Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Jan. 9, 2026:
Venture Transport launches team driver business
Venture Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 78) is launching a new CDL-A Dedicated Team Driver segment. With the introduction of team driving opportunities, Venture said it is offering experienced CDL-A truck drivers a new way to earn top-tier pay, enjoy consistent schedules, and get home weekly.
CDL-A dedicated team truck driver highlights include:
- $2,100 per week, per driver
- $109,200 annually, per driver
- $0.84 per mile split ($0.42 per mile per driver)
- Home weekly on regional routes
- Paid orientation
- Late-model equipment
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Multiple shift options are available to fit different lifestyles, including:
- 1:00 AM start | Monday-Saturday
- 1:00 PM start | Sunday-Friday
The new team positions are dedicated regional jobs designed to provide consistency, strong earnings, and predictable home time, the company said–key priorities for today's professional drivers.
"Launching team driving opportunities is an exciting step forward for us. We're proud to offer a high-earning, home-weekly team position that reflects what drivers are asking for: strong pay, dependable schedules, and a company that truly values them," said Conner Bane, Director of Driver Recruiting and Retention
Driver Requirements Include:
- Current, valid CDL-A
- Flatbed experience
- Minimum of 9 months CDL-A driving experience in the past 3 years (additional experience options apply)
- Stable job history and clean driving and criminal record, per company standards
North Carolina DOT reminds truckers to stay off backroads in Western N.C.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation put out a reminder this week to truck drivers that “local roads near I-40 in Western NC are for drivers with four wheels.”
In a video PSA posted to Facebook, NCDOT’s Marion Ferguson said “truck drivers need to stay on the interstate.” The side roads, he said, are “curvy, mountainous roads” that “lead into gravel roads, and trucks can get into bad situations when they leave the interstate.”
Ferguson added that heavy-duty trucks should stay on either a “prescribed detour” or the main highway to avoid issues. Routes for truck drivers heading West out of North Carolina, NCDOT said, are to stay on I-40 through the gorge, or take I-26 West to I-81.
Clarios expands connected services platform with Trailer Battery Manager
Clarios, a leader in low-voltage battery technologies, has expanded its Connected Services Platform with the launch of Trailer Battery Manager. This digital solution provides real-time monitoring of trailer battery health and charge status, closing a critical visibility gap between the tractor and the trailer.
By delivering predictive insights and undercharge alerts, the tool helps fleet operators avoid costly liftgate failures and roadside assistance calls, which can exceed $700 per incident. The technology is especially vital for cold-chain logistics, ensuring that refrigeration units on trailers carrying food or pharmaceuticals remain powered to protect product integrity.
“This feature is a direct response to customer feedback,” said Cagatay Topcu, Vice President of Connected Services at Clarios. “It empowers fleet managers to monitor trailer batteries remotely and take action before issues arise, saving time, money, and frustration.”
The Trailer Battery Manager joins Clarios’ existing AI-driven suite, including IdleLess for fuel savings and Battery Manager for end-of-life prediction. Together, these tools enable data-driven maintenance across the entire vehicle ecosystem, maximizing uptime and reducing the total cost of ownership.
