Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025:
FMCSA to launch study into fatal truck crash causes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is formally starting the process to launch a new study into fatal heavy-duty truck crashes, as required by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).
The agency has announced it will submit an information collection request to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a study titled “Crash Causal Factors Program: Heavy-Duty Truck Study Data Collection.”
The information collected will support the data collection phase of the Heavy-Duty Truck Study, which was mandated by the IIJA. It will collect data from state jurisdictions that were identified as part of a nationally representative study sample of fatal crashes involving Class 7 and 8 trucks.
Under the IIJA, the Secretary of Transportation is required to:
- Identify data requirements, data collection procedures, reports, and any other measures that can be used to improve the ability of states and the DOT to evaluate future crashes involving commercial motor vehicles
- Monitor crash trends and identify causes and contributing factors
- Develop effective safety improvement policies and programs
To meet these requirements, FMCSA established the Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP), through which “FMCSA is pursuing a nuanced understanding of crashes involving CMVs so that policymakers, law enforcement agencies, regulators, and other interested parties can implement effective crash prevention strategies and programs,” the agency said.
The study will collect data aimed at identifying key driver, vehicle, motor carrier, and environmental factors that may contribute to fatal crashes involving heavy-duty trucks.
After the data collection phase is complete, the data will be analyzed to identify crash trends and inform the development of effective, targeted safety policies and programs to help prevent crashes. The CCFP is part of DOT and FMCSA’s heightened effort to address the rising number of fatal crashes and reduce roadway fatalities, FMCSA noted.
American Central Transport hosts fundraiser supporting American Cancer Society
American Central Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 233) last week brought together associates, partners, and community members for its annual Steak Sandwich Fundraiser Luncheon, held at the ACT Plaza Building in Kansas City.
The event supported the American Cancer Society with its theme "ACT Fights Cancer in All Colors." Noting that while ACT continues to stand with the fight against breast cancer, the company recognizes many types of cancer affect families and friends in their community.
The fundraiser drew more than 160 attendees, who enjoyed ribeye steak sandwiches with sides and desserts. Guests also took part in a raffle featuring an assortment of prizes donated by ACT team members and vendors. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales and lunch donations went directly to support cancer research and patient services.
Together, the ACT community raised $7,650 to support the American Cancer Society.
"As a family-owned company, we believe strongly in giving back to the communities where we live and work," said Phill Wilt, President and COO of ACT. "Cancer has touched so many of our lives in deeply personal ways, and it reminds us how important it is to stand together. This fundraiser is more than a meal – it is a reflection of our shared hope, our resilience, and our belief that we can make a difference when we unite for a cause greater than ourselves. At ACT, we see our employees and community as family, and when one of us is affected, all of us are called to act. That is why supporting the American Cancer Society is not just an event on our calendar, but a commitment in our hearts."
Community members and supporters are encouraged to continue donating online. Raffle ticket sales will also continue until Friday, Sept. 19, during National Driver Appreciation Week, when winners will be announced.
The company and its associates will also participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Crown Center.
Mack expands telematics offering to Allison transmissions
Following the successful completion of a pilot program, Mack Trucks today announced the full commercial launch of its integrated Allison Transmission monitoring within the Mack GuardDog Connect telematics offering, now available across all Mack powertrains.
The expanded offering builds on Mack’s March announcement of its partnership with Allison Transmission, which has delivered exceptional results during the pilot phase, the company said.
The original integration introduced direct incorporation of Allison Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data and other parameters into GuardDog Connect’s 24/7 monitoring service, streamlining customer communications by providing one point of contact through Mack rather than multiple sources.
Now, this approach is being made available across Mack’s complete powertrain lineup. Customer feedback revealed 100% satisfaction with the integrated approach, with participants praising the streamlined communications and proactive service capabilities.
“The pilot program results exceeded our expectations,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Achieving 100% customer satisfaction validates our commitment to making Mack easy to do business with. We’re now ready to extend these proven benefits to customers across our entire powertrain lineup.”
The full launch introduces enhanced monitoring capabilities that extend beyond the original pilot scope. The expanded GuardDog Connect integration now provides:
- Universal coverage: Available across all Mack powertrains, not limited to specific configurations
- Retroactive access: Existing customers with compatible vehicles can access the service immediately
- Enhanced diagnostics: Improved fault code interpretation and resolution guidance
- Streamlined service coordination: Single point of contact for all powertrain-related issues
[Related: Mack adds Allison coverage to GuardDog Connect telematics]
