Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 16, 2026:
Aurora requests warning-device waiver extension
Autonomous truck tech developer Aurora Operations is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a long-term waiver from the warning-device regulations.
Aurora is currently operating under a limited exemption that allows the company’s Level 4 automated driving system (ADS)-equipped trucks to operate with cab-mounted beacons in lieu of the warning devices otherwise required by the FMCSRs, such as warning triangles and flares.
The waiver also allows other motor carriers operating Level 4 ADS-equipped trucks to use the waiver, provided that the carrier notifies FMCSA in writing and certifies information specified in the waiver. Kodiak Robotics is one such company.
With the limited waiver expiring on July 9, Aurora is requesting a full, five-year exemption from the warning-device regulations in 49 Code of Federal Regulations 392.22(b), 393.25(e), and 393.95(f).
Aurora noted that the exemption would apply to Level 4 ADS-equipped trucks, even if there were a human driver present. The company also suggested that FMCSA consider extending the exemption to conventional CMVs operated by human drivers.
Aurora said that it currently has 109 Class 8 commercial trucks and expects to have more than 200 Level 4 ADS-equipped CMVs by the end of calendar year 2026. The company projects that its fleet could expand to thousands of CMVs operating under the exemption over the next five years.
Additionally, Aurora said it successfully used cab-mounted warning beacons under its existing waiver from Oct. 10, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026, on 34 trucks that traveled more than 500,000 miles. During that period, the beacons activated for a total duration of nearly 10 hours, and, to the company's knowledge, the beacons were reliable and operated as expected without any faults, malfunctions, or power issues.
The trucks that operated with the beacons under the waiver were not involved in, nor contributed to, any roadway collisions while stopped on the roadway and using the beacons, Aurora added.
FMCSA is accepting public comments on Aurora’s request here through May 15.
[Related: FMCSA grants warning-device waiver to autonomous trucking company]
North Dakota’s non-domiciled CDL program reinstated
The North Dakota Department of Transportation announced that it has been found compliant with federal requirements and recertified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to resume issuing non-domiciled commercial driver licenses.
The state paused its non-domiciled CDL program at the direction of FMCSA in December after a federal audit identified the need for states to meet stricter standards, NDDOT said. During that time, NDDOT conducted a comprehensive internal review of procedures, programming, training and quality assurance measures to ensure full alignment with federal requirements and strengthen the program.
FMCSA has now approved NDDOT’s corrective actions and recertified the state to resume these services, and NDDOT may once again issue new, renewed, transferred, or upgraded non-domiciled CDLs.
“We are very pleased to receive our recertification from FMCSA and resume this important service. Thank you to the dedicated team whose hard work made this possible,” said Robin Rehborg, NDDOT Deputy Director for Driver Safety.
NDDOT said applicants seeking a non-domiciled CDL must complete all transactions in person and provide required documentation, including an unexpired foreign passport and valid immigration documentation -- now limited to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 specific nonimmigrant statuses after FMCSA’s February final rule, in effect since mid-March.
NDDOT is encouraging customers to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure the quickest and most efficient service.
ATA opens nomination period for trucking image award
The American Trucking Associations is now accepting nominations to recognize the most passionate representatives of the trucking industry’s image with the 2026 Mike Russell Trucking Industry Image Award.
The award celebrates companies, organizations, and individuals who creatively generate awareness of the trucking industry. It’s presented to an individual, motor carrier, trucking organization, and industry supplier who demonstrate excellence in creating a positive image for the trucking industry.
“The trucking industry touches every part of our lives – moving the goods our communities rely on and creating millions of good-paying jobs across the country,” said ATA Vice President of Industry Affairs Nikki Thomas. “The Mike Russell Award honors the people and organizations who truly represent the heart of trucking and proudly elevate our industry’s story. These honorees are setting a higher standard, changing perceptions, and inspiring others to share in the pride of what trucking delivers every day.”
Great West Casualty Company is continuing its sponsorship of the 2026 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award.
Visit the official nomination page to learn more about the award and how to submit a nomination.
Completed nominations must be submitted to the ATA Industry Affairs Department no later than Friday, July 31. The winners of the 2026 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award will be announced during ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition scheduled for Oct. 17-20 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Last year, ATA recognized the Trucking Association of New York and Antoine Sadler a professional truck driver for Walmart Transportation.
The award was created in 2007 and is named in honor of Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and former ATA Vice President of Public Affairs. Submissions for the award are assessed by an expert, impartial panel of judges based on creativity, frequency, reach, impact, and execution.
[Related: TANY, Walmart truck driver recognized for promoting positive trucking image]
NationaLease hosts annual meetings with TRALA
Full-service truck leasing company NationaLease this week hosted its 2026 Spring Business Meeting in conjunction with the TRALA Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.
During the two-day gathering, attendees had the chance to learn more about the most significant issues in transportation and their impact on the industry’s outlook.
The meeting kicked off with a forward-looking presentation from Jim Nebergall, Executive Director of Market Strategy for North America On-Highway at Cummins, who brought the audience up to date on EPA 2027 requirements. Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, was next at the podium to present his State of the Union and set the tone for the remainder of the meeting.
David Carson, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Daimler Truck North America, presented an outlook on truck manufacturing over the next few years, while Dr. Robert Dieli, Chief Economist at MacKay & Company, provided insights into the trucking economy. The evening concluded with the TRALA Welcome Social, where attendees were able to unwind and socialize.
Matthew Leffler, Managing Partner at Armchair Attorney, LLC, opened day two of the event with his perspective on pressing legal issues impacting the supply chain.
After his presentation, the remainder of the day was dedicated to NationaLease Executive Team meetings, where members had one-on-one appointments with NationaLease leadership to discuss individual strategies for the coming year.
After the TRALA Technology Reception, the event was brought to a close later that evening at the NationaLease Dinner.
