The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance held the five-day inspection effort from June 8–12, placing 683 vehicles out of service. Across 5,046 inspections, that worked out to a combined vehicle out-of-service rate of 13.5%.

U.S. Inspectors Placed 500 Vehicles Out of Service

Most of the inspections took place in the United States, where enforcement personnel completed 4,122 hazardous materials inspections. Of those, 500 vehicles were placed out of service, resulting in a 12.1% rate.

Another 924 dangerous goods inspections were conducted in Canada, where 183 vehicles were placed out of service for a considerably higher rate of 19.8%.

The initiative also identified vehicles that passed without critical violations. Inspectors applied 1,187 CVSA decals to 794 power units and 393 trailers after finding no critical vehicle or specification cargo tank violations that would prevent them from qualifying for a decal.

Cargo Securement Was a Leading Out-of-Service Issue

Among the violations serious enough to sideline a vehicle, cargo securement was a recurring problem. Inspectors recorded 128 out-of-service securement violations involving conditions that could allow hazardous cargo to move and potentially damage its packaging.

When packaging is compromised, the consequences can extend beyond shifted freight. Inspectors found another 29 out-of-service violations involving leaking hazardous materials or dangerous goods packages.

Proper identification of those materials also drew attention during the initiative, with inspectors finding problems involving placards, markings and labels.

Hazard Communication Problems Led to Additional Violations

Placarding accounted for 197 violations, including 55 that resulted in an out-of-service designation. Inspectors also documented 64 marking violations, 20 of which were out of service, along with 32 labeling violations.

Those requirements communicate information about the hazards associated with the material being transported, making accurate identification important for both transportation and emergency response.

Documentation problems extended to shipping papers as well. Inspectors recorded 265 shipping paper violations, with 57 serious enough to be classified as out of service.

In the United States, another 73 violations involved required emergency response information. Those materials provide information needed to respond to a hazardous materials release, including guidance related to containment and mitigation.

Inspectors Also Found Registration and Credential Issues

The five-day effort identified several other compliance problems beyond the condition and identification of the cargo.

Inspectors recorded 47 hazardous materials registration violations, eight hazardous materials safety permit violations and 16 hazardous materials endorsement violations.

Together, the results provided a broader look at the issues inspectors encountered while examining hazardous materials and dangerous goods transportation, ranging from how cargo was secured and identified to whether the required paperwork and credentials were in place.

CVSA conducts its unannounced hazardous materials and dangerous goods initiative as part of its ongoing commercial vehicle inspection and enforcement efforts across North America.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 21, 2026

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post 683 Vehicles Placed Out of Service During Unannounced Hazmat Inspection Blitz appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The program combines self-paced online courses with a six-part live webinar series beginning in October. Participants can take individual online modules, while the live sessions are available separately and do not require enrollment in the online program.

Online Program Covers 10 Safety and Operations Topics

TCA’s Fundamentals of Safety Management program provides foundational training for people entering safety roles and serves as a refresher for experienced professionals.

The full program includes 10 approximately one-hour modules covering Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, hours of service, DOT drug testing protocols, driver qualification files, dispatch, accident procedures, safety meetings, and safety leadership.

Seven modules are currently available. Additional courses covering safety leadership, driver orientation and onboarding, and medical regulations and qualifications are scheduled to become available over the coming months.

Several of the courses deal directly with issues that affect drivers during everyday operations. The hours-of-service module covers 49 CFR Part 395 and ELD compliance, while the dispatch course addresses communication, problem-solving, and common situations involving drivers and customers.

The accident procedures course covers reporting, investigation, and recordkeeping requirements following qualifying crashes. Another module focuses on creating and maintaining driver qualification files.

Live Webinar Series Begins in October

TCA is also expanding the program with six Fundamentals of Safety Management LIVE webinars for the 2026-27 session.

The first, “Achieve Safety Results through Strategic Marketing,” is scheduled for October 20, 2026. Additional sessions will cover regulations and compliance, safety professional burnout, progressive discipline and retention, coordination between safety and operations, and the connection between maintenance, safety, and driver retention.

