Trucking News & Updates
November was packed with news that matters to the trucking industry, touching on issues that impact drivers and fleets alike. From ongoing challenges with truck parking to the latest insights from CVSA’s inspection results, there’s plenty to unpack. This month’s roundup highlights the key stories shaping the road ahead, including updates on regulatory changes, safety initiatives, and innovations designed to support drivers and improve the industry.
Grab a coffee and catch up on everything you need to know to stay informed and ahead of the curve.
Safety & Regulations
Sun glare closures begin on I-70 in Colorado – From early November through February, CDOT may close eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill east of Idaho Springs from sunrise to 8:30 a.m. due to sun glare that makes driving dangerous.
Kamloops, B.C., to remove downtown truck routes during six-month pilot program – The six-month pilot project will allow city staff to gain insight into the impacts of the possible removal of truck route designations in the downtown core, according to a news release. The city will also be carrying out a truck route study to assess the large trucks and dangerous goods routes throughout the city.
40 Between N.C. and Tennessee Could Reopen by Jan. 1 – The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced the anticipated reopening of Interstate 40 between North Carolina and Tennessee following severe damages caused by Hurricane Helene. Slated for January 1, the reopening will bring relief to travellers, although the route will operate under modified conditions to ensure safety.
Truck Parking
Iowa parking-only rest area to close until April 2025 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) issued a reminder that a rest area primarily used by commercial vehicle drivers is scheduled to close for the winter.
Truck parking along I-40 in TN will soon be shut down by TDOT “due to trash,” drivers say –
Truckers on Facebook and the CDLLife App say that the truck parking area on I-40 in Tennessee at mile marker 102 now features signs stating that the area will be “closing soon due to trash.” Electronic signs posted nearby have also reportedly shown the message “closing parking area soon due to trash.” Multiple drivers on both social media sites have commented to confirm that they have seen the signs as well.
TxDOT is adding 103 new truck parking spaces – A rest stop in central Texas will soon see more than 100 more truck parking spaces thanks to a $12M project by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Love’s opens 2nd SW Missouri location this year with 61 parking spaces – The store hosts 61 truck parking spaces, eight diesel bays, five showers, a dog park, CAT scale, laundry facilities, and adds about 80 new jobs to the area.
2 new TA Express stores open; add total of 160 parking spaces – TravelCenters of America recently announce the opening of two new locations in Minnesota and Alabama.
Sheetz opens latest store off I-85 south of Richmond, Virginia – The store includes five lanes that offer high flow diesel fuel and diesel exhaust fluid. Sheetz said the new location can be easily accessed by truck drivers from Interstate 85.
New TA Express off I-610 in Houston has 70 truck parking spots – The site offers ample parking, fueling, convenience items, dining options and other services for professional drivers and motorists. This marks TA’s 34th travel center in Texas.
Alabama Pilot opens with nearly 100 truck parking spaces – A new Pilot Travel Center recently opened in Tuskegee, Alabama, adding almost 100 truck parking spaces to the company’s network.
More Trucking News
CVSA blitz discovers violations on 14% of trucks hauling hazmat, dangerous goods – Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspectors discovered violations on 14% of vehicles transporting hazardous materials/dangerous goods (HM/DG) in Canada and the U.S. over five days this summer. Inspectors conducted 3,929 inspections of commercial motor vehicles June 10-14 as part of the CVSA’s unannounced HM/DG inspection and enforcement initiative, according to a release.
Speeding, seat belt use among top trucker violations during Operation Safe Driver Week – Law enforcement officers across the U.S. and Canada issued more than 4,000 tickets/citations and warnings to commercial vehicle operators during Operation Safe Driver Week, a pre-announced safe-driving initiative that was held July 7-13. Passenger vehicle drivers, likewise, were issued just shy of 2,000 tickets/citations and warnings for unsafe driving behaviours.
CVSA sets dates for its annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative – The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set the dates for next year’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (HTAI). In the U.S., the initiative is scheduled for Jan. 13-17. Canada’s HTAI dates are Feb. 17-21. And in Mexico, HTAI is set for March 17-21, 2025.
