Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026:
FMCSA denies group’s request for ELD exemption
A driver-led trucking organization formed a year ago this month has been denied a petition that would have waived electronic logging device requirements for certain truck drivers.
The Federation of Professional Truckers (FOPT) earlier this year filed a petition with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requesting ELD relief for its members and other drivers who chose to participate. It would have been monitored through random internal audits from participating carriers with violators being excluded from using the exemption.
FOPT’s request received more than 900 comments on the Federal Register, most of which were in support of the exemption. Among those in opposition were the Truck Safety Coalition, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, and Parents Against Tired Truckers in a joint statement; the American Trucking Associations; the Institute for Safer Trucking and Road Safe America; and the Buchanan Law Firm.
ATA, for one, said it “disagrees with arguments about negative impacts from drivers trying to ‘beat the clock’ of an ELD. ELD usage and compliance require no changes of hours-of-service regulations. It is the responsibility of fleets and drivers to plan routes and contingencies within the same hours of service regulations, regardless of whether ELDs or paper logs are in use.”
Common themes of commenters who supported the request, FMCSA noted, “include the potential to reduce driver stress and improve safety by giving drivers more flexibility and autonomy, and reducing overall costs to the trucking company.”
After evaluating FOPT’s petition and the public comments, FMCSA it is bound by Congressional mandate in the MAP-21 highway bill to require ELDs for commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce and “cannot grant a blanket exemption for any driver or carrier that wishes to be exempt.”
Further, FMCSA determined that FOPT’s application didn’t provide information about how the exemption would be as safe or safer than the existing rules.
“FOPT indicated that it would educate its members to ensure accuracy in paper log completion, that participating carriers would conduct random internal audits, and that violations of HOS limits by paper log users would result in exclusion from the exemption program,” FMCSA said in denying the request. “However, FOPT proposed that the exemption would apply to all drivers who wanted to use the exemption, not just to FOPT members. FOPT does not explain how its proposed safety countermeasures would apply to an unknown population of drivers or how violators would be excluded from the exemption program.”
Georgia guv suspends fuel taxes, weight
As fuel prices remain well above $6/gallon, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Sept. 28 issued an emergency declaration suspending the gas and diesel taxes in the state for the next 30 days through Oct. 29.
The order also increases the weight limit for commercial vehicles operating in the state to 95,000 pounds.
“Over the past several years, with the help of our partners in the General Assembly, we've been able to give billions of dollars in relief to hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said. “We've remained committed to helping them and our small businesses fight through the tough times, and that's why I'm taking this action today to give further relief.”
Georgia's current motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel.
Kemp noted that the current average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia is $4.19 and $6.24 for a gallon of diesel. The suspension of the taxes should bring those prices below $4 and $6 per gallon, respectively.
Texas joins other states in dyed diesel relief
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday issued a statewide disaster proclamation to allow expanded use of dyed diesel on Texas roads. The proclamation also raises the allowable weight for fuel, agricultural, and timber loads, and suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) rules to the extent the Environmental Protection Agency authorizes.
Abbott also requested in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin that the EPA waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements.
“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said. “Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family. Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight. These steps cut costs on the farm, on the road, and at the store."
In addition to allowing dyed diesel, the proclamation also suspends state oversize and overweight permitting requirements for vehicles loaded with fuel, agricultural, or timber products and allows those loads at a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds.
Abbott also asked Zeldin for a temporary Clean Air Act waiver of federal ultra-low sulfur diesel rules and the TxLED rules that apply in 110 Texas counties. Those standards limit which diesel can be sold, and a waiver would allow more fuel to reach Texas pumps.
Alabama and Nebraska have also recently suspended dyed diesel rules.
Isuzu donates truck to fire district
Isuzu North America Corporation (INAC) has announced the donation of a new Isuzu N-Series NRR gas-powered truck to the South Greenville Fire District.
The donation will provide the district with a versatile resource to support its community outreach, fire safety education, and public engagement initiatives.Isuzu North America Corporation
Representatives from INAC and the South Greenville Fire District celebrated the donation with a vehicle presentation ceremony. Fire District officials received a thorough walkaround showcasing the features, functions, and benefits of the new truck and body.
The Isuzu NRR gas-powered Class 5 chassis has a 19,500-lb. GVWR, best-in-class maneuverability and visibility thanks to its compact, low cab forward design, and is known for its legendary Isuzu quality, the company said.
The body was a special build by Morgan Truck Body at its Orrville, Ohio, facility and is constructed of Morgan Plate (a special proprietary sidewall material) that is lightweight and durable. It is also equipped with an Interlift liftgate by Palfinger for easier loading and unloading.
The combination provides the South Greenville Fire District with a flexible platform for transporting materials, equipment, and displays to community events and educational programs throughout the area.
The truck’s distinctive graphics, featuring the South Greenville Community Risk Reduction branding, will also help create a recognizable presence for the South Greenville Fire District at public events, schools, neighborhood programs, and other community gatherings.
“Isuzu believes that being part of a community means more than simply doing business there. It means finding meaningful ways to contribute,” said Hiroki Motohashi, President & Chief Operating Officer of INAC. “The South Greenville Fire District plays an essential role in protecting, educating, and bringing this community together. We are honored to provide a truck that can help extend the reach of those efforts, and we look forward to building a lasting relationship with Greenville County as Isuzu establishes an even greater presence in the region.”
Gates completes acquisition of Timken belts business
Gates Industrial Corporation on Tuesday completed its acquisition of the belts business and select manufacturing assets of The Timken Company.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The deal bolsters Gates' North American power transmission portfolio by adding manufacturing capacity and customer relationships across industrial OEM, industrial aftermarket, and mobility power sports markets. It also expands the company's workforce and talent base.
As part of the transaction, Gates has assumed operational control of a belts manufacturing facility in San Jose Iturbide, Mexico, further expanding its regional footprint.
"The completion of this acquisition strengthens Gates' position in power transmission and supports our strategy to grow in industrial and mobility markets," said Tom Pitstick, president of the Americas at Gates. "We are pleased to welcome the new team members who are joining Gates and look forward to building on our combined capabilities to create value for our customers, employees and stakeholders."
Gates stated that it has implemented a structured integration plan and will utilize its existing in-region manufacturing and distribution network to ensure a seamless transition for customers.
