Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025:
New legislation looks to cut red tape for farmers during harvest
A new bill introduced in the Senate would ease the process for certain agriculture haulers to renew their commercial driver’s licenses and update classifications for farm equipment.
The “Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act” was introduced by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas). Specifically, the bill would:
- Authorize online renewal for restricted CDLs for farm-related service industries
- Alleviate unnecessary restrictions and penalties by clarifying that ag-related equipment does not contribute to vehicle weight calculations.
“When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates -- they shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads,” Ernst said. “My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles specifically designed for the farm.”
Current regulations in 49 CFR 383.3(f) allow for restricted CDLs for certain drivers in farm-related service industries. That provision allows states to waive the required knowledge and skills tests and issue restricted CDLs to employees in specific industries. Restricted CDL holders are limited to operating Group B and C vehicles, as defined here, with other restrictions.
C.H. Robinson names Carriers of the Year
C.H. Robinson has announced the recipients of its 2025 Carrier of the Year Awards (COYA), recognizing 20 carriers across North America for their exceptional service, reliability and partnership with the brokerage.
The COYA winners range from single-truck owner-operators to fleets with thousands of vehicles. In 2024, this group of honorees collectively hauled nearly 2 million loads with C.H. Robinson, the company said.
“These carriers exemplify the best in the industry,” said Michael Castagnetto, President of North American Surface Transportation at CHR. “But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I also want to recognize the 360 other COYA nominees and the entirety of our 450,000+ carrier network. They help us and our customers succeed every day. We are proud to honor them for another year of exceptional achievements.”
The full list of 2025 C.H. Robinson Carrier of the Year Award winners:
- 1 truck – Jato Express, Channahon, Illinois
- 2-10 trucks – IB & DB Trucking, Avondale, Arizona
- 11-19 trucks – GARESP Transportation Solution, Phoenix, Arizona
- 11-19 trucks – ABR Transport, St. Paul, Minnesota
- 20-74 trucks – MEB Express, Miami, Florida
- 75-199 trucks – Timmons Transit, Jonesboro, Arkansas
- 75-199 trucks – Bettaway Beverage Distributors, South Plainfield, New Jersey
- 200-999 trucks – JIT EX, Memphis, Tennessee
- 200-999 trucks – Trucks For You, Muskogee, Oklahoma
- 1000+ trucks – Super Ego, Chicago, Illinois
- Canada – Load King Transport, Vaughan, Ontario
- Marine Drayage – Whimsy Mt., Prospect, Illinois
- Flatbed – E&R Transportation, Mendota, California
- Intermodal – Genesis Intermodal Services, San Antonio, Texas
- LTL – Southeastern Freight Lines, Lexington, South Carolina
- LTL – Estes Express Lines, Richmond, Virginia
- LTL – XPO Logistics Freight, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Mexico – Transportes de Carga Fema, Laredo, Texas
- Specialized Heavy Haul – KD Specialized, Irving, Texas
- Temperature Control – Aldrich Trucking, Dongola, Illinois
