Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025:
Trucking orgs call for delay of EPA's heavy-duty NOx rule
The American Trucking Associations, National Tank Truck Carriers, Truckload Carriers Association and 49 state trucking associations penned a letter Wednesday to the Environmental Protection Agency calling for a delay in the implementation of EPA's heavy-duty NOx rule until 2031.
The rule is currently set to take effect with the 2027 model year. It tightens tailpipe NOx limits to a level 80%-plus below the current standard and reduces the particulate matter limit by 50%. The agency also will require that OEMs extend warranties to 450,000 miles from 100,000 and useful life limits to 650,000 miles from 435,000 miles.
The organizations cited substantial added costs amid already-existing economic and operational pressures facing the trucking industry.
"As finalized, the heavy-duty NOx rule imposes substantial compliance costs and operational burdens at a time when the trucking industry is already contending with historically difficult market conditions," the letter said. "With prolonged weakness in freight demand and inflationary cost pressures, the rule’s 2027 implementation timeline threatens to intensify strain across our industry."
In addition to calling for a delay of the rule, the trucking groups also urged EPA "to conduct a full reconsideration of current heavy-duty NOx standards, allowing for a comprehensive review and public comment on key provisions, including NOx stringency levels, warranty obligations, useful life requirements, and associated technical elements. EPA would need to finalize this review and rulemaking process by the end of 2026 to provide engine manufacturers with the requisite lead time for implementation in 2031."
[Related: Trucking groups slam 'challenging' new EPA rule that slashes truck emissions limits]
Load One receives ‘Spirit of Giving’ award from Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America (WAA) this month recognized Load One Transportation & Logistics (CCJ Top 250, No. 159), headquartered in Detroit, as the ninth recipient of the organization’s James Prout Spirit of Giving Award. As a member of the WAA Honor Fleet, Load One has been helping move the mission since 2010.
The James Prout Spirit of Giving Award is named in memory of James Prout, owner of Blue Bird Ranch Trucking of Jonesboro, Maine. Prout was the first person to volunteer to haul wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery when the program was in its infancy. The award is given semi-annually to a deserving professional truck driver, transportation company or organization that has supported charitable causes in a way that will affect generations to come.
“Load One has been an incredible partner in helping us fulfill our mission. When other companies or owner-operators can’t take a load, they step up, often at the last minute, to ensure every wreath is delivered,” said Courtney George, WAA Director of Transportation & Industry Relations. “They generously block out their broker fees, so we receive services at a discount, and they go the extra mile to make sure every ceremonial wreath is included in the Escort to Arlington.”
George noted that Load One took five loads of wreaths in the 2024 Wreaths Across America effort, “an impressive commitment for an expedite carrier with most of their trucks being sprinter vans and straight trucks,” she said.
“It is incredibly meaningful to be selected for the James Prout Spirit of Giving Award by Wreaths Across America,” said John Elliott, Executive Chairman, Load One. “I have long said, hauling veterans’ wreaths is easily the most sacred cargo we have the honor of delivering each year. I am proud of our team, who step up to volunteer their time, and as a veteran myself, I am honored to play a part in this important mission.”
The trucking industry is vital in helping WAA move the mission to more than 5,000 participating locations across the country. National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. It is a free event open to all.
DOT updates EV charging grant program to streamline process
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on Aug. 11 unveiled revised guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program to streamline applications, provide states with more flexibility, and slash red tape.
The DOT said this move will ensure charging stations are actually built, and federal funding is spent effectively and efficiently. The Interim Final Guidance is effective immediately while FHWA seeks comment on what further changes may be appropriate.
“If Congress is requiring the federal government to support charging stations, let’s cut the waste and do it right,” Duffy said. “The Biden-Buttigieg Administration failed to deliver EV chargers despite their promises. Our revised NEVI guidance slashes red tape and makes it easier for states to efficiently build out this infrastructure. While I don’t agree with subsidizing green energy, we will respect Congress' will and make sure this program uses federal resources efficiently.”
NEVI was established to fund states’ deployment of EV charging infrastructure, but the DOT said existing requirements were difficult to understand and implement.
Earlier this year, Duffy and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) launched a review of the program’s guidance to make the NEVI program more efficient. At the time, 84% of NEVI Formula program funds remained unobligated.
Under the Interim Final Guidance, states should submit their EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans within 30 days of the date of the new guidance.
FHWA is accepting public comments on the interim guidance through Aug. 27.
