Utah Trucking Association Newsletter; August 7th, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • August 14th – 15th, 2026 – Great Salt Lake Truck Show
  • August 22nd, 2026 – Briderland Technical College Equipment Show
  • August 28th – 29th, 2026 – The Basin’s Black Gold Truck Show
  • September 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2026Fishing the Green Experience
  • September 1st, 22nd, 2026 – Smarter Business Summit
  • September 29th, 2026 – Utah Trucking Association 2026 TruckPAC Golf Tournament
  • October 7th, 2026 – Smarter Business Summit

Announcements


Events:








Resources:


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Truckin Hot News:


On August 6, 2026, FMCSA removed the following ELDs from the list of registered ELDs due to the companies’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in Title 49 CFR Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395.

These ELDs now appear on FMCSA’s Revoked Devices list.

Motor carriers have up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs. Motor carriers and drivers who use the ELDs listed above must take the following actions:

  1. Discontinue using the revoked ELDs and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data.
  2. Replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs from the Registered Devices list before October 6, 2026.
Motor carriers and drivers who continue to use the revoked ELDs listed above on or after October 6, 2026 will be in violation of 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)—“No record of duty status” and drivers will be placed out-of-service (OOS) in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) OOS Criteria.
If the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies for its device, FMCSA will place the ELD back on the Registered Devices list and inform the industry and the field of the update. However, FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that these deficiencies are not addressed by the ELD providers.Questions?
Contact ELD@dot.gov.

More Resources from FMCSA

Read and understand the technical specifications in the ELD rule.


Learn more about the ELD rule and what it means for you.


Download materials and information for the motor carrier industry.



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Aurora Launches Second-Generation Driverless Trucks in U.S. to Meet Customer Demand

Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ: AUR), the leader in self-driving freight, has launched its second-generation driverless trucks. Aurora plans to deploy the new fleet across its commercial network, which currently encompasses 10 driverless routes throughout the U.S. Sun Belt, to serve additional customers.


Freedom Haulers will reduce red tape and help veterans transition to good-paying jobs in the supply chain
 
Washington  Today, following the Trump Administration’s announcement of Freedom Haulers, a federal cross-agency initiative to connect military veterans with career opportunities in trucking, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear issued this statement:
 “The American Trucking Associations has long supported initiatives to help more veterans launch rewarding, good-paying careers in the trucking industry.  That’s why we were proud to participate in the launch of Freedom Haulers at the White House. 
 
“For generations, veterans have played a vital role in keeping America moving. The skills developed in military service—leadership, discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and a mission-focused mindset—are the same qualities that define successful trucking professionals.  Freedom Haulers recognizes that connection and seeks to create a stronger bridge between military service and trucking careers.  
 
“ATA welcomes this effort and stands ready to support its success. Across ATA’s federation, motor carriers of every size actively recruit former service members and military spouses to serve as drivers, technicians, safety professionals, and other roles.  Many companies have built specialized programs designed to help veterans translate their military experience into civilian careers, access training opportunities, and advance into leadership positions. 
 
“Trucking moves the overwhelming majority of the nation’s freight, connecting manufacturers, retailers, hospitals, farms, and communities. Veterans who join the industry continue serving a mission larger than themselves: helping to keep the American economy strong and the supply chain running.”

At a White House event today announcing Freedom Haulers, Nathan Meisgeier, president and chief legal officer of Werner Enterprises, spoke about his company’s commitment to military families.

“Werner is proud to offer educational support, tuition assistance, and resource groups to ensure veterans and spouses have the tools they need to thrive,” said Meisgeier.  “These efforts have resulted in approximately 15% of Werner’s 14,000 associates being military-connected.  That’s triple the percentage of veterans in the overall workforce.”

Freedom Haulers brings together federal agencies, employers, workforce development organizations, and veteran advocates to help more transitioning service members discover and access opportunities available to them in the trucking industry.  

Under the Freedom Haulers program, veterans will:
 Be eligible to receive expedited CDLs up to 24 months following their active-duty service, extending the previous waiver period that was capped at 12 months.Be offered CDL training if they never drove a heavy-duty truck during their military service.Have greater access to FMCSA’s Even Exchange program, which allows qualified veterans to exchange a military license for a CDL.


Washington –  Today, the American Trucking Associations announced that Chris Maxwell, president & CEO of the Rhode Island Trucking Association, and Mark Colson, president & CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, have been elected by their state trucking association peers to serve as the chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Trucking Association Executives Council.  
 
“I’m beyond humbled to serve as TAEC Chair and to lead some of the smartest, most passionate people on earth—State Trucking Association Executives—and to join them in making the lives of our country’s professional truck drivers safer, easier, and more efficient,” said Maxwell.
 
