivers from entering Vermont Route 108 in Cambridge, a narrow mountain pass known for tight turns and frequent truck entrapments.

Under the new rules, the employer of a truck driver who is caught using Smuggler’s Notch will face a civil penalty of $10,000, up from the previous $1,000 fine. If a truck becomes stuck and creates significant traffic disruptions, the penalty will increase to $20,000, compared to the current $2,000 fine.

State officials also included stronger consequences for repeat violations. Any second or subsequent offense within a three-year period will result in the penalty being doubled.
Transportation officials are now required to install updated warning signs leading to Smuggler’s Notch to alert drivers and carriers about the increased fines and existing truck restrictions.

Smuggler’s Notch has been a recurring problem area for commercial vehicles despite years of warnings, roadway restrictions, and physical deterrents. Several trucks become trapped there each year, often requiring expensive towing operations and causing major traffic delays.

Vermont lawmakers previously discussed holding GPS providers accountable for routing trucks onto the restricted roadway, including proposed fines of up to $2,000. However, that proposal was not included in the final legislation.

For carriers, owner-operators, and dispatchers, the message is clear: verify routes carefully and ensure drivers avoid restricted roads such as Smuggler’s Notch. Beginning July 1, routing mistakes in this area could result in penalties reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

06/16/2026

A new $3.1 million truck rest area has officially opened along the Trans-Canada Highway 1 near Moosomin, Saskatchewan, providing commercial drivers with a new location to stop, inspect equipment, and take required breaks near the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border.

The facility opened on June 12, 2026, and includes two 24-hour, four-season washrooms with running water, lighting, garbage and recycling receptacles, and parking space for up to six turnpike double semi-trucks, along with additional parking for passenger vehicles.

Provincial officials say the new site was designed to improve safety and convenience for truck drivers operating through one of Saskatchewan’s busiest transportation gateways. The location gives commercial carriers a dedicated area to inspect vehicles, check loads, and comply with safety requirements while reducing the need to stop in unsuitable locations.

The Saskatchewan Trucking Association welcomed the project, noting that the area near the Moosomin weigh scale is an important corridor for freight movement into and out of the province. Industry representatives say improved rest infrastructure helps support commercial carriers as they continue moving goods across Canada and serving domestic and international markets.

Construction on the project began in September 2025. Saskatchewan officials also announced plans for additional truck rest areas, including a future site along Highway 7 near the Kindersley weigh scale and another location on Highway 1 between the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and Swift Current.

For CDL drivers, carriers, and fleet operators traveling through the region, the new facility adds another safe and accessible stop for rest, inspections, and trip planning along a major freight route.

06/13/2026

Law enforcement agencies seized 104 pounds of Schedule II drugs during a raid at a truck stop near Dillon, Montana, according to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).

The search warrant was executed on the morning of June 8, 2026, with assistance from multiple local and state agencies, including the Montana Highway Patrol and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. Authorities reported that three individuals were arrested during the operation.

According to local reports, the seized substances were identified as unwashed poppies that were allegedly being processed and sold as a tea with narcotic effects.

Investigators said the case began after a commercial truck driver reportedly alerted law enforcement while stopped at a weigh station in Lima, Montana, about suspected drug distribution activity connected to the truck stop.

The incident highlights the role that professional drivers can play in reporting suspicious activity encountered on the road.

It also serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies continue to monitor illegal drug activity at locations frequently used by commercial drivers and travelers.

BCSO stated that there is currently no danger to the public as the investigation continues.

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