Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 23, 2026:
Nebraska declares emergency over wildfires
Wildfires in Nebraska have prompted an emergency declaration from Gov. Jim Pillen that waives hours of service restrictions and adjusts the maximum load width/weight limits allowed for certain commercial motor carriers operating in the state.
According to news reports, wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres in Nebraska, but firefighters are making progress on containment.
Pillen’s emergency declaration notes that the fires have “severely impacted livestock feed and supplies” in the state. As such, the declaration applies to motor carriers hauling feed and supplies to areas within the state.
The declaration waives maximum driving time regulations in 49 CFR 395.3. It also increases load width limits to 12 feet, while the height limit remains 14 feet, 6 inches. The weight limit is increased to up to 15% over normal axle group limits.
Participating motor carriers must still obtain the requisite over-dimension/over-weight permits as required by the Nebraska Department of Transportation prior to operating; however, the fees associated with these permits are temporarily waived. Permits can be obtained here.
The declaration is effective through March 30.
The Nebraska Trucking Association, alongside the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen, are looking to help the truck drivers responding to the emergency.
“Many truckers have voiced a willingness to help, but they too are facing unprecedented challenges with skyrocketing fuel prices and other cost concerns,” said Kent Grisham, President and CEO of the NTA. “But I am so proud of the NTA members who have stepped forward with a plan to support these trucking heroes, in the aftermath of the worst wildfires in the state’s history.”
To help, the NTA is offering a Nebraska Trucking Heroes Stipend through its charitable arm, the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund, overseen by the NTA Women’s Council. Truckers, farmers, and ranchers who help transport emergency relief supplies can get support to offset the high cost of fuel. The stipend offers 50 cents per mile, up to 500 miles per trip, for truckers transporting relief commodities and supplies into the disaster areas. The Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund has pledged up to $5,000 to start.
Visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture's disaster resources page to view the current list of relief needs and register to help provide essential support. Find out how to qualify and apply for the stipend here.
“Homes, farms, and ranches have been destroyed, and at least one life has been lost in this terrible ordeal,” Grisham added. “But like it has always been, the trucking community responds with grit and determination to get the cargo delivered. We’re glad to have the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund to help, and we hope everyone in the trucking community will join forces with us either by offering trucks, trailers, and drivers, or by contributing to the fund so we can keep it going.”
The Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund has also launched a fundraising campaign, the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Wildfires Relief Fund. Every dollar raised will support truckers helping Nebraskans affected by these historic wildfires.
Freightliner donates three Cascadias to workforce training organization
Be Pro Be Proud Executive Director Andrew Parker and Greg Treinen, vice president of on-highway market development at Daimler Truck North America.
The announcement was made March 17 during the 2026 American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting. At the event, Be Pro Be Proud also honored Kenneth Calhoun, its national board chairman, for his leadership and service to the industry.
“We are incredibly grateful for Freightliner’s continued support,” said Andrew Parker, executive director of Be Pro Be Proud. “The organization is helping enable our goal of reaching students throughout the country and stoking their interest in the many opportunities that exist in technical professions.”
The three Cascadias will help Be Pro Be Proud transport additional mobile workshops equipped with interactive simulators that introduce students to more than 16 skilled professions in manufacturing, construction, transportation and utilities. The mobile workshop uses virtual reality and serves as a rolling classroom providing real-world experiences curated by experts.
Be Pro Be Proud truck drivers will also benefit from advancements in aerodynamics, engine technology, the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety Systems and business intelligence in the new Cascadia.
“We’re honored to support Be Pro Be Proud and its mission to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Greg Treinen, vice president of on-highway market development at Daimler Truck North America. “Their work is helping build a strong talent pipeline for essential industries while opening doors for students to pursue rewarding careers.”
Mack opens 2027 Calendar Contest
The Mack Trucks Calendar Contest is back, inviting owners of the most impressive working Macks to compete for a spot in the 2027 edition -- including several new themed categories designed to spotlight the versatility, endurance and toughness that define the Mack brand, the company said. Each winner will receive a professional photo shoot courtesy of Mack Trucks.
Enter the 2027 Mack Trucks Calendar Contest here.Mack Trucks
“The Mack Calendar Contest is really about the pride our customers have in their trucks and the work they do with them,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president, global brand and marketing. “Every year we see incredible entries that capture the toughness, reliability and character of Mack trucks in action. With the addition of new categories this year, we’re looking forward to seeing even more stories from the people who rely on Mack to get the job done.”
New categories include Built for Toughest Jobs, Built for Versatility, Built for the Long Haul, and Alternative Fuels, alongside returning favorites, such as Old Bulldogs Hard at Work and model-specific categories including Mack MD, Mack LR and Mack TerraPro. The contest is open to trucks in revenue operation -- vehicles currently working in fleets rather than collector or antique vehicles.
An early entry period runs through March 31, allowing participants to submit their trucks before voting begins. Voting runs from April 1 through April 30, and entries will continue to be accepted throughout the voting period. Voters can cast one vote per day in each category at the contest website.
Winners will be announced on Mack Trucks social media channels by May 30. Mack will schedule a professional photo shoot for each winning entry to be featured in the calendar. The 2027 Mack calendar will be available later this year at mackshop.com.
Full contest rules and procedures can be found here.