Dates for most of the remaining webinars have not yet been announced.

Participation in the online courses is not required to attend the live sessions, allowing trucking professionals to participate in individual webinars without completing the full online program.

Training Extends Beyond Traditional Safety Roles

Although the program centers on safety management, its course lineup reaches into several parts of carrier operations that directly interact with professional drivers.

Dispatch communication, driver onboarding, qualification requirements, hours-of-service compliance, and accident procedures can involve safety departments, fleet managers, dispatchers, and other employees responsible for supporting drivers on the road.

TCA says the program is intended for both people beginning careers in safety management and experienced professionals looking to strengthen their knowledge in specific areas.

More information about the Fundamentals of Safety Management program, individual courses, and upcoming webinars is available through the Truckload Carriers Association.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 10, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Expands Safety Management Training with New Courses and Live Webinars appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Unlike a rear-end collision or a jackknife, a rollover is rarely tied to one decision. The combination of vehicle speed, road design, cargo placement, equipment condition and steering input determines how much stability a truck has at any given moment. Understanding how those factors work together is one of the most effective ways to reduce rollover risk.

Stability Changes Throughout the Trip

A tractor-trailer does not handle the same way on every load. Freight carried close to the trailer floor generally creates a lower center of gravity than freight stacked higher. The higher the center of gravity, the less lateral force is needed before the vehicle reaches its rollover threshold. That is why two loads with the same weight can behave very differently when entering the same curve.

Liquid cargo introduces another variable. Unlike palletized freight, liquid continues moving after the truck begins turning or braking. That movement shifts weight inside the tank and changes how the vehicle responds throughout the maneuver. Studies of cargo tank rollovers have shown that partially loaded tankers are involved in a significant share of rollover crashes because of this surge effect.

Many Rollovers Begin Before the Curve

One of the biggest misconceptions about rollovers is that they begin in the middle of a turn.

In reality, the sequence often starts much earlier. Carrying too much speed toward an interchange, delaying braking until after entering the curve, or making multiple steering corrections before the turn all reduce the amount of stability available once the truck changes direction.

Interchange ramps deserve particular attention because they combine tighter turning radii with changing elevation and shorter distances to reduce speed. Heavy-truck rollover studies have consistently identified ramps as locations where rollover risk is substantially higher than on most other roadway segments.

Small Steering Corrections Can Have Large Consequences

Drivers often associate rollovers with excessive speed, but abrupt steering inputs are another common factor.

A tire leaving the pavement, avoiding road debris, or reacting suddenly to traffic can shift thousands of pounds across the suspension in a fraction of a second. If the truck is already operating near its stability limit, that rapid weight transfer may be enough to start a rollover.

The objective is not simply avoiding sudden movements. It is recognizing situations early enough that sudden movements are unnecessary.

Equipment Condition Supports Vehicle Stability

Suspension components, tires, and brakes all influence how weight transfers across a tractor-trailer.

Uneven brake performance can change vehicle balance during deceleration, while worn suspension parts reduce the system’s ability to control body movement through curves. Tire condition also plays a role by affecting how consistently the truck responds to steering inputs.

These systems may not attract much attention during routine driving, but they become critical when the vehicle approaches its handling limits.

Technology Cannot Overcome Physics.

Modern tractors often include electronic stability control and roll stability systems that monitor steering angle, wheel speed, and lateral acceleration. When those systems detect conditions associated with a potential rollover, they can reduce engine power or selectively apply the brakes to help stabilize the vehicle.

Those systems are valuable, but they are designed to assist the driver rather than replace good driving habits. They cannot compensate for excessive speed entering a curve or a load that has already shifted beyond the vehicle’s stability limits.

Building Better Habits Behind the Wheel

Rollover prevention starts well before a truck reaches an exit ramp. Knowing how freight has been loaded, reducing speed before entering curves, looking farther ahead in traffic and keeping suspension, brake and tire components in good condition all contribute to vehicle stability. None of those decisions guarantees a rollover will never occur, but together they provide the driver with more margin when road or traffic conditions change unexpectedly.

