Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026:
Mack intros new tailored warranty options
Mack Trucks this week launched four new warranty plans designed to give customers more flexible coverage options to protect their vehicle, manage unexpected repair expenses and tailor coverage to their specific needs.
The new Chassis System Plans were developed in response to customer demand for more flexible protection options, the company said. They provide targeted coverage for key vehicle systems rather than requiring customers to purchase broader vehicle coverage than they may need. The new offerings also address the growing complexity of today's trucks, such as electronics, connectivity and advanced safety technologies, Mack added.
“The needs of today's fleets continue to evolve as vehicles become more technologically advanced and operating costs remain a key business consideration,” said Ashish Sadhu, Mack services director. “We created these new Chassis System Plans to give customers more choices, enabling them to protect the systems that matter most to their operation while also helping to reduce the risk of unexpected repair costs and downtime.”
The new lineup includes four system-based coverage options:
- Driveline: Protects components responsible for transferring power and keeping the truck moving.
- Cab and Exterior: Protects systems associated with vehicle structure, ride quality, braking, steering and the driver environment.
- HVAC: Protects components that maintain cab comfort.
- Safety and Vehicle Electronics: Protects electrical, electronic, connected vehicle and advanced safety systems.
The Safety and Vehicle Electronics Plan is particularly valuable for customers seeking protection for advanced electrical and connected vehicle systems, Mack noted. As trucks continue to incorporate more electronic controls, telematics and safety technologies, fleets can choose focused coverage for these components without purchasing broader chassis coverage.
Customers can select an individual system plan, combine multiple system plans to create coverage tailored to their needs, or choose the comprehensive Chassis Plan for broad vehicle protection. Every component covered under the comprehensive Chassis Plan is also available through one of the new system-based offerings.
The new Chassis System Plans offer several customer benefits, including greater flexibility in selecting coverage, protection from large, unplanned repair expenses, and additional cost predictability as vehicles age. The plans also help customers manage exposure to rising parts and labor costs while providing protection for increasingly sophisticated truck technologies.
New York blitz targets trucks operating on restricted roads
The New York State Police recently conducted a two-day Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Detail on the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia counties.
During the effort, held Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, NYSP issued a total of 376 Uniform Traffic Tickets, including:
- 198 tickets for violations of the Parkway Rules and Regulations prohibition of commercial vehicle from operating within the parkway system.
- 78 tickets for violations of the Parkway Rules and Regulations prohibition of vehicles displaying painted or affixed signs, names, or insignia from operating on the parkway system.
- 100 tickets for other violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Troopers also completed 19 commercial vehicle inspections, resulting in 63 violations. Four drivers and five trucks were placed out-of-service as a result of violations.
NYSP also issued a reminder that commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, vehicles displaying commercial signage, and vehicles towing trailers, are prohibited from operating on the following parkways in New York State:
Influential Woman in Trucking finalists named
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) announced three finalists for the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking award, sponsored by TrueBlue's Centerline Drivers.
Established in 2010, the award honors outstanding female leaders who are shaping the future of trucking and inspiring others through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing women in the industry.
This year's finalists represent a range of leadership roles across the industry who have made a measurable impact on their organizations and communities. The 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking award finalists are:
- Angela Lentz, Chief People Officer, Daimler Truck North America
- Mari Roberts, Senior Vice President, North America Supply Chain Centers of Excellence, PepsiCo
- Sauny Tucker, CEO, Tucker Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 208)
Lentz serves as chief people officer for DTNA, where she leads the people and culture strategy. She serves on the DTNA Operating Committee, the company’s senior leadership body for North America, and on Daimler Truck’s global Human Resources Operating Committee. Through these roles, she brings a people-focused perspective to business decisions and organizational transformation at both the regional and global levels. Before leading DTNA’s people organization, Lentz held roles in purchasing, materials, quality, and finance and has worked in both corporate offices and the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant.
Previously named a WiT Top Woman to Watch in Transportation, Lentz champions employee development initiatives and supports the Women's Interactive Network, a DTNA employee business resource group that offers mentorship, professional development and opportunities to expand professional networks across the company.
Roberts serves as senior vice president of the North America Supply Chain Centers of Excellence for PepsiCo Beverage US and PepsiCo Foods US. In this role, she and her team are responsible for delivering operational excellence across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, fleet, and integrated business solutions. She has held numerous field operations and corporate positions in transportation and supply chain in her 26-year career with Frito-Lay.
Roberts was recognized as one of the 2022 Influential Women in Trucking finalists by WIT. She was also recognized by the Asian American Business Development Center as a 2026 recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award.
Tucker serves as CEO for Tucker Freight Lines in Dubuque, Iowa, though her connection to trucking began long before she carried the title of CEO. As the daughter and granddaughter of professional drivers, she grew up understanding that behind every truck is a person and a family. In 2001, she entered the industry alongside her husband, AJ Tucker, beginning a journey that would eventually lead them to acquire Art Pape Transfer in 2018 and build what is now Tucker Freight Lines.
Today, she leads the safety, human resources, recruiting, and marketing efforts, while helping guide the company's continued growth and expansion. WIT has recognized Tucker as a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation, while Tucker Freight Lines has been recognized as a Top Woman-Owned Business in Transportation and a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation. Under her leadership, Tucker also earned 2026 TCA Elite Fleet certification. Beyond the company, she has remained committed to the Dubuque community, including Tucker’s longstanding support of Opening Doors, which provides housing and resources for women and children working toward stability and independence.
The award finalists will participate in a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo taking place Oct. 25-28 in Dallas, Texas, followed by the winner announcement.
