Author: Trucker Talk Radio

Almost 44% of the 16,000 truck driving schools in the U.S. could face closure if they lose students following a federal Transportation Department review that indicated potential non-compliance with government standards. On Monday, the Transportation Department announced plans to revoke certifications for around 3,000 schools unless they can meet training standards within the next 30 days. These schools are required to inform their students about the jeopardized status of their certification. An additional 4,500 schools have been warned they might face similar consequences. Schools that lose their certification won’t be able to provide the necessary documentation to students who successfully…

Transition to Trucking Troy Carroll transitioned into the trucking industry after a successful career in Moto-Cross and team management. After selling off the majority of his team’s equipment, he wisely chose to keep the prime mover, a black Freightliner Argosy. Family Roots in Trucking This decision may have been influenced by his father, Vince, who spent over four decades in the trucking business, instilling a passion for trucks in Troy. “The prime mover was just sitting there, and a friend suggested I get a trailer to start delivering for him,” Troy recalls. He obtained his semi license just a day…

Challenges in the North American Trucking Industry The North American trucking sector has long faced significant issues with driver retention, which refers to the percentage of drivers who remain with a carrier versus those who leave. The nature of long-haul, for-hire trucking often requires both employees and independent contractors to be away from home for days or weeks. This remote working environment, coupled with transit delays (both while driving and at customer locations) and health issues related to lifestyle choices (such as sleep deprivation and unhealthy diets), primarily contributes to both short-term and long-term driver turnover. Turnover Trends in Trucking…

Federal Signal Completes Acquisition of TBEI Federal Signal has finalized its purchase of Truck Bodies and Equipment International (TBEI), a producer of dump bodies and trailers, for a total of $270 million. TBEI’s Brand Portfolio TBEI boasts a collection of six well-known brands: Travis Trailer & Body Company, Crysteel, Ox Bodies, Rugby Manufacturing, DuraClass, and J-Craft. Federal Signal plans to integrate TBEI with its Environmental Solutions Group, creating a unified platform that provides a range of equipment support for maintenance and infrastructure to municipal and industrial clients. Leadership Change As part of the acquisition agreement, Robert Fines, TBEI’s president and…

Appointment of New Managing Director at Volvo Financial Services South Africa Volvo Financial Services (VFS) has declared the appointment of Nina Bratlie as the new Managing Director for its South African operations, set to take effect on February 1, 2026. As the financial division of the Volvo Group, VFS specializes in customized financing, leasing, and insurance services for trucks, construction vehicles, and buses, having served the South African market since 2017. Before this role, Bratlie held the position of Managing Director for VFS in Norway for four years. She brings three decades of experience in the financial sector, working in…

Roger Nielsen has witnessed numerous changes during his 35 years at Daimler Trucks North America. As he prepares for retirement, the soon-to-be former CEO shares his insights on the industry’s evolution and the challenges that lie ahead in an extensive interview. Career Beginnings Nielsen embarked on his journey at Daimler Trucks North America in 1986 as a manufacturing engineer for Freightliner, focusing on wiring harness testing. “I began as an engineer tasked with assembling systems to test new wiring harnesses,” he remarked during a Zoom interview on Feb. 19. “Prior to my arrival, the only testing method was to start…

The Trump administration has mandated that all truck drivers and bus operators take their commercial driver’s license tests in English, as part of a vigorous initiative to enhance safety in the transportation sector and remove unqualified drivers from the roads. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled this latest measure aimed at ensuring drivers can adequately comprehend English to interpret road signs and converse with law enforcement. Florida has already implemented this requirement for its testing. Presently, several states permit non-English language tests for driver licenses, despite requiring proof of English proficiency. California offered tests in 20 languages. Duffy noted…

Updated November 12, 2024 08:18PM Having spent numerous nights sleeping in different vehicles—from Subaru Outbacks to Volkswagen buses—I’ve learned that vehicle camping is an art. Although I appreciate traditional tent camping, my VW Jetta served as a makeshift bedroom for over a decade, allowing me to fold down the back seats and transform the trunk into a comfortable sleeping space for two. At 48, comfort has become a priority for me, so I’ve dedicated recent months to equipping my F-150 Supercrew with gear that rivals my home bedroom in comfort. Since I don’t live in my truck, I aim to…

Choosing the right commercial trucking insurance goes beyond just selecting a well-known brand. The ideal choice for motor carriers and professional drivers is one that fits their operational needs, meets regulatory and contractual obligations, and provides reliable service during critical times, especially when filing claims. Top 8 Commercial Trucking Insurance Providers (2026) 1) Progressive Commercial This option is popular among owner-operators and small fleets due to its extensive availability and customizable coverage options. It serves as a practical starting point for obtaining quotes for common operational profiles. 2) OOIDA (Owner-Operator Focus) Recommended for owner-operators seeking tailored industry-specific solutions, OOIDA is…

Dive Brief: The American Trucking Associations (ATA) called on a Congressional subcommittee on December 2nd to enhance programs that assist veterans in transitioning to careers in trucking. During a hearing for the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Greg Hamm, Vice President of field and government recruiting at Werner Enterprises, advocated for increased funding for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and legislation aimed at simplifying job searches in the supply chain for veterans and their spouses. “Veterans embody values that strengthen workplaces and supply chains,” Hamm stated in an ATA press release. “Employing them is not just charitable; it’s…