Most rollover crashes develop through a series of small events rather than one dramatic mistake. Recognizing those events early gives drivers the best opportunity to keep the truck stable and continue the trip safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes most truck rollovers?

Most truck rollovers involve a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Speed entering curves, cargo placement, abrupt steering inputs, vehicle condition, and road geometry all influence stability.

Why are tanker trailers more susceptible to rollovers?

Liquid cargo continues moving during turns and braking, changing the trailer’s center of gravity throughout the maneuver. That movement makes tanker combinations more sensitive to weight transfer than trailers carrying solid freight.

Do truck rollovers only happen on curves?

No. While curves and ramps are common locations, some rollovers begin after drivers overcorrect when recovering from a tire leaving the pavement or making an emergency steering maneuver.

Can electronic stability control prevent every rollover?

No. Stability systems can reduce rollover risk, but they cannot overcome excessive speed, poor load distribution or severe steering inputs.

How can drivers reduce rollover risk?

Maintaining appropriate speed, understanding how cargo affects vehicle handling, avoiding abrupt steering corrections, and keeping the truck in good mechanical condition all help preserve vehicle stability.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 31, 2026

The post Understanding Truck Rollovers and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

International Roadcheck took place May 12-14 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. During the event, inspectors completed 54,575 commercial vehicle inspections and identified thousands of vehicle and driver violations.

More Than 13,500 Out-of-Service Orders Issued

According to CVSA, inspectors placed 10,350 commercial vehicles and 3,184 drivers out of service after identifying violations that required corrective action before the vehicle or driver could continue operating.

Inspectors documented 11,952 vehicle out-of-service violations in the United States, 1,923 in Canada, and 49 in Mexico. Driver inspections resulted in 3,806 out-of-service violations in the United States and 163 in Canada. Mexico reported no driver out-of-service violations.

Because a single inspection can uncover multiple violations, the number of violations exceeded the number of vehicles and drivers placed out of service.

For comparison, the 2025 International Roadcheck resulted in 10,148 vehicles and 3,342 drivers being placed out of service.

Missing Medical Certificates Led Driver Violations

The most common reason drivers were placed out of service during this year’s inspection campaign was failing to have a valid medical examiner’s certificate.

Inspectors issued 1,072 out-of-service violations for missing medical certificates, representing 27% of all driver out-of-service violations. Every one of those violations occurred in the United States.

Other leading driver violations included:

• Hours-of-service violations: 929
• Operating without a commercial driver’s license: 620
• English language proficiency violations: 361
• False duty status records: 266

CVSA also made electronic logging device compliance the driver focus area for this year’s Roadcheck. Inspectors issued 146 out-of-service violations involving electronic logging device tampering, falsification or manipulation, making it the seventh most common driver out-of-service violation identified during the inspection campaign.

In addition, inspectors cited 667 commercial drivers for failing to wear a seat belt during the event.

Brake Violations Remained the Leading Vehicle Issue

Brake-related defects continued to account for the largest share of vehicle out-of-service violations.

Inspectors identified 3,379 brake system violations, representing 24.3% of all vehicle out-of-service violations. Another 2,072 violations involved vehicles with at least 20% defective brakes.

Combined, those two categories accounted for 5,451 brake-related out-of-service violations, or 39.1% of all vehicle out-of-service violations reported during International Roadcheck 2026.

This year’s vehicle emphasis area focused on cargo securement. Inspectors identified 1,724 cargo securement violations serious enough to place vehicles out of service, making it the fourth most common vehicle violation during the enforcement campaign.

Hazardous Materials Inspections Also Conducted

Inspectors completed 2,590 inspections involving vehicles transporting hazardous materials or dangerous goods.

Those inspections resulted in 368 vehicle out-of-service violations and 63 driver out-of-service violations involving hazardous materials transportation.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 31, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post International Roadcheck 2026 Results Show More Than 10,000 Trucks Placed Out of Service appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual enforcement initiative combines routine roadside inspections with a targeted review of brake systems. Commercial vehicles found with brake-related out-of-service violations, or any other out-of-service condition, can be placed out of service until the defects are repaired.

