Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, July 15, 2026:
Oregon wildfires prompt HOS waiver extension
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has again extended emergency hours-of-service relief for truck drivers and motor carriers responding to wildfires in Oregon.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on June 15 declared a state of emergency due to the “imminent threat of wildfire,” prompting the Oregon Department of Transportation to waive HOS for certain motor carriers and truck drivers. That waiver was extended through July 13 in late June.
On July 9, Oregon requested that FMCSA extend the emergency regulatory relief, and because emergency conditions have not abated, the agency agreed.
Now, through Aug. 12, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in Oregon related to wildfire suppression are granted emergency relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time. The waiver applies regardless of the origin of the trip, as long as the carrier or driver is providing direct assistance to the emergency in Oregon.
Wisconsin putting a ‘Trooper in a Truck’ this week
Wisconsin State Patrol troopers will be riding alongside truck drivers this week in the annual Trooper in a Truck enforcement and education campaign.
In partnership with the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association (WMCA), troopers are using the higher vantage point in the cab of a truck or the back of a bus to spot risky driving, especially near commercial motor vehicles. Trooper in a Truck is taking place on highways across the state July 13-17.
Trooper in a Truck is part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week, a nationwide awareness and enforcement initiative aimed at improving driving behaviors of passenger vehicle and CMV drivers.
“This is the sixth year of our Trooper in a Truck campaign, and it wouldn’t be possible without our longstanding partnership with the WMCA,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “This initiative is about leveraging partnerships and combining efforts to achieve a shared goal–preventing dangerous driving behaviors on Wisconsin roads.”
Wisconsin troopers will be looking for risky driving behaviors, including distracted driving, speeding, following too closely and seatbelt violations. When an officer identifies a violation from the truck or bus, they will radio to patrol cars in the area for appropriate enforcement action.
“Trooper in a Truck details have been very successful in past years, and we have drivers who look forward to the initiative every year,” WMCA President Dan Johnson said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the partners who donate equipment and drivers to support the effort. We all have to work together to make our roads safer.”
Troopers are joining truckers this week in the following areas:
- Monday, July 13: Eau Claire
- Tuesday, July 14: Waukesha
- Wednesday, July 15: Madison
- Thursday, July 16: Green Bay
- Friday, July 17: Wausau
Wisconsin enforcement officers in 2026 so far has been above the national average when it comes to issuing moving violations. According to accounting from CCJ sister company RigDig, moving violations have accounted for nearly 9% of all violations issued in the state this year, compared to the national average of 6.7%.
Averitt expands with new Tulsa terminal
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 25) on June 17 opened its newest facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, expanding capacity and strengthening service for customers throughout the region.
The new Tulsa service center will continue to support growth in the area while providing greater operational efficiency, the company said.
The facility features 33 dock doors – an increase from the previous location's 16 doors – along with 16,800 square feet of dock space, up from 3,500 square feet. The property also includes ample truck and trailer parking to support current operations and future expansion.
"As our customers continue to grow, it is important that our network grows with them," said Barry Blakely, president and chief operating officer at Averitt. "This new Tulsa facility strengthens our ability to provide dependable service today while creating opportunities to support the region well into the future."
