Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, May 7, 2026:
Legislation would require FMCSA to check non-domiciled CDL applicants’ immigration status
U.S. Reps. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) and Jefferson Shreve (R-Indiana) introduced the “Non-Domiciled CDL Reporting Act,” which would take immigration-status checks out of the hands of individual states by requiring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish and maintain a database of non-domiciled CDLs to ensure illegal immigrants cannot obtain CDLs.
Under current law, Taylor said in a press release, states are not required to report non-domiciled CDL information to FMCSA, “creating a dangerous loophole that enables illegal aliens to drive heavy commercial vehicles on American roads,” the press release notes.
Current FMCSA rules for state licensing agencies do, however, make mandatory state queries of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to confirm any non-domiciled CDL applicant's lawful immigration status. Many states' processes included such a query before the final rule FMCSA issued earlier this year.
That rule cleared a hurdle earlier this week, May 5, when a federal court declined a petition to pause the rule while non-domiciled drivers' and unions' court challenge plays out.
The new legislation looks to place more oversight responsibility on FMCSA in SAVE system checks. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency maintains SAVE to deliver point-in-time immigration status and U.S. citizenship information to federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal agencies.
The Non-Domiciled CDL Reporting Act would enable FMCSA to access the SAVE system to ensure lawful presence for all non-domiciled CDL applicants.
Other provisions include:
- Requiring USCIS to grant FMCSA access to the SAVE system
- Requiring states to transmit non-domiciled CDL applicants’ data to FMCSA
- Directing FMCSA to run applicants’ data through the SAVE system to ensure lawful presence
- Directing FMCSA to report to USCIS if any non-domiciled CDL license holder has an unlawful presence in the United States
- Directing FMCSA to provide a report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee containing information on how many non-domiciled CDL holders were flagged using the SAVE system and the state where the licenses were awarded
The bill was introduced in the U.S. House on April 30 and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
[Related: Amended Dalilah's Law targets English-only CDL, ban of foreign dispatch]
Volvo, Mack trucks recalled for potential ABS issue
Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks are recalling more than 2,000 trucks each for an issue related to the anti-lock braking system in the affected units.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents state that in the recalled trucks, the rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Volvo’s recall includes 2,800 units, while Mack’s affects 2,337 trucks. Affected vehicles include:
- 2025-’27 Volvo VNL
- 2026-’27 Volvo VNR
- 2025-’27 Mack Pioneer
- 2026-’27 Mack Anthem
Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 22.
Owners may contact Volvo’s customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX2605 or Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0494. NHTSA’s recall number for the Volvo recall is 26V-260, while its recall number for Mack is 26V-261.
[Related: Turn signal issues prompt Volvo, Mack recalls]
Cargo Transporters raises driver pay
Cargo Transporters (CCJ Top 250, No. 167) announced a driver pay increase effective May 3.
The latest increase raises OTR driver CPM by 6.25%, bringing the total increase to 12.9% since September of last year, with additional increases for team and hourly drivers.
“Our drivers are essential to the national economy,” said Dennis Dellinger, President and CEO of Cargo Transporters. “Their professionalism and commitment to the safety of the motoring public and our customers are to be recognized. It is important we remain competitive, and reward those drivers that move our business forward, while attracting the best available talent to join our company.”
Maryland truck rest area temporarily closed for paving
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will install a new driving surface on the South Mountain Welcome Center’s truck rest area off eastbound I-70 near Myersville in Frederick County.
Starting today, May 6, the truck rest area will close for the paving operation. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 15, weather permitting. The westbound I-70 truck rest area will remain open during the paving operation.
The paving work is part of an $8.6 million construction project that SHA launched in fall 2024. The project is adding 25 new truck parking spaces to the South Mountain Welcome Centers: 15 spaces at the eastbound I-70 truck rest area, and 10 new spaces at the westbound I-70 location. The entire project is expected to be completed later this spring.
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