Trucking news and briefs for Monday, April 6, 2026:
ATA councils recognize top fleets
Two councils within the American Trucking Associations recognized fleets for safety and security commitment at ATA’s 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition Awards Banquet last week.
ATA’s Safety Management Council recognized several fleets and industry leaders for their dedication to safety both on the road and in the workplace. Safety awards and winners include:
President’s Trophy - Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company
- Over 100 Million Miles – A. Duie Pyle, Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 56)
- Between 25 – 100 Million Miles – Red Classic
- Under 25 Million Miles – Alaska West Express, subsidiary of Lynden (No. 74)
2025 ATA National Driver of the Year - Sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance
- Don Carpenter, Old Dominion Freight Lines (No. 9)
2025 Excellence in Safety – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company
- Tennessee Trucking Association
“We’re thrilled to honor this year’s recipients. Each plays a key role in building a safer, more resilient culture throughout our industry,” said SMC Executive Director Jacob Pierce. “From motor carriers to state association leaders and drivers on the road, their commitment is vital to promoting safety, and we deeply appreciate their hard work.”
Separately, ATA’s Transportation Security Council recognized several fleets for their commitment to trucking industry security and loss prevention efforts.
ABF Freight (No. 19) received the ATA Excellence in Security award, and Estes Express Lines (No. 8) received the ATA Excellence in Claims & Loss Prevention award.
“Honoring these fleets goes beyond simply giving awards. It is about showcasing their unwavering dedication to safeguarding people, freight, and the integrity of our industry,” said TSC Executive Director Jacob Pierce. “Their leadership in security, claims, and loss prevention demonstrates the forward-thinking, principled approach that keeps our industry strong and sets a standard for others to follow.”
Former cross-border truck driver sentenced for weapons trafficking
Erhan John Er, 35, of Sarasota, Florida, has been sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison for his role in an international firearms trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced. Er pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2024. made the announcement.
According to court documents, from February to September 2022, Er worked as a cross-border truck driver based in Sarasota. Er agreed to purchase firearms for a Canadian co-conspirator and smuggle those firearms into Canada. In July and September 2022, Er bought a total of 28 guns from firearms dealers in Sarasota and Naples, Florida, and took the firearms across the Canadian border and sold them to his conspirator in exchange for his expenses and $1,000 (CAD) per gun.
Canadian investigators have since recovered 10 of those firearms from crime scenes in Ontario and Quebec. All of the firearms recovered thus far have had obliterated serial numbers, a press release from Kehoe’s office said. Investigators have restored the serial numbers and traced them back to Er’s purchases in Florida.
“Er falsely claimed to gun dealers that he was buying guns for himself, only to smuggle the guns into Canada, where they were used in multiple crimes,” Kehoe said. “Working together with our local, federal, and international partners, this scheme was uncovered and Er has been brought to justice.”
Nebraska’s wildfire emergency declaration extended
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended an emergency declaration previously issued by the governor of Nebraska in response to wildfires in the state.
The original emergency declaration, issued March 16, waived hours of service restrictions and adjusted the maximum load width/weight limits allowed for certain commercial motor carriers operating in the state. It applied to motor carriers hauling feed and supplies to areas within the state and was set to expire on March 30.
On March 27, Nebraska officials requested that extend the emergency regulatory relief from federal HOS regulations.
FMCSA agreed to extend the declaration through April 14 or until the end of the emergency, whichever is sooner. Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency are granted emergency relief from maximum driving time regulations in 49 CFR 395.3.
[Related: Wildfires prompt hours, size and weight waivers in Nebraska]
SEFL celebrates 50 years at South Carolina terminal
Southeastern Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 29) is celebrating 50 years of service at its Augusta, South Carolina, service center.
Located at 1040 Edgefield Road in North Augusta, the service center opened for business in spring of 1976 with 12 dock doors and 10 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 50 dock doors and 48 associates.
“As we celebrate 50 years in Augusta, we’re proud of the positive impact we’ve made in our community and the strong relationships we’ve built with our customers, partners and associates,” said Keith McDonald, service center manager. “Our commitment to quality, reliable service has guided every mile we’ve traveled, and we look forward to continuing to invest in our community and grow together for decades to come.”
To celebrate the milestone, SEFL is recognizing five longtime associates for their decades of service at the Augusta service center:
- 41 years of service: Customer Service Representative Michelle Lowe
- 40 years of service: Pickup & Delivery Driver Andy Lake
- 39 years of service: Driver Mentor Dwayne Lovett and Customer Service Representatives Angie Gardner and Shannon Self
Over the years, the service center has given back to the Augusta community, most recently as part of Southeastern Serves – a program dedicated to giving back to communities across Southeastern’s footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate. Initiatives have included delivering food in partnership with Meals on Wheels and volunteering time to support residents and their families at NHC HealthCare North Augusta.
The Augusta service center was the eighth service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