Inspectors Are Looking Beyond Routine Brake Checks

Every Brake Safety Week includes inspections of the entire braking system, but CVSA selects one component each year for additional emphasis. In 2026, inspectors are paying closer attention to brake drums and rotors because defects in those components can reduce braking performance and create hazards if broken pieces separate from a moving vehicle.

Brake drums should be free of cracks, missing sections, and excessive wear, while rotors are being evaluated for issues such as cracking, heavy rust, exposed cooling vents, and metal-to-metal contact caused by worn brake pads. Those are conditions drivers can often identify before leaving the yard through a careful vehicle inspection.

Roadside Inspections Continue Through the End of the Week

Brake Safety Week is conducted by CVSA-certified inspectors in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Although the campaign highlights brake systems, inspectors may also identify other out-of-service violations during a roadside inspection. Any vehicle placed out of service cannot return to operation until the required repairs have been completed.

Inspection activity typically increases awareness of brake maintenance across the industry, making this an ideal time for fleets and owner-operators to review inspection records, maintenance schedules and recent driver vehicle inspection reports.

Small Defects Can Become Larger Problems

Brake drums and rotors are exposed to significant heat and stress every time a commercial vehicle slows or stops. Over time, repeated braking can contribute to cracks, excessive wear, and other damage that may not be immediately noticeable without a thorough inspection.

CVSA encourages drivers to examine visible brake components during pre-trip and post-trip inspections, document any concerns on driver vehicle inspection reports, and report defects so repairs can be completed before equipment returns to service. The organization also recommends following brake manufacturers’ repair and maintenance specifications whenever replacement parts are installed.

Inspection Results Will Be Released Later This Year

As Brake Safety Week wraps up, inspectors will submit inspection and violation data to CVSA for analysis. The alliance plans to release the campaign’s results later this year, providing a snapshot of brake-related violations identified during this year’s enforcement effort across North America.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 27, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Continues with Added Focus on Brake Drums and Rotors appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The conference is scheduled for Sept. 9-11 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in ChampionsGate, Florida.

According to NPTC, the three-day program will feature educational sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to help fleet managers address today’s most pressing safety and regulatory challenges.

Conference Will Focus on Fleet Safety Strategies

NPTC said this year’s agenda has been developed around current issues affecting private fleet operations, with presentations aimed at providing practical solutions that attendees can implement within their own organizations.

The conference will include expert-led discussions covering safety management, fleet security and operational best practices, along with opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas with industry peers and subject matter experts.

National Driver All-Star Awards to Highlight the Event

One of the conference’s featured events will be the presentation of the National Driver All-Star Awards, NPTC’s annual recognition program honoring outstanding private fleet drivers from across the United States.

Co-sponsored by International Motors and Centerline Drivers, the awards recognize drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, customer service, regulatory compliance, company standards and community involvement.

The awards will be presented during a special luncheon held as part of the conference.

Regulatory and Industry Updates Planned

Attendees will also receive an update on federal transportation policy from NPTC General Counsel Rick Schweitzer, who is scheduled to present the association’s annual Washington Report covering recent legislative and regulatory developments affecting private fleets.

In addition, NPTC Executive Vice President Tom Moore, CTP, will review findings from the organization’s newly released Annual Benchmarking Survey Report, which examines trends and performance metrics across the private fleet industry.

Registration Open Ahead of September Event

All conference activities will take place at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Additional information about registration, conference programming, and hotel accommodations is available through the National Private Truck Council.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 26, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: NPTC

The post NPTC to Host 2026 National Safety Conference in Florida appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Cash will be honored during the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando in September, where he will receive a $5,000 award and a crystal trophy during the organization’s awards luncheon on Sept. 23.

The annual International Driver Excellence Award recognizes a professional commercial motor vehicle driver who demonstrates exceptional commitment to highway safety, professionalism and career achievement.

