Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026:
ATRI launches Top Industry Issues Survey
Trucking companies can now weigh in on the top issues they face in trucking today.
The American Transportation Research Institute has launched its 2026 Top Industry Issues Survey, which asks trucking industry stakeholders to rank the top issues of concern for the industry along with potential strategies for addressing each issue.
Now in its 22nd year, ATRI’s annual analysis not only ranks the issues overall but also provides insights into how critical topics are ranked differently by motor carriers and truck drivers. The report also allows trucking stakeholders to monitor issues over time to better understand which issues are rising, or falling, in criticality.
“For more than two decades, the Top Industry Issues list has been essential reading for any professional seeking to gain deeper insight into the current state of trucking,” said American Trucking Associations Chair and Groendyke Transport CEO Greg Hodgen. “Compiled annually by ATRI, this report provides a crucial snapshot that identifies trucking’s biggest challenges, sets our priorities, and focuses the ATA Federation’s advocacy to develop commonsense solutions. Just as important, it serves as a valuable guide for influential policymakers who want to understand how they can best support the men and women who keep America moving,”
The results of the 2026 survey will be released Oct. 18, 2026, as part of ATA’s Management Conference & Exhibition to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to complete the 2026 survey here by Oct. 2.
Keller Logistics supports fentanyl awareness in NYC
Defiance, Ohio-based, 315-truck Keller Logistics last week participated in a fentanyl awareness event in Times Square, bringing a wrapped tractor-trailer for National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Aug. 20.
The truck’s wrap featured the story of Jayden Miller, a 19-year-old whose life was claimed by fentanyl poisoning. Approximately 48,000 Americans died from fentanyl poisoning in 2025.
The truck, piloted by Keller Driver Ambassadors Evette Montoya and Geneva Gausman, now sits at the center of a national conversation about fentanyl awareness, co-launched by Facing Fentanyl/ARMOUR Families, Keller Logistics Group, and the American Trucking Associations Trucking Cares Foundation.Keller Logistics
Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics Group, was on-site at Times Square for the activation.
"This is our customer's son," Keller said. "We sent our truck across the country because we understand what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. As a father and grandfather, I know what matters in this world. I know what I would do to protect my children and grandchildren from this crisis. That's what this mother asked of us. At Keller, we call it the Circle of Life: delivering for our people, our customers, and our community. This truck represents all of us who refuse to look away."
The wrapped tractor-trailer is equipped with naloxone (Narcan), overdose response training materials, and resources for families affected by fentanyl. Keller trained 20 Driver Ambassadors stationed across its fleet to recognize overdose signs and administer naloxone.
Truck stops and rest areas are places where vulnerable populations often gather. Professional drivers witness overdoses and can respond with naloxone if trained and equipped. Hope Hits the Highway positions the trucking industry as a partner, equipped, trained, and ready to save lives.
Circle Logistics adds to leadership team with two new VPs
Third-party logistics provider and broker Circle Logistics has promoted Michael St. Julien to Vice President of Sales and Cody Steigerwald to Vice President of Operations.
Both executives joined the company in November 2023 and have led the growth and performance of the company’s Pittsburgh branch.
“Michael and Cody have played an integral part in Circle’s continued growth,” said Karl Filhouer, vice president of sales and operations at Circle Logistics. “Their tenacity, drive for success and commitment to excellence are surpassed by none,”
St. Julien, who most recently served as branch manager in Pittsburgh, moves into the vice president of sales role after building and leading a high-performing commercial team, the company said. In his expanded position, he will direct Circle Logistics’ sales strategy across the organization, deepen customer relationships and lead efforts to grow the company’s book of business nationwide.
Steigerwald, previously director of operations in Pittsburgh, becomes vice president of operations after delivering consistent service execution and operational performance for the branch. In his new role, he will oversee operational strategy companywide, with a focus on scaling capacity, strengthening carrier partnerships and working closely with key customers.
St. Christopher Fund names new leader
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) has appointed Diane Hutsell to the organization’s role of Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy, formalizing her leadership of the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers and their families during times of illness and injury.
Diane Hutsell
Hutsell assumes the permanent leadership role at a pivotal time for SCF as the organization approaches its 20th anniversary and looks toward its next chapter of supporting professional drivers and their families. Since helping its first driver in 2008, SCF has provided assistance to nearly 4,200 truck drivers and their families and distributed more than $5.5 million in direct financial assistance.
At the same time, SCF has expanded its focus on preventive health and wellness programs designed around the unique challenges faced by over-the-road drivers. Its Rigs Without Cigs smoking cessation program has helped more than 1,000 professional drivers quit smoking, with another 160 significantly reducing their tobacco use. The program has achieved a 41% quit rate, compared with a national benchmark of fewer than 9% of smokers successfully quitting in a given year.
Since 2023, SCF has also provided more than 230 preventive screenings for prostate, colorectal and cervical cancers to professional drivers, helping address barriers to routine healthcare created by long hours and demanding schedules on the road. Eight drivers have received positive screening results that led to early detection and the opportunity for earlier medical intervention.
“I am honored to lead St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and continue serving a community I have quickly come to admire,” said Hutsell. “When illness or injury takes a professional driver off the road, the impact on their family can be immediate. I’ve seen firsthand the difference SCF can make, and I look forward to working with our team and partners to reach even more drivers and families.”
