Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026:
Trucking company owner charged for allegedly employing unauthorized immigrants, cabotage violations
A Texas-based trucking company owner has been indicted for allegedly employing unauthorized drivers to transport domestic freight.
Armando Martinez Varela faces charges involving employment of unauthorized workers, encouraging or inducing unlawful entry or residence, harboring aliens, and making materially false statements to federal investigators, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
According to the indictment, Varela owned VMS Transport LLC and recruited drivers admitted under B-1 nonimmigrant status to transport domestic freight without authorization. The drivers allegedly picked up trailers in Laredo and delivered shipments throughout the United States.
B-1 status permits certain temporary business activities, including qualifying international transportation, but does not authorize employment transporting freight solely within the United States.
The indictment further alleges Varela arranged housing for drivers between assignments rather than having them return to Mexico.
Between Feb. 20 and May 15 of this year, VMS records allegedly showed 1,044 domestic transportation trips involving 57 B-1 visa drivers. The charges allege VMS paid these drivers 25 to 50 cents per mile, compared with 70 cents for authorized drivers performing similar work. The arrangement saved the company approximately $299,606 in labor costs, according to the allegations.
VMS, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motus, operates with active authority with 53 trucks and 50 drivers.
If convicted, Varela faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
J.J. Keller whitepaper encourages cargo theft security ahead of Thanksgiving
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, J. J. Keller & Associates is encouraging motor carriers to review their cargo security procedures and prepare for vulnerabilities that can arise when facilities close, staffing levels change, and loaded vehicles or trailers remain parked for extended periods.
With cargo theft evolving to target more high-value shipments, the Thanksgiving holiday creates conditions that require additional planning, particularly when cargo will be parked or left unattended for an extended period.
“In my 25 years investigating cargo theft, both in law enforcement and in the trucking industry, one thing has remained consistent: thieves look for opportunity,” said Josh Lovan, Industry Business Advisor at J. J. Keller. “Holiday weekends can create those opportunities when freight is sitting longer than usual and facilities are operating with reduced staffing. The best defense is to plan ahead and make your freight a harder target.”
To help fleets identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses, J. J. Keller is offering a complimentary whitepaper — "Cargo Security and Preventing Theft in Trucking." Written by Lovan, the whitepaper explains how motor carriers can use a layered security strategy that combines physical safeguards, technology, operational procedures and employee training.
Lovan recommends that motor carriers take the following steps before the Thanksgiving holiday:
- Increase security during vulnerable periods. Heighten security when vehicles or trailers will be parked overnight, left unattended or stored for an extended time. Use secured parking facilities, surveillance systems and continuous monitoring when available.
- Secure tractors, trailers and cargo. Use appropriate trailer locks, kingpin locks, air-cuff locks, cargo seals and immobilization devices to help prevent unauthorized access or movement.
- Review holiday parking plans. Identify secure, well-lit parking areas with controlled access, fencing and surveillance. Avoid leaving loaded trailers unattended whenever possible.
- Use technology to monitor vehicles and loads. GPS, telematics, RFID technology and tamper-detection sensors can improve visibility and help carriers respond to unauthorized access, route deviations or possible theft.
- Establish communication procedures. Set expectations for driver and dispatcher check-ins and make sure employees understand how to report suspicious activity, attempted theft or a security breach.
- Inspect and document cargo. Verify loads before departure, document high-value cargo, inspect seals and locks at each stop, and report discrepancies immediately.
- Prepare terminals for holiday closures. Review facility lighting, surveillance cameras, alarms, perimeter fencing, gates and access controls before facilities close or begin operating with reduced staffing.
“There is no single lock, camera or piece of technology that will prevent every cargo theft,” Lovan said. “The strongest security programs use layers, combining physical security, technology, good operating procedures and employees who know what to look for. If one layer fails, another should still stand between the thief and the freight.”
[Related: Cargo theft losses climb as incidents continue to decline]
Saia recognized as top carrier by Tyson
Saia Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 18) announced this week that it has been named Tyson’s LTL Carrier of the Year for the company’s fiscal year ending September 2026.
The annual award recognizes one carrier in the less-than-truckload (LTL) category and is based on feedback from approximately 200 Tyson team members representing functions across the organization, including operational service, invoicing, claims, and customer service.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Tyson as its ‘LTL Carrier of the Year,’” said Saia Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Ray Ramu. “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects feedback from people across many different areas of Tyson’s business. It speaks to the commitment of our employees who work every day to provide reliable service and a positive experience for our customers.”
Saia’s recognition underscores the company’s focus on delivering consistent service and supporting customers throughout every stage of the shipping experience, Saia noted.
“Strong carrier partnerships are important to our business, and Saia has consistently shown its commitment to supporting our teams,” said Tyson Director of Transportation Todd Skidmore. “We’re proud to recognize Saia as our ‘LTL Carrier of the Year’ and appreciate the service and partnership they provide.”
