Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026:
DOT asks for fleet, driver input on truck parking for third Jason’s Law report
The Federal Highway Administration is calling on the trucking industry to provide input on truck parking nationwide with new Jason’s Law truck parking surveys.
The new surveys, open to fleet managers and drivers, are part of an update to the most recent surveys conducted in 2018-’19.
The MAP-21 highway bill signed into law in 2012 set the wheels in motion for the Jason’s Law reports, requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation evaluate each state’s capability to provide adequate parking and rest facilities for truck drivers, assess the volume of commercial motor vehicle traffic in each state, and develop metrics to measure the adequacy of truck parking facilities in each state.
The first Jason’s Law report was published in 2015, and Congress’ directive to DOT requires periodic updates. In December 2020, FHWA published the second Jason’s Law report.
Now, the agency is asking for input from truck drivers and fleets, among others, for what will become the third Jason’s Law report.
While the agency has not provided official public communication on the opening of the surveys, FHWA said in a statement to CCJ that it’s “in the process of collecting responses for the third Jason’s Law truck parking survey in order to better address truck parking needs and improve safety at public and private facilities along the National Highway System.” In addition to drivers and fleets, surveys are also open for state DOTs, commercial vehicle safety enforcement agencies and private truck parking providers.
Fleet managers can complete their survey here, which asks questions to their drivers’ experiences finding parking across the country. The survey tailored for truck drivers can be completed here.
The surveys are open through Feb. 27.
Emergency declarations extended in 21 states
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued an extension of two regional emergency declarations that, combined, cover 21 states.
One declaration was issued in response to winter storms and cold weather in 11 states and a power outage at a major gas refinery and industrial complex in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, disrupting the flow of propane. States included in the declaration include: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia.
The emergency was first declared on Dec. 12 and provided a waiver from the maximum driving time regulations for property-carrying vehicles transporting heating fuel including propane, natural gas, and heating oil in the affected states. FMCSA extended the declaration on Dec. 23 through Jan. 15.
FMCSA has now extended the declaration waiving maximum driving time regulations for drivers transporting heating fuel, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil in the affected states through Feb. 15. The agency noted that the declaration applies regardless of the origin of the trip, so long as the carrier or driver is providing direct assistance to the emergency in the affected states.
The other emergency, issued on Dec. 23, was declared in response to winter storms and colder than normal weather in 10 states, a pipeline break and operations issues associated with the Mid-American Pipeline System, and an unexpected shutdown of the Robinson Refinery in Illinois disrupting the flow of propane. The declaration covered drivers transporting heating fuel including propane, natural gas, and heating oil in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
FMCSA said emergency conditions have not abated, so it has extended the declaration, waiving maximum driving time regulations for heating fuel haulers, through Feb. 15.
Echo Global Logistics acquires ITS Logistics
Echo Global Logistics is acquiring ITS Logistics from GHK Capital Partners LP. Financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026, were not disclosed.
The deal, the financial terms of which were not announced, is expected to close in the first half of 2026 and will create one of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) platforms in North America, the companies said.
The merger combines ITS’s specialized drayage and distribution network with Echo’s truckload brokerage scale and AI-driven technology platform.
The combined entity anticipates a 2025 revenue of approximately $5.4 billion.
The partnership aims to provide enhanced multimodal offerings and cross-border capabilities to navigate increasingly complex global supply chains.
"Echo’s scale and AI-driven innovation will enable us to elevate our service offerings and provide enhanced value to our customers," said Scott Pruneau, CEO of ITS Logistics.
ITS Logistics will retain its existing leadership team and customer-facing structure.
WIT seeks nominations for Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has launched its call for nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). The award celebrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact by women in the logistics profession across North America.
Now entering its second decade, the DWLA continues to spotlight visionary women whose contributions drive growth, reshape supply chains, and strengthen the future of the logistics industry, WIT said. The award not only honors an individual’s achievements but also serves as a beacon that encourages more women to pursue and excel in logistics roles – from freight brokerage and third-party logistics to supply chain strategy and operations.
“The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award exemplifies the power of women’s leadership in a field critical to our economy,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President & CEO of WIT. “We invite industry leaders, peers, and organizations to nominate women whose vision, determination, and influence are shaping the next generation of logistics excellence.”
The DWLA recognizes not only career accomplishments but also mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement.
Nominations are open now and must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 27. There is no nomination fee, and individuals or organizations familiar with the nominee’s work are welcome to submit a nomination online.
The winner of the award will be honored at the TIA 2026 Capital Ideas Conference, taking place April 15-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.
