Trucking news and updates for Tuesday, September 16, 2025:
New Bill Aims to Shield Truckers from Lawsuit Exploitation
Recently, U.S. Representatives Tom Barrett (R-Michigan) and Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) proposed H.R. 5268, known as the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, which seeks to protect truck drivers and companies from lawsuit exploitation.
This legislation intends to grant federal courts original jurisdiction over civil actions related to highway accidents involving commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, provided that the dispute amount exceeds $5 million.
Supporters of the FAIR Trucking Act assert that it reinstates fairness in litigation, curbs forum shopping, ensures national cases are tried in federal courts, and prioritizes justice. The bill specifies that federal courts will handle truck accident cases when these conditions are met:
- The case involves interstate commerce
- The claimed amount exceeds $5 million
- At least one plaintiff and one defendant hail from different states
“American truckers are vital to our economy, delivering goods essential for daily life. Allowing them to be subjected to lawsuit traps in select courts harms business and supply chains,” stated Rep. Barrett. “This legislation aims to promote equitable litigation, empowering truckers and companies to sustain commerce.”
Proponents indicate that personal injury attorneys have increasingly targeted the trucking sector, manipulating the justice system by selecting courts perceived as favorable for larger verdicts.
Almost 14,000 Kenworths Recalled Due to Display Malfunction
Paccar has initiated a recall involving nearly 14,000 Kenworth trucks, which may experience issues with their 15-inch digital display failing to show warning signals or vehicle speed, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This malfunction causes non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards related to controls and displays. The recall affects model year 2024-’26 Kenworth T680, T880, and W990 trucks, which could enter recovery mode unexpectedly, leading to an unresponsive screen.
Dealers will perform necessary software updates at no cost. Paccar has yet to outline a notification schedule for truck owners. Those affected can contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888, referencing recall number 25PACG, while the NHTSA recall number is 25V-569.
New Legislation Aims to Safeguard Livestock During Transportation
Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) has introduced bipartisan legislation designed to protect farm animals from inhumane treatment and disease during long-distance transport across the U.S.
“Federal regulations ensuring humane treatment of transported farm animals have long been ignored,” Titus remarked. “The Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act aims to rectify this negligence, preventing injuries and illness during transit.”
The proposed Act mandates the Department of Transportation and USDA develop a system for enforcing the Twenty-Eight Hour Law, which necessitates that animals receive food, water, and rest after 28 hours of travel. Titus highlighted that while international transport regulations safeguard animal health, interstate transport remains inadequately regulated.
“Extreme transport distances and the hauling of unfit animals exacerbate abuse incidents,” noted Adrienne Craig from the Animal Welfare Institute. “To effectively protect the millions of animals transported annually, we need clear enforcement mechanisms and agency collaboration.”
Orange EV Recalls Electric Yard Tractor Models
Orange EV is recalling around 16 models of the 2024-’25 HUSK-e tandem yard tractors due to potential contact between the driveshaft and the passenger side brake components, which could impair braking performance and inadvertently trigger emergency brakes.
Orange EV service teams will inspect and replace any faulty components at no charge. Owners are set to receive notification letters on September 19. Those with concerns can reach Orange EV customer service at 1-866-688-5223, referencing recall number 2025-SRC-06, with the NHTSA recall number being 25V-571.
