Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025:
Hours regs waived in two states for certain heating fuel haulers
The governors of two Midwestern states have issued emergency declarations as a result of demand for heating fuel products that waives certain hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers hauling those commodities.
In Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds said “because of the high demand for heating products throughout the Midwest, the people of the State of Iowa are faced with extensive challenges to timely access heating fuel products.” She also cited a disruption in a segment of the pipeline distribution system that is affecting heating fuel distribution terminals within in the state and greater regions of the Midwest.
As a result, Reynolds has suspended rules pertaining to hours of service for crews and drivers delivering propane, heating oil, natural gas and other fuels used for residential, agricultural, and commercial heating purposes during the duration of the emergency. The declaration is effective through Jan. 3.
Likewise, in Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers said “demand for residential heating fuel is substantially heightened due to winter weather conditions throughout the region,” adding that “the Enterprise pipeline distribution system, with residential heating fuel distribution terminals within the state and greater regions of the Midwest, reported a pipeline disruption” in November that has affected terminals in the state.
Because of this, “the long wait times at terminals in Wisconsin and neighboring states, combined with the need to truck petroleum products over very long distances, is making it difficult for transporters to meet demand while complying with state and federal hours-of-service requirements.”
Evers’ declaration suspends hours of service regulations for “carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, while in the process of obtaining and transporting residential heating fuel to or from a terminal” through Jan. 2.
ATA announces Senior Leadership Team promotions
American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear announced Monday, Dec. 8, that ATA has promoted four staff members to senior positions within the organization’s advocacy arm, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
“The fact that all four of these promotions were selected internally reflects the immense in-house talent within ATA,” Spear said. “These seasoned leaders are proven winners with a long list of accomplishments under their belts, and they have demonstrated repeatedly that they possess the acumen, grit, and expertise to effectively influence policymakers. I look forward to hitting the ground running with this exceptional team in 2026 as we prepare to embark on another successful year.”
In addition to recognizing these new leaders, Spear expressed appreciation for Ed Gilroy, who in October announced his coming retirement after more than 13 years of service to ATA, most recently as the association’s Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer.
“I want to thank Ed for his innumerable and invaluable contributions to ATA,” Spear said. “I first met Ed at the outset of our careers, and I have always known him to be a highly skilled and effective advocate for the causes that he believes in as well as a true and loyal friend. As the head of our Hill and policy teams, he helped our association reach new heights and achieved victory after victory for our members. I wish him all the best on his well-earned next chapter.”
Henry Hanscom will succeed Gilroy as Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer, managing Legislative Affairs, Regulatory Policy, and the Office of Public Affairs. Hanscom joined ATA in 2013 as manager of legislative affairs and has seen his responsibilities steadily grow ever since. In 2024, he assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs.
Nathan Mehrens has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Workforce Policy, overseeing ATA’s policy team. Mehrens joined ATA in 2022, bringing over two decades of regulatory experience to ATA’s advocacy team. Most recently, he has been instrumental in efforts to roll back disruptive employment regulations, advance workforce development, and protect the independent contractor model.
Alex Rosen has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs, overseeing ATA’s Hill Office. Rosen joined ATA in 2019 and first worked on the policy team before transitioning to ATA’s Hill Office, where she has lobbied House and Senate Republicans and serves as a member of ATA’s Women In Motion Advisory Board.
Brenna Lyles has been promoted to Vice President of Safety Policy. Lyles joined ATA in 2023 as Director of Safety Policy and was named Senior Director of Safety Policy in 2025. In her current role, she has spearheaded efforts to encourage policymakers to enhance training, testing, and licensing standards for CDL-holders.
