Episode 125 Show Notes
This week’s trucking news includes intensified enforcement of regulations, particularly regarding non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), and ongoing efforts by carriers to improve efficiency through AI technology. Additionally, news highlights include a recall of International trucks, industry concerns about cross-border logistics, and the impact of economic factors on job markets and bankruptcies.
Regulatory enforcement and policy
Increased CDL scrutiny: Federal and state crackdowns on non-domiciled CDLs are causing disruptions, with California at the center of this enforcement campaign. Some carriers are already developing tools to screen for and avoid these licenses.
Brake-drag recall: More than 1,300 International LT and RH trucks are being recalled because of a brake-drag hazard.
On these trucks, the exhaust port on the Hill Start Assist valve located outside the frame can become clogged with ice and debris, preventing the release of service brake application pressure.
Failure to release the application air for the service brakes may result in dragging brakes or an inability to safely drive the vehicle out of traffic, which may increase the risk of an accident.
The vast majority of the recall involved 1,241 2023-2026 International LT tractors produced between October 10, 2022, and April 23, 2025.
In addition, 62 2024-2025 International RH tractors built between April 10, 2023, and January 5, 2024.
Cold weather relief bill: Lawmakers are pushing a bill that would allow truck makers to temporarily suspend engine shutdowns caused by cold-weather emissions system failures.
“Operation Bear Cave”: An operation resulted in 37 arrests, including 30 individuals with valid CDLs obtained through states that have faced scrutiny over their licensing practices.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the recent enforcement effort – tabbed “Operation Bear Cave” – was conducted from Nov. 8 through 11. During that time, border patrol agents conducted immigration inspections at over ten locations along the western portion of Interstate 90.
The agency said that over the three days, enforcement officers discovered 30 individuals in possession of valid CDLs issued from California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
Market trends: Despite some seasonal improvements, overall demand remains soft for certain sectors, such as less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.
Bankruptcy and layoffs: Several transportation and logistics companies have filed for bankruptcy, and some carriers have announced significant job cuts, often citing economic factors like customer changes or tariffs.
Trucking exodus: A new report indicates that declining container volumes, combined with trucking challenges, could impact the supply chain in 2026.
Other notable news
Cross-border issues: Mexican truckers have been protesting rising cargo crime and bureaucratic hurdles, which could affect cross-border freight movement.
Fleet transitions: Some companies are pushing ahead with fleet transitions despite regulatory changes.
New truck deliveries: Mack has started delivering its new Pioneer semis to fleet owners in the U.S.
Driver tricked out of $600 in truck driver appreciation scheme
Published: November 25, 2025 Wimberly Patton
A truck driver was tricked out of $600 in a truck driver appreciation scheme by a group of people at a truck stop in Florida last week. The incident occurred at about 3:05 p.m on November 19th in Ormond Beach, Florida. According to Observer Local News, a man knocked on the cab of a 34-year-old truck driver and told the driver that there was a group of people at the truck stop looking to show appreciation for drivers through a $300,000 jackpot and a matching gifting system. The individual said that whatever amount of money the driver showed them would be matched and gifted back to him. The driver then went to the ATM and withdrew $600. When the driver showed some of the men the cash, they began throwing playing cards on the ground, stating that the driver had lost as they grabbed the cash from his hand. The truck driver then became agitated and started yelling, so one of the men directed the driver to go and speak to one of their wives parked on the other side of the lot. When the driver turned around to look for the woman, the men left. The driver soon encountered one of the men again and engaged in another altercation. When some of the other men involved showed up, they slapped the driver’s phone out of his hand and then left in a white Chevy Impala with an Ohio license plate. The driver contacted police and told police that he had been tricked, relaying the story to officers. No further information has been released.
