Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025:
Hino-Fuso merger to be named Archion with 2026 launch
Daimler Truck AG and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced that the previously announced merging of their subsidiaries -- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Hino Motors -- will be named Archion.
The combined business will begin operations on April 1, 2026, based on the final agreement regarding the business integration between Daimler and Toyota.
The name Archion embodies the essence of “arches,” the companies said, representing the connection between the companies and their stakeholders, as well as to each other. “Eons” represents the creation of the future of transportation, connecting to a better life for the next generation. Together the concepts were reformed into Archion.
With the aim of “delivering the future of commercial mobility,” Archion embodies the shared aspiration of Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso, Toyota, and Daimler Truck to contribute to a prosperous society through mobility, the companies added.
The companies said the new name reflects their commitment to enhance business efficiency and sharpen competitiveness through integration, while promoting safe, reliable and environmentally friendly vehicles. At the same time, the Archion Group (Archion Corporation as the holding company, Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino as operating companies) aims to elevate the value of mobility to society.
[Related: Daimler, Toyota agree to merge Hino and Fuso brands]
‘Connor’s Law’ companion ELP-requirement legislation introduced in Senate
A few months after Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) introduced the “Connor’s Law” legislation in the U.S. House codify President Trump’s Executive Order requiring truck drivers to maintain a basic English language proficiency (ELP) in order to operate a heavy commercial vehicle in interstate commerce, companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) announced the introduction of the bill on Oct. 14. The legislation is named after Connor Dzion, an 18-year-old who was killed in 2017 in a crash in Northern Florida by a distracted truck driver who was found unable to speak English or read signs warning of upcoming traffic.
“Wyoming families and travelers deserve safe highways,” Lummis said. “I’m introducing this commonsense legislation to ensure commercial truck drivers operating heavy vehicles can simply read signs, understand traffic laws, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency responders.”
Lummis noted that given Wyoming’s “challenging road conditions, including high winds, winter storms, and mountains,” the ability for truck drivers and law enforcement to communicate is necessary.
The bill would require that drivers “can read and speak the English language sufficiently” to:
- Converse with the general public
- Understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language
- Respond to official inquiries
- Make entries on reports and records
An individual operating a commercial vehicle who is determined by a law enforcement officer to be noncompliant with the law would be required to be placed out of service.
The bill is the latest to be introduced that addresses ELP or non-domiciled CDLs this year. Among them are Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North Carolina) bill introduced this month to codify standards for how states issue CDLs to foreign nationals; a similar bill to Rouzer’s from Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas); and more.
Wreaths Across America seeks more fleets to fill lanes for 2025
With less than two months until National Wreaths Across America Day, the Wreaths Across America (WAA) organization is still seeking truck drivers to join its mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach” this wreath season.
Nearly 20 loads of veterans’ wreaths still need delivery this year on Saturday, Dec. 13. As the program continues to grow, with more than 5,300 participating locations nationwide, there are plenty of lanes available to match carriers’ needs. Open lanes for 2025 can be viewed here.
“The WAA Honor Fleet is made up of trucking professionals who go the extra mile to serve those who served us,” said Courtney George, WAA Director of Trucking and Industry Relations. “By hauling wreaths, drivers honor veterans laid to rest, and ensure the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach reaches every community. Joining the Honor Fleet means making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of veterans and their families.”
Trucking companies joining the Honor Fleet contribute to a worthy cause and provide their professional drivers with a healing journey, WAA said. For veterans or those who have lost loved ones in service to our country, the opportunity allows them to engage with grateful communities and participate in a deeply meaningful experience. Delivering the precious cargo of sponsored veterans’ wreaths is an honor, and WAA’s dedicated volunteers ensure drivers are met with gratitude and reminded of the significance of their contribution upon arrival.
“There are moments on the road with the Honor Fleet that take your breath away. Watching the wreaths move out across the country, with people lining the streets to honor our veterans, is humbling beyond words,” said Graig Morin, Owner and President of Brown Dog Carriers, LLC. “Joining the Honor Fleet gives your team a chance to honor fallen heroes, build stronger bonds, boost morale, and take pride in being part of a company that truly gives back.”
Drivers and transportation companies interested in joining the Honor Fleet can explore available lanes here or contact the WAA Transportation team at [email protected] to start the conversation.
Influential Woman in Trucking finalists unveiled
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has named four finalists for its 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award, sponsored by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers.
Established in 2010, the award honors outstanding female leaders who are shaping the future of trucking and inspiring others through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing women in the industry.
This year’s finalists represent a range of leadership roles across the industry who have made a measurable impact on their organizations and communities, WIT said.
The 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award finalists are:
- Cindy Ellers, Chief Customer Officer, Fleetworthy
- Dee Dee Cox, Vice President of Human Resources, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 9)
- Katerina Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, Fleet Advantage
- Leah Shaver, President and CEO, The National Transportation Institute (NTI)
The finalists will participate in a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo taking place Nov. 9-12in Dallas, followed by the winner announcement.
