EV uncertainty grows

English proficiency enforcement rules are officially in effect. CDL schools are working with their drivers to make sure they can converse with officers, but some industry experts have concerns about enforcement being too subjective. 

Meanwhile, truck dealerships that invested in EVs aren't sure what's next, and trucking may be sleeping on the benefits of hydrogen vehicles.  

And, the next generation of truckers goes for a (virtual) drive.

"Shit, am I gonna be stuck with all these trucks?" The perspective of a California truck dealership, which started selling battery-electric trucks in 2022. When the Trump administration withdrew the state's waiver, halting California's clean fleet rule, customers canceled orders. Now, the dealership is fretting about the fate of its EVs.

It's show time🍿 A new documentary series, Driven: The Heart of Trucking, chronicles the lives of three truck drivers, reminding the public of the hard-working people behind the scenes who keep supply chains running each day. 

Or if you prefer reading... This feature article explores how trucking school instructors are practicing scripts with English phrases to prepare drivers for roadside inspections. English proficiency enforcement, and its classification as an out-of-service criterion, began this week. 

Trucking's next generation. Aim Transportation and the Women in Trucking Association hosted a local Girl Scout troop. Scouts could climb into a cab, try out a driving simulator and learn all about trucking careers.

$1.9 million

The amount Dolche Truckload, a 57-truck carrier, owes to M&T Bank, according to bankruptcy filings. The trucking firm defaulted on its tractor and trailer loan payments to the bank.
Source: Trucking Dive

Are fleets missing out on the hydrogen truck opportunity?

Zero-emission trucks that run on hydrogen face a chicken-and-egg dilemma: Fleets don't want to buy the vehicles if they don't have convenient access to fueling stations. But developers won't build fueling stations until they know hydrogen trucks are being adopted. 

 As a result, hydrogen has been slow to take off in trucking. But that does create an opportunity for early adopters, writes Dmitry Serov, CEO of Hyroad Energy, a hydrogen infrastructure platform. "Forward-thinking logistics providers recognize that early adoption positions them advantageously, as costs continue to fall and regulations tighten."

Why this matters: As Serov points out, eliminating trucking emissions will likely require "multiple complementary technologies. Battery-electric trucks are better for short-range applications, while hydrogen is well-suited to heavier hauls and offers quiet operation and smooth acceleration for drivers." The question is whether fleet owners will adopt these zero-emission technologies at all, or whether current costs, infrastructure and regulations have them sticking with diesel trucks. 

Get more details at Supply Chain Brain. 

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Industry expresses concern over English enforcement

As enforcement of drivers' English proficiency begins this week, many in the trucking sector have concerns about the regulation's subjective nature. One officer might think a driver is proficient, while another officer may feel differently. A trucking attorney said the regulation is "fairly broadly worded," leaving it open to perhaps too much interpretation. 

Why this matters: While English proficiency has long been a requirement for truck drivers, the new enforcement and out-of-service criteria are leading many industry experts to question how exactly the rule will be enforced—and how, in turn, drivers and capacity might be affected if truckers are put out of service. (Transport Topics)

FMCSA projects 7% staff reduction for 2026

Some staffers at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have taken early retirements or voluntary buyouts this year. The agency is also planning reductions in multiple offices and entirely eliminating the Office of the Chief Technology Officer. Altogether, FMCSA expects 7% fewer employees next year.

Why this matters: This comes at a time when there's plenty on FMCSA's to-do list, from freight fraud to broker transparency to reviewing state policies around CDLs. Overdrive's editor poses the question, "With new efforts around fraud ramping up over the last year and more, might the agency need more, not fewer staff?" (Overdrive)

Logistics braces for increased cargo theft risk next week

With the July 4th holiday coming up next week, CargoNet is warning trucking and logistics companies to be on high alert for potential cargo theft. July 1 and 2 are considered "peak risk days," as trailers are sometimes loaded but left unattended before the holiday. Thieves often target products such as appliances and electronics. 

Why this matters: Fleet owners should always take precautions to safeguard the freight they're hauling, but certain times of year and types of goods carry more risk than others. While there's no surefire way to prevent all theft, reinforcing secure measures and theft prevention tips with drivers can help to protect cargo. (The Trucker)

Driver medical certifications ditch paper for digital

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule is now in effect. What does that mean? Instead of a paper-based process to share truck drivers' medical certifications, the system is fully electronic. Roadside inspectors and officers will have real-time access to the status of those documents.

Why this matters: The digital system simplifies the process for motor carriers in that they don't have to send in paper forms. It also aims to combat fraud and errors that can be more prevalent in physical records. The change could result in an operational shift for some fleets and drivers who have continued to use paper versions of the documents. (CDL Life)

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