Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025:
Weight limit exemption for Iowa ag haulers extended
Truck drivers in Iowa who qualify for the state’s harvest proclamation related to weight limits and the transportation of grain, fertilizer and manure now have more time to operate under the exemption.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has extended the proclamation through Nov. 17. It was previously set to expire on Oct. 18.
The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of the proclamation.
The proclamation applies to loads of the listed commodities transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and those that:
- Do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight
- Do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5%
- Do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds
- Comply with posted limits on roads and bridges
[Related: Harvest proclamation issued in Iowa allowing heavier hauls for select commodities]
Old Dominion announces general rate increase
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 9) has announced a general rate increase (GRI) of 4.9% applicable to rates established under the existing ODFL 559, 670, and 550 tariffs. The new rates will take effect Nov. 3.
ODFL Vice President of Pricing Services Todd A. Polen said the company “must continue to enhance our high-quality service network and systems.” Polen added that the “GRI will affect our class tariffs and is intended to partially offset the rising costs of real estate, new equipment, technology investments, and competitive employee wage and benefit packages.”
Although the GRI will impact each customer differently based on specific shipment lanes and distance traveled, it is consistent with our long-term yield management philosophy and the overall impact of the increase is anticipated to be approximately 4.9%,” Polen concluded. “The GRI also provides for a nominal increase in minimum charges with respect to intrastate, interstate and cross border lanes.”
TCA opens Professional Drivers of the Year nomination period
The Truckload Carriers Association is now accepting nominations for its 2026 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year program. Submissions will be accepted through Dec. 5.
The annual awards program honors five outstanding professional truck drivers, each of whom will receive a $20,000 cash prize and be recognized at TCA events and across official industry publications throughout the year.
To qualify, nominees must be employed by a TCA carrier member and nominated by their employer. Ideal candidates consistently demonstrate a commitment to safety, leadership on and off the road, and a meaningful impact on their company and the trucking industry.
“This program is a powerful way to shine a spotlight on the men and women who represent the very best of our industry,” said Zander Gambill, TCA Vice President. “These drivers not only keep our supply chain moving, they lead, inspire, and set the standard for excellence. We're incredibly grateful to Love’s and Cummins for their continued partnership in celebrating their achievements.”