Mr. Maxwell previously served as the TAEC vice chair and succeeds Tony Bradley, president & CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association, who recently concluded his one-year term as TAEC chair.  As TAEC chairman, Mr. Maxwell serves as the TAEC representative to the ATA Executive Committee and Strategic Priorities Committee.  As vice chairman, Mr. Colson serves as first alternate should Mr. Maxwell be unable to participate in an Executive Committee or Strategic Priorities Committee meeting.
 
TAEC is comprised of staff executives of state trucking associations and conferences affiliated with ATA.  The purpose of TAEC is to (1) promote the trucking industry, (2) contribute to the improvement of the associations and organizations established to serve the trucking industry, and (3) advance the professional stature and capabilities of the managers and executives of such associations.
 
Mr. Maxwell has been an active member of the Rhode Island Trucking Association since 1987, serving as Chairman of its Board of Directors prior to being named President and CEO in 2011.  He spent 25 years in trucking and transportation safety at a heavy highway contractor and is the recipient of numerous recognitions, including the 2019 ATA President’s TAEC Leadership Award.
 
As Alabama’s top executive for trucking since 2019, Mr. Colson works closely with policymakers in Montgomery and Washington, D.C., to ensure they understand the essential part trucking plays in the global supply chain and its tremendous impact on the state’s economy and the daily lives of all Alabamians.  He is an active participant in American Trucking Associations’ federal advocacy and serves on the Truck PAC Board of Directors as well as the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) Research Advisory Committee.  Prior to leading the Alabama Trucking Association, Mr. Colson advocated for Alabama’s business community by serving in various leadership roles at the Business Council of Alabama, Alabama’s state chamber of commerce.
 
TAEC also announced the 2026-27 regional and ATA Conference Chairs:

ATA Conferences: Jon Eisen, Executive Director, ATA Intermodal Carriers Conference / Vice President, ATA Conferencesrmal comments supporting the proposal prior to the August 29 deadline.  A public hearing is scheduled for July 29.

Region I (NETAEC): Kevin Weeks, Executive Director, Trucking Association of Massachusetts

Region II: Ben Greenberg, President & CEO, North Carolina Trucking Association 

Region III: Liz Icenogle, Executive Director, Kansas Motor Carriers Association

Region IV (WTAEC): Eric Sauer, Chief Executive Officer, California Trucking Association



Washington –  Today, the American Trucking Associations expressed strong support for the Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement (SAFE) Act introduced by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) to combat chameleon carriers.  
 
Chameleon carriers are high-risk trucking companies that are shut down and reopen under different identities—rotating through names, ownership structures, or U.S. Department of Transportation registration numbers—to avoid penalties, enforcement actions, insurance consequences, and public scrutiny.  They often continue using the same trucks, managers, drivers, and addresses while pretending to be a brand-new company. 
 
“Chameleon carriers are a plague on our nation’s highways, putting all motorists at risk while undercutting the vast majority of trucking companies that operate safely and play by the rules,” said ATA SVP of Legislative Affairs Alex Rosen.  “This legislation will give FMCSA a more powerful and proactive tool to identify and stop these bad actors before they can evade accountability by reappearing under new names, ownership, or USDOT numbers. By leveraging advanced automation to flag suspicious registration applications, the agency will be better equipped to detect fraud, close loopholes, and keep unsafe carriers off our roads.  Safety is a priority for our members, which is why we are grateful for the leadership of Senator Young and Senator Kim to strengthen federal oversight and build on the progress we’ve made alongside USDOT to remove high-risk carriers from our nation’s highways.”

“For too long, chameleon carriers have been able to shed their identities, reopen under new names, and escape accountability for serious safety violations.  By exploiting weaknesses in the federal registration system, they have created an uneven playing field where responsible carriers invest in compliance, training, and safe operations while bad actors simply start over with a clean slate,” said Indiana Motor Truck Association President & CEO Gary Langston.  “The SAFE Act would give federal regulators stronger tools to identify suspicious registration applications and stop these rogue operators from operating on our highways.  We applaud Senator Young for his longstanding leadership to improve highway safety and support the hardworking trucking companies that play by the rules every day.”

“For too long, chameleon carriers have been able to change their name, paint over their past, and continue operating while putting the motoring public at risk,” said New Jersey Motor Truck Association Executive Director Chris Lutick.  “The SAFE Act exposes their true colors by giving FMCSA stronger tools to identify and remove bad actors from our highways.  As a critical gateway for commerce along the East Coast, New Jersey will reap significant safety and economic benefits from restoring integrity to our transportation system.  We are grateful to Senator Andy Kim for co-leading this commonsense legislation to enforce the rules and support New Jersey’s motor carriers that obey the law.”

The SAFE Act establishes a mechanism to accurately detect chameleon carriers in the registration process, ensuring they are subject to enforcement for violations under the law.

