Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
Late-model tractors, van trailers, flatbeds up for auction
The Tiger Group auction house is liquidating more than 100 late-model trucks and trailers across 22 states in a timed online auction opening April 14.
The assets on offer include tractors, dry vans, and flatbeds from a variety of manufacturers.
Multiple consignors – including Montgomery Transport, PFA Systems, Inc. and a major national trucking academy – continue to add lots to the auction, noted Chad Farrell, Senior Managing Director, Tiger Commercial & Industrial.
"Challenges such as the freight recession, driver shortages and the soaring price of diesel mean that companies have to be smart about their capital spends," Farrell said. "Our latest multi-state online auction is an opportunity for operators across the U.S. transportation sector to acquire late-model assets – some rolled off the assembly line in 2019 or even as late as 2023 – at liquidation values."
The timed, online auction opened Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m. Central and closes on Tuesday, April 21, at 10 a.m. Central.
Highlights include:
- 44 sleeper and day cab tractors by Freightliner, International, Peterbilt, Volvo and Mack
- 36 dry van trailers by Trailmobile, Hyundai, Great Dane, Fruehauf and others
- 20 53-foot Fontaine flatbed trailers
The assets are stored in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
To arrange an inspection or obtain other information, email: [email protected] or call (805) 497-4999. More information about available equipment can be found here.
ATA, TMC set dates for annual diesel tech appreciation week
Honoring the hard work and commitment of professional technicians, the American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council have announced that the seventh annual National Technician Appreciation Week (NTAW) will be held June 14-20. This year’s theme is “Celebrating technicians that keep us moving.”
“Trucking operations run around the clock and cover hundreds of billions of miles to deliver to virtually every home, workplace, and business,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “Our nation owes enormous gratitude to the hardworking men and women who keep our trucks well maintained and ensure the wheels of our essential industry continue to turn.”
Professional technicians perform one of the most demanding and critical roles in trucking, and NTAW acknowledges the extraordinary efforts and talent of these dedicated professionals.
“We are pleased to announce the dates for the seventh annual National Technician Appreciation Week to recognize the professional technicians who are indispensable to trucking operations,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “By ensuring vehicles are safe and ready for service, technicians make it possible for drivers to deliver the goods we all rely on. This week is an opportunity for both the industry and the public to show their appreciation and thank these professionals for the critical work they do every day.”
Kenworth adds reinforced front frame as T880, T880S option
The front frame structure option is now available to order for the T880 with the set-forward front axle configuration (T880S). The T880 in set-back front axle configurations will be available later this year.Kenworth
A new reinforced front frame structure has been added as an option for Kenworth’s T880 and T880S models to support a variety of front-of-frame-mounted equipment such as hose reels, snowplows, steady legs, and more.
The front frame structure feature consists of reinforced front-of-frame castings, crossmembers, kicker braces, and an implement plate located behind the bumper. The factory preparation eliminates the need for aftermarket front suspension modifications, saving both time and money during the upfitting process, Kenworth said.
Kenworth added that the front-of-frame structure serves as an effective alternative to traditional parent rails for applications that do not require a front engine PTO (FEPTO) drive. By using the front frame structure instead of a parent rail solution, the installation of equipment is simplified, and no modifications to the hood or cooling module are required to package the new components. This helps preserve the T880’s visibility from the driver’s seat and eliminates the need for unique parts in this configuration.
The factory-installed, factory-warranted option reduces the time and cost to the end user and body builder once the truck arrives, increasing quality and consistency while reducing time to in-service new units.
The front frame structure option is now available to order for the T880 with the set-forward front axle configuration (T880S). The T880 in set-back front axle configurations will be available later this year.
Two truckers named latest TA Citizen Driver honorees
FedEx Freight driver Steven Brand and Hoffman Transportation driver Bruce Jones are the latest TA Citizen Drivers.TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America announced its 13th annual Citizen Driver Award honorees at the Mid-America Trucking Show on March 27. Steven Brand and Bruce Jones were selected for the prestigious recognition.
The award was created to recognize professional drivers who demonstrate a high level of respect for the truck driving profession through leadership, good citizenship, safety, health and wellness, and community involvement.
“Professional drivers are the heartbeat of our business and this country,” said Jason Nordin, CEO, TA. “Nearly every product on a shelf, every piece of equipment on a job site, every essential item delivered to a home -- drivers make it possible. At TA, our mission is to show up for them with the respect, care, and support they deserve. The Citizen Driver program reflects the very best of this industry, honoring drivers whose character, service, and commitment make a meaningful impact far beyond the miles they drive.”
In addition, TA will make a $5,000 donation to TAT (formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking) on behalf of Brand and Jones. Site dedication ceremonies will take place later this year. Brand selected TA London, Ohio, and Jones selected Petro Wilmington, Illinois, to be dedicated in their names.
Since its inception in 2013, TA has recognized 40 professional drivers who represent the very best of the industry through the Citizen Driver program.
For Steven Brand, trucking wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling. With 36 years behind the wheel and 4.8 million accident-free miles, he has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted and respected professionals.
He has spent nearly three decades with FedEx Freight and is widely regarded as a “driver,” mentor, coach, and trusted resource for fellow drivers. He plays an active role in developing the next generation of drivers, coaching participants in the Ohio Truck Driving Championships and providing hands-on guidance to those entering the profession.
His commitment to safety is unwavering, reflected in a career free of DOT-chargeable accidents and grounded in discipline, patience, and preparation. Brand approaches every mile with a deep sense of responsibility, not just for himself, but for everyone on the road.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply committed to his community. From supporting youth programs and safety initiatives to helping others through everyday acts of service, he consistently demonstrates that leadership extends beyond the wheel.
Bruce Jones is a third-generation truck driver and U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose career reflects discipline, service, and leadership. With more than 28 years of professional driving and over 4 million accident- and ticket-free miles, he represents the highest standard of safety and professionalism in the industry.
Currently with Hoffman Transportation, Jones has achieved more than 1 million safe miles in tanker operations and has earned national recognition, including being named a 2024 Grand Champion Elite Eight Finalist and 2024 Illinois Driver of the Year.
Jones is a dedicated mentor and leader within the trucking community, regularly supporting other drivers through guidance, training, and encouragement. He also serves on his company’s Driver Advisory Board, helping shape safety initiatives and driver-focused improvements.
His commitment to service extends beyond the road. Jones is actively involved in youth programs, safety education, and veteran organizations, using his platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