More Than Two Decades Transporting Radioactive Waste

Throughout his driving career, Cash has hauled a wide variety of freight, including fuel, milk, refrigerated freight, flatbed loads and bulk commodities. For the past 23 years, however, he has specialized in transporting legacy radioactive waste for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) program near Carlsbad, New Mexico.

The WIPP facility is the nation’s only permanent repository for transuranic radioactive waste generated through U.S. atomic energy defense activities. According to CVSA, Cash is one of just 36 professional drivers in the United States authorized to transport those shipments between Department of Energy facilities and the WIPP site.

Selection for the role requires an exceptional driving record and extensive background screening because of the highly regulated nature of the cargo.

More Than 1,000 Level VI Inspections

Transporting radioactive materials also subjects drivers to one of the trucking industry’s most rigorous inspection programs.

During the past three years alone, Cash has completed more than 195 CVSA Level VI inspections. Unlike standard roadside inspections, Level VI inspections are conducted before radioactive shipments begin their trip and include detailed examinations of the driver, vehicle, and cargo. Any defect must be corrected before the shipment is allowed to proceed.

Cash estimates he has completed well over 1,000 Level VI inspections during his 23 years transporting radioactive waste.

A Career Built on Mentorship

In addition to his driving responsibilities, Cash serves as a senior lead driver within the WIPP program, where he evaluates driver applicants, conducts road tests, trains newly hired drivers and mentors fellow professional drivers.

CVSA said his willingness to share knowledge and help develop future drivers was an important factor in this year’s selection.

“Mr. Cash represents the very best of the commercial motor vehicle industry,” CVSA President Maj. Erick McGuire of the Florida Highway Patrol said in announcing the award. “His extraordinary career reflects an unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism and mentorship. More than four decades of crash-free driving, millions of safe miles, and his willingness to share his knowledge with new and incoming professional drivers make him the perfect person to receive the International Driver Excellence Award.”

Mike Savage, director of safety for CAST Specialty Transportation, said Cash’s performance has helped shape the company’s hiring and training programs.

“In fact, Tommy has set the bar so high that we’ve had to adapt hiring and training standards further to keep up with his superior performance,” Savage said.

Advice for the Next Generation of Drivers

Cash credited much of his success to the people who trained him early in his career.

“I was taught by great teachers,” he said after learning he had been selected for the award.

When asked what advice he would give other professional drivers, Cash emphasized maintaining awareness beyond the immediate area around the truck.

“Be aware not just of what’s right in front of your truck, but what’s ahead of your truck — further down the road — and what’s going on behind your truck too,” he said.

Outside of trucking, Cash supports the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and participates in the Department of Energy’s WIPP community outreach program, helping educate communities and first responders about the transportation of radioactive waste.

His previous honors include being named CAST Specialty Transportation’s Driver of the Year and earning recognition as one of the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year.

The 2026 International Driver Excellence Award is sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance. Nominations for the 2027 award are expected to open in spring 2027.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 24, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: CVSA

The post CAST Specialty Transportation Driver Receives CVSA’s 2026 International Driver Excellence Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The awards celebrate individuals and companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance in commercial vehicle safety, maintenance and professionalism while highlighting the role that drivers, technicians and fleet safety programs play in reducing crashes and improving highway safety.

“The individuals and organizations recognized at TXTA’s Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon represent the very best of the trucking industry,” TXTA President and CEO John D. Esparza said in a statement. “Their commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence helps strengthen our industry and protect everyone who shares the road. We are honored to recognize these outstanding leaders for the example they set every day.”

Driver of the Year Honors Professional Excellence

Kevin Mann Sr. of Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport was named the 2026 TXTA Driver of the Year, an award sponsored by Tenstreet.

The association selects its Driver of the Year from nominees submitted by member companies. Drivers are evaluated using several factors, including accident-free driving history, professionalism, consistency, and years of service. As the state recipient, Mann will represent Texas in the American Trucking Associations’ National Driver of the Year competition.

