Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025:
FMCSA planning study of warning devices for stopped trucks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is planning to submit a request for a study of warning devices for trucks stopped at roadside.
The new proposed information collection, titled “Study of Warning Devices for Stopped Commercial Motor Vehicles,” FMCSA said, “is an experimental study that requires data collection for evaluating whether warning devices meaningfully influence crash-relevant aspects of human performance in the presence of a parked or disabled commercial motor vehicle (PDCMV), and if so, how and to what extent.”
FMCSA first announced its intentions to launch the study in January.
Under the proposed study, FMCSA would require the participation of 256 drivers.
FMCSA noted that with an increased focus on automated driving systems, driver safety when deploying warning devices at roadside, and the availability of new technology and alternative devices, it’s necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of warning devices under current regulations. The agency also acknowledged new research instruments that weren’t available the last time warning devices were studied, including:
- Sensors that provide specific vehicle location data
- Eye-tracking devices that allow the researcher to determine the precise moment when a driver first glanced at a PDCMV
- Instrumented vehicles that record accurate, high-frequency data related to drivers’ interactions with a vehicle’s controls
“FMCSA plans to implement these modern tools in a controlled experiment at a closed-course, state-of-the-art driving research facility that will allow the most comprehensive examination of the effects of warning devices to date,” the agency said. “The results of the study may support future rulemaking related to warning devices and provide baseline data necessary to inform Agency decisions on exemption applications for alternative warning device products.”
FMCSA in October granted an exemption to autonomous truck developer Aurora that allows the company to begin using cab-mounted warning beacons as an alternative to reflective triangles to meet federal warning device requirements.
[Related: FMCSA grants warning-device waiver to autonomous trucking company]
Recent California immigration enforcement blitzes result in 87 truck driver arrests
In recent weeks, Border Patrol agents in California arrested 87 “illegal aliens” with commercial driver’s licenses in two separate enforcement initiatives.
Between Nov. 23 and Dec. 12, Indio Station agents apprehended 42 immigrants operating trucks with CDLs while traveling on the interstate or traversing immigration checkpoints on Highways 86 and 111. Of those arrested, 30 were from India, two were from El Salvador, and the remainder were from China, Eritrea, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Russia, Somalia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
California issued 31 of the CDLs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported, while eight licenses were issued by Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
In addition, on Dec. 10 and 11, Indio Station agents participated in Operation Highway Sentinel, a two-day, joint, large-scale enforcement operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Ontario and Fontana, California.
Operation Highway Sentinel resulted in 45 arrests of illegal aliens with CDLs.
Operation Highway Sentinel specifically targeted commercial trucking companies in California. It was launched after several fatal accidents were caused by illegal aliens who had been issued CDLs and were operating semi-trucks at the time of the accidents. The purpose of the interagency operation was to enforce immigration law violations, safeguard U.S. highways and uphold regulatory standards in the commercial transportation sector, CBP noted.
“The success of this operation highlights the ongoing dangers posed by the unmitigated border crisis we experienced prior to 2025,” said El Centro Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Remenar. “The individuals arrested should never have been operating these semi-trucks, and the states issuing them commercial driver’s licenses are directly responsible for the fatal accidents we have tragically witnessed recently.”
Martin Midstream names new Land Transportation Senior VP
Natural gas distribution company Martin Midstream Partners L.P. has announced the retirement of Johnnie Murry, Senior Vice President, Land Transportation, effective Dec. 31. With Murry’s retirement, the company will promote John Scott to the role, effective Jan. 1.
Murry is stepping down after an extraordinary 49-year career in the industry, including 38 years with the Martin companies. He began his tenure on Jan. 1, 1988, as Plant Manager at Berry Petroleum Company in South Arkansas. He transferred to Martin Transport, Inc. (MTI) in June 1999, assuming responsibility for the entire MTI trucking operation. His career also includes 11 years with Crystal Oil Company.
Murry has been a member of industry associations, including the American Trucking Associations, National Tank Truck Carriers, Texas Trucking Association, and Florida Trucking Association.
“Johnnie’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the growth and success of our land transportation division,” said Bob Bondurant, President and CEO of Martin Midstream GP LLC, the general partner of MMLP. “We thank him for his decades of service, his focus on operational excellence, and his significant contributions to the company. He will be greatly missed by everyone here at Martin.”
Scott, who most recently served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development, has dedicated 23 years of service to Martin Transport, starting his career in June 2002 as a Backup Dispatcher for Vidor, Texas. He steadily progressed through various roles of increasing responsibility, including Dispatch Supervisor, Dispatch Operations Manager, and Vice President of Operations, a position he held for nine years. In his new role as VP, Land Transportation, he will oversee all aspects of the land transportation division.
“John has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a deep understanding of our operations,” Bondurant added. “His diverse experience within the company, from dispatch operations to sales and business development, makes him the ideal choice to lead our land transportation efforts into the future.”
Scott is also an active participant in industry organizations, including the Texas Trucking Association and the Florida Trucking Association.