Specifically, the bill:  
 

  • Requires the Government Accountability Office to study the prevalence of chameleon carriers, examine the crashes and fatalities associated with them, and provide recommendations for strengthening enforcement. 
  • Directs FMCSA to develop, test, and implement an advanced automated tool that identifies applications exhibiting characteristics commonly associated with chameleon carriers, while ensuring final decisions remain with agency personnel.
  • Improves information sharing among federal and state agencies to better detect fraudulent registration applications.
  • Establishes an appeals process for applicants incorrectly flagged by the system and requires an audit of the tool’s effectiveness after implementation.


Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the SAFE Act in the House earlier this year.


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Washington –  Today, the American Trucking Associations announced that Doug Marcello, a shareholder with the Saxton & Stump law firm, was recognized by the Trucking Associations Executive Council with the J.R. “Bob” Halladay Award.

Presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to assist and support the work of the state trucking associations that comprise the ATA Federation, the Halladay Award is only awarded when a TAEC region hosting the annual meeting deems an individual worthy of recognition.  

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Marcello said.“While my name may be on the award, it reflects the dedication and contributions of the many people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside over the years, especially the members and staff of TAEC. I’ve always believed the trucking industry is built by people who show up, work hard, and look out for one another. This industry has given me far more than I could ever repay, and I’ve simply tried to give back in whatever ways I could.”

“From the courtroom to the shop floor, Doug Marcello is one of those unique advocates in trucking who loves the business, loves the people, and fights with all his might to make it better,” said Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association and chairman of TAEC.  “Any time a state trucking association executive picks up the phone and asks for help, he’s there, no hesitation. His knowledge and leadership have made all of us better and more prepared, and his work helping shape public policy has left a lasting mark on this industry and the people who represent it. We’re honored to recognize him with the Halladay Award.” 

A trial counsel in 35 states, Mr. Marcello handles all aspects of the trucking industry’s legal needs.  In addition to his legal work, Mr. Marcello is a champion for the trucking industry’s safety and growth.  He holds leadership roles with trade agencies dedicated to promoting driver safety and advancing the industry, including ATA and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association.  Mr. Marcello holds a commercial driver’s license, and he has contributed to numerous industry publications and blogs to share insights related to the most important topics in the trucking industry.

TAEC established the J.R. “Bob” Halladay Award in 1990.  The award is named after Bob Halladay, who held a long and distinguished career in the trucking industry beginning in 1952 with his appointment as Managing Director of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association.  Mr. Halladay was instrumental in developing legislation in the 1950s and 60s that enabled the trucking industry to assume a vital role in post-war America.  In 1965, Mr. Halladay started a career with ATA, where he would hold a variety of positions before retiring in 1990 as Senior Vice President of Federation Relations.  Mr. Halladay passed away in 2012.


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Washington –  Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act (S. 5058), a bill that would make it a federal crime to engineer a crash with a commercial motor vehicle. This dangerous and increasingly pervasive criminal scheme deliberately puts innocent motorists at risk, all to manipulate the legal system and extract fraudulent seven-figure settlements from reputable trucking companies.
 
“Florida’s trucking industry doesn’t just move freight—it also bears the cost of organized fraud. Staged crashes put innocent motorists and professional truck drivers at risk, while driving up insurance costs for carriers, businesses, and consumers alike,” said Florida Trucking Association President & CEO Scott Perry.  “We appreciate Senator Moody’s leadership in giving law enforcement additional tools to combat these dangerous criminal enterprises.” 
 
“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk.  The frivolous lawsuits these rapacious individuals file against honest trucking companies contribute to soaring insurance premiums and raise costs for consumer goods,” said American Trucking Associations Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom.  “ATA commends Senator Moody for introducing this legislation to close legal loopholes that criminals are exploiting to target America’s hardworking truckers.  By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.”
 
Numerous schemes in recent years have targeted trucking companies, and these sophisticated fraudsters often have ties to organized crime.  One such criminal ring exposed in Louisiana was the subject of a recent documentary.  The saga began when a con artist deliberately crashed into a truck belonging to a third-generation, family-owned trucking business.  Eventually, federal investigators unraveled a vast conspiracy involving dozens of “slammers,” “spotters,” and corrupt lawyers who orchestrated numerous operations that targeted multiple companies.  In an attempted coverup, a federal witness was killed.  
 
The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would provide a strong, necessary deterrent to prevent these dangerous and costly schemes from taking root, while offering critical protections to the motor carriers and drivers who tirelessly power our nation’s economy and supply chain.  Specifically, the bill establishes straightforward criminal penalties not just for the drivers who stage these collisions—but also for the attorneys, physicians, and other co-conspirators who knowingly participate in the fraud to extort victimized motor carriers. 
 
Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives last year by Congressmen Mike Collins (R-GA) and Brandon Gill (R-TX).