Safety Leadership Awards Recognize Industry Contributions

Several individuals were recognized for their contributions to safety management and the trucking industry.

Jay Ferguson of McRay Crane & Rigging received the Distinguished Safety Award, sponsored by Bair Hilty P.C. and Transafe Inc., recognizing leadership in promoting fleet safety and protecting lives and property.

The C.H. Cheshire Award, sponsored by Commercial Fleet Data Systems, was presented to Sgt. Tim Davis of the Texas Department of Public Safety for his support of the TXTA Safety Management Council and his efforts to promote safer highways throughout Texas.

Bethany Hobbs of Lee Trans received the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Service, honoring her dedication to the Safety Management Council, the trucking industry and the motoring public.

Robert Pontious of Pressure Systems International earned the Fleet Maintenance Council Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding service and leadership within the commercial vehicle maintenance profession.

Texas Crowns Its Top Truck Driving Champions

The association also announced winners of the 2026 Texas State Truck Driving Championships, where professional drivers compete in written examinations, pre-trip inspections and driving skills competitions.

Matthew “Logan” Montandon of FedEx earned the title of State Grand Champion after also winning the Straight Truck division.

Division champions included:

• Flatbed: Juan Martinez, H-E-B
• Step Van: Joshua Tamayo, FedEx
• Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart
• Tank Truck: Aryn Pittaway, FedEx
• Twin Trailers: Ronald “Ronnie” Ramon, H-E-B
• Five-Axle Van: Andres Garcia, FedEx Freight
• Four-Axle Van: Edward “Eddie” Camacho, H-E-B
• Three-Axle Van: David McNeeley, Old Dominion Freight Line

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers Recognized

The annual Texas Challenge competition also honored outstanding commercial vehicle enforcement personnel.

Corporal Kaleb Rains of the Texas Department of Public Safety was named DPS Grand Champion, while Justin Scott of the Houston Police Department earned MCSAP Grand Champion honors.

Technician Competition Highlights Maintenance Excellence

TXTA also recognized the state’s top heavy-duty commercial vehicle technicians through its Technician of the Year Contest, which has showcased maintenance professionals since 1982.

Competitors complete hands-on testing and technical evaluations designed to measure diagnostic ability, repair knowledge and problem-solving skills.

The 2026 top finishers were:

1. Wesley Salley, FedEx Freight
2. Chris Gerrald, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment
3. Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
4. Brandon McNeil, Old Dominion Freight Line
5. Micah Atkins, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment

Truck Safety Contest Recognizes Fleet Performance

Chalk Mountain Services of Texas earned Grand Champion honors in the 2026 TXTA Truck Safety Contest, sponsored by Great West.

The annual competition recognizes member carriers with the lowest overall accident frequency rates while promoting strong safety cultures and proactive fleet safety programs.

Category winners included:

• Intercity Under 2.5 Million Miles: W.M. Dewey & Son Inc.
• Intercity 5-10 Million Miles: ABF Freight
• Intercity Over 20 Million Miles: Old Dominion Freight Line
• Local Under 1 Million Miles: W.M. Dewey & Son Inc.
• Local 1-5 Million Miles: SWTO LLC (7-Eleven)
• Local 5-10 Million Miles: Gulfmark Energy Inc.
• Local Over 10 Million Miles: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas LLC

The Texas Trucking Association said the contest recognizes fleets that achieve the lowest accident frequency rates while demonstrating a long-term commitment to safe operations through training, maintenance, and professional driving practices.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 21, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Tyler Schmitt

The post Texas Trucking Association Honors Drivers, Carriers and Technicians for Safety Excellence appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail beginning in October, and all repairs will be completed at no cost through authorized dealerships.

Volvo Recalls More Than 1,800 Trucks

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 1,851 model-year 2027 VNL and VNR trucks because the center roof marker lights may fail to illuminate.

According to NHTSA, the issue means the affected trucks may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, which establishes requirements for vehicle lighting and reflective equipment. Marker lights help improve a commercial vehicle’s visibility to other motorists, particularly during nighttime and low-light conditions.

