Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026:
Colorado warns of big penalties for truck drivers driving distracted
The Colorado State Patrol recently issued a reminder of the penalties commercial motor vehicle drivers and their employers can face if the drivers are caught driving while distracted.
CSP said its troopers investigated 316 CMV crashes involving distracted driving in 2025. While the majority were property damage only (257), 19% (60 crashes) caused injury or death. Last year’s overall number of CMV crashes involving distracted driving in Colorado was a slight decrease (6.5%) from 2024.
“Trucking is an important and demanding job that requires focus,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “With the long hours professional drivers are on the road, they need to be proactive when it comes to removing distractions and ensuring that driving never comes second to any other task in the cab.”
Distractions can come from inside or outside the truck cab. In an effort to curb distractions from electronic devices, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) banned commercial vehicle drivers from texting while driving in 2010. Then, in 2011, FMCSA banned all hand-held devices.
Other distractions -- eating behind the wheel, using navigation or dispatching devices while driving, driver fatigue generally -- can also be areas of concern for professional drivers, CSP said.
FMCSA rules apply regardless of the state in which the violation occurs, the state agency emphasized, and penalties can be steep wherever you go:
- Drivers can be fined up to $2,750
- Repeat offenses will result in the driver being disqualified or put out of service for up to 120 days
- The driver’s employer can be fined up to $11,000 if they knowingly allow or require drivers to use hand-held devices while driving
- Violations will negatively affect the employer’s SMS (Safety Measurement System) ratings
- Violations are considered “serious traffic violations,” and penalties are taken from existing FMCSA guidelines
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the most common indicators of distracted driving include:
- Inability to maintain lane position
- Driving between lanes or sudden swerving for no apparent reason
- Not keeping a relatively constant speed
- Sudden braking in reaction to normal traffic stops
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Seeing a driver’s eyes are not on the road
Hyundai Translead adds Range Zero Emissions to dealer network
Hyundai Translead has added Range Zero Emissions to its authorized commercial vehicle dealer network.
Range, a nationwide multi-brand commercial electric and zero-emission vehicle distribution platform, will offer Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell truck. The company will support customers through its flagship dealership in Fife, with plans to expand reach across the Pacific Northwest.
"Hyundai has established XCIENT Fuel Cell as an important offering in the zero-emission commercial vehicle market and we're proud to bring it into the Range portfolio," said Johannes Ariens, CEO of Range Zero Emissions. "We see significant potential for hydrogen in commercial transportation and look forward to expanding awareness and adoption of the technology across the Pacific Northwest."
The region represents a dense market for commercial fleet adoption. Industry data from RigDig shows more 28,000 verified vehicles and 16,000 trailers within a 50-mile radius of Fife.
"Every fleet's journey is unique, shaped by its operations, goals and priorities," said Sean Kenney, CEO of Hyundai Translead. "Working with Range Zero Emissions helps bring valuable industry knowledge and regional insight closer to customers."
Saia awards $75K in scholarships
Saia Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 18) has announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding $75,000 to students pursuing higher education. The annual program provides financial assistance to eligible employees and their dependents.
This year's recipients include employees and dependents from across Saia's network. Honorees were chosen for achievements that reflect a strong commitment to education, leadership and service. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarships to more than 350 recipients.
"I want to congratulate this year's scholarship recipients for their outstanding accomplishments," said President and CEO Fritz Holzgrefe. "These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership and serving their communities. We are proud to support them as they continue their educational journeys and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future."
Applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee, which considers each applicant's essay quality, communication skills and letters of recommendation, among other factors.
