This week in trucking: Paper medical certs extended, chameleon carriers exposed
Here are the headlines from this week in trucking as of April 16.
Listen to the news on this week's episode of The Fleet Lead podcast here or search for The Fleet Lead on your favorite podcast app.
Summaries of the stories are below:
Drivers’ paper medical card exemption extended to October
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is still trying to switch to digital commercial driver medical cards, but the agency just issued another six-month exemption for paper cards. A paper copy of a medical examiner’s certificate will now be admissible until October 11.
FMCSA allowing some states to reissue non-domiciled CDLs
FMCSA has permitted multiple states to begin reissuing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses. Many states had been prohibited from issuing non-domiciled CDLs when, six months ago, the motor carrier regulator began a crackdown on how states issue the licenses.
According to one estimate, the states that are currently allowed to reissue non-domiciled licenses likely include North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Texas, Delaware, Utah, Rhode Island, Minnesota, and New Jersey.
Meanwhile, FMCSA also just announced that it is withholding $73 million in federal highway funding from the State of New York for allegedly failing to revoke its illegally issued non-domiciled CDLs.
Episode of ‘60 Minutes’ focuses on chameleon carriers
One of trucking’s sketchiest parties—chameleon carriers—fell under a national spotlight. A recent “60 Minutes” episode highlights trucking operations that frequently change their DOT numbers to evade enforcement. The 13-minute feature pays special attention to Super Ego, a network of foreign-owned brokers, lessors, and carriers.
Private equity acquired Carrier Logistics
Private equity firm STG has acquired the less-than-truckload TMS provider Carrier Logistics (CLI). The firm plans to pivot CLI to focus on “AI-first strategy,” such as developing AI agents for routine operations. The money behind the acquisition was not disclosed.
Proposed bill would increase minimum insurance requirements
Congressional lawmakers are suggesting that the government increase motor carriers’ minimum required liability insurance coverage. A bill introduced by two Democratic lawmakers, the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act, would increase the minimum from $750,000 to $5 million. Though the vast majority of these types of introduced bills do not become law.
In fuel this week, diesel prices fell by 4 cents
The national average on-highway diesel price fell to $5.61 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Brent crude oil futures are still higher than before the war in Iran but for now remain soundly below $100 per barrel.
About the Author
Jeremy Wolfe
Editor
Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.