Volvo dealers will replace the center roof marker light assembly free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 5, 2026. Drivers or fleet owners with questions can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586 and reference recall number RVXX2608. Affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) can also be searched through NHTSA’s online recall database.

Mack Issues Similar Recall for Anthem and Pioneer Models

Mack Trucks has announced a similar recall covering 513 model-year 2027 Anthem AN and Pioneer PR trucks.

Like the Volvo recall, the center roof marker lights may fail to illuminate, creating a potential noncompliance with FMVSS No. 108.

Dealers will replace the affected marker light assembly at no charge, and owner notification letters are also expected to be mailed on October 5, 2026.

Owners can contact Mack customer service at 800-866-1177 and reference recall number SC0498. VINs included in the recall can be verified through NHTSA.

International Recalls Trucks Over Windshield Wiper Issue

International Motors is recalling 49 model-year 2027 HV, HX, LT, MV, and RH trucks because a retaining nut within the windshield wiper assembly may loosen over time.

If the retaining nut loosens, both windshield wipers can disconnect from the motor, reducing visibility during rain or other adverse weather conditions.

To correct the issue, dealers will tighten the wiper motor drive nut along with three motor mounting bolts at no cost to vehicle owners.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 5, 2026. International customers can contact the manufacturer’s customer service department at 331-332-5000 and reference recall number 26513.

How Drivers Can Check if Their Truck Is Included

Drivers and fleet managers can determine whether a specific vehicle is included in any active recall by entering the truck’s VIN into NHTSA’s online recall lookup tool. Even if a truck appears to be operating normally, manufacturers recommend having recall repairs completed as soon as parts and dealer appointments become available.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 20, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post NHTSA Announces Commercial Truck Recalls Affecting Volvo, Mack and International Models appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Taylor received the award after assisting a trafficking victim in 2018 and now serves on the TAT Advisory Committee, where he continues supporting the organization’s mission to educate transportation professionals about recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking.

“Freedom is a privilege that every human being should have, and being identified with a freedom fighter like Harriet Tubman enriched my life to keep that fight alive at all costs,” Taylor said.

Why Professional Drivers Can Make a Difference

According to Taylor, professional drivers are in a unique position because they travel through cities, rural communities, truck stops and highways across the country, allowing them to observe situations that others may never encounter.

“We have eyes all over the road, on city streets, neighborhoods and all over,” Taylor said. “Everything in the country is delivered by trucks, which means there are a set of eyes everywhere.”

He added that drivers are accustomed to staying alert throughout the workday and often notice activity that appears out of place.

Training Helps Drivers Recognize Warning Signs

Taylor said TAT’s training gives drivers practical information about recognizing potential trafficking situations and understanding how to respond appropriately.

Rather than encouraging drivers to intervene directly, TAT emphasizes observing suspicious activity, documenting details when it is safe to do so, and reporting concerns to law enforcement through the appropriate channels.

According to the organization, its educational resources include online training, refresher courses and a mobile app designed to help transportation professionals identify potential warning signs and understand recommended reporting procedures.

A Life-Changing Experience

Taylor said assisting the trafficking victim in 2018 changed his perspective on the issue.

“The incident with a trafficking victim changed my life,” he said. “Human trafficking didn’t feel real until you heard about their life dealing with it.”

A U.S. military veteran, Taylor said he has long believed in helping people in need whenever possible, adding that his experience reinforced the importance of remaining aware of situations that may require law enforcement assistance.

Free Resources Available for Drivers

TAT offers free training materials for transportation professionals, including on-demand online courses, refresher training, and a mobile application available for Apple and Android devices in multiple languages.

According to TAT, individual training courses take approximately 35 minutes or less to complete and are available to both individual drivers and companies that choose to train their employees.

Additional information about TAT’s training resources is available on the organization’s website.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 12, 2026

Source: The Trucker, Lyn Leeburg

Image Source: TAT, Arian Taylor, Lyn Leeburg

The post TAT Highlights Truck Driver’s Role in Combating Human Trafficking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.