Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, June 17, 2026:
Swift expands partnership with FleetForce to provide training in Alabama
FleetForce Truck Driver Training and Swift Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 3) have partnered to provide CDL training and certification at the trucking company’s Mobile, Alabama, terminal location.
The partnership will produce newly qualified CDL drivers to meet growing demand for truck drivers in the Southeast, while helping Swift’s existing teams grow within its own operations, the companies said.
"Alabama operates heavily on the trucking industry, and right now, it needs more qualified drivers to keep up,” said Tra Williams, president and CEO of FleetForce. “With trucking responsible for moving 75% of all freight into, out of, and through the state, the pressure to build a stronger driver workforce is real and growing. Our partnership with Swift is a direct response to that demand by bringing professional CDL training to Mobile, a critical point for the state's freight network, where the opportunity to make an immediate impact is the highest.”
Kort Chase, Vice President of Recruiting at Swift Transportation, said the company “is committed to helping build the next generation of transportation professionals. We are excited to offer expanded career opportunities for both new and experienced drivers. Our longstanding partnership with FleetForce continues to grow, and we're proud to provide onsite CDL training at our Mobile location. If you're ready to earn your CDL and launch a rewarding career with one of the nation's premier transportation companies, stop by our Mobile terminal and get started today.”
Updated Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas now available
Rand McNally this week released the newly updated edition of its Motor Carriers' Road Atlas – a trusted resource for professional truck drivers nationwide that is updated annually.
The atlas provides long-haul truck drivers with accurate, truck-specific navigation for routes across North America.
Since 1982, drivers have depended on Rand McNally's Motor Carriers' Road Atlas for detailed routing information designed specifically for commercial trucking – information unavailable in standard atlases, digital maps, or name branded GPS software, the company said. The atlas provides drivers with a clear, large-scale overview of routes for trip planning and serves as a reliable backup when GPS service is interrupted. Its accuracy, dependability, and ease of use continue to earn high praise from drivers across the industry.
In addition to newly updated maps, the atlas features an extensive front section that includes:
- Hazmat route regulations: Updated tips, facts, and resources for transporting hazardous materials.
- Updated restricted routes and low clearances: Enhanced details to avoid obstacles and plan safe routes.
- Weigh station locations: Current information for checking compliance with weight regulations.
- Mileage directory: A 22-page section with over 40,000 truck route-specific, city-to-city mileages.
- State and national route coverage: Comprehensive details on designated routes.
- Fuel tax information: An additional resource for managing fuel expenses and tax reporting.
- Tractor-trailer inspection procedures: Ensure compliance with safety standards.
Road specific updates in the 2027 edition include:
- Interstate 295: Completed the Fayetteville Outer Loop on the North Carolina map.
- Interstates 343 & 644: New interstate designations added to the Oklahoma map.
- Interstate 84 in Connecticut: Updated to reflect mileage-based exit numbers.
- U.S. Highway 15: Upgraded to Interstate 99 in Pennsylvania from Williamsport north to the New York State line.
- U.S. Highway 395: New 4-lane divided highway section added west of Olancha, California.
- Autoroute 35: New limited access section (Phase 3) added in southern Québec near the Vermont border.
The atlases are available in paperback; a spiral-bound, laminated Deluxe version; and a Large-Scale edition with maps that are 37% larger.
Bendix partners with LiDAR developer to enhance active safety solutions
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has reached an agreement with Aeva to develop an active safety solution, which will integrate Aeva’s perception platform of 4D LiDAR sensors and perception software into Bendix’s future active safety and collision mitigation solutions for Class 8 mass-production vehicles.
Bendix’s flagship Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Bendix Fusion may provide a scalable path to deploy advanced LiDAR-based sensing capabilities in high-volume production vehicles, the companies noted.
“We’re excited to expand our work with Aeva through this program as we continue advancing safety technologies for commercial vehicle fleets,” said Mike Tober, Chief Technology Officer at Bendix. “Aeva’s 4D LiDAR provides capabilities that can improve system performance in critical driving scenarios, helping support the next generation of collision mitigation solutions that perform more effectively across a wider range of real-world operating conditions.”
The program underscores a broader industry shift toward the use of LiDAR not only for higher levels of autonomy, but also for advanced driver assistance systems where enhanced perception can improve safety performance. As one of the industry's first 4D LiDAR-based programs targeting commercial vehicle active safety applications, the collaboration aims to advance and improve performance in critical driving scenarios.
“This program represents an important milestone in our collaboration with Bendix and a significant step toward mass production of a first-of-its-kind LiDAR-based L2+ driver assistance solution for commercial vehicles,” said Mina Rezk, co-founder and CTO at Aeva. “By combining Aeva’s 4D LiDAR with Bendix’s industry-leading safety platform, we are positioned to deliver next-generation LiDAR-based solutions that enhance safety and performance for commercial vehicle fleets at scale.”
Lift gate issue prompts Great Dane trailer recall
Great Dane Trailers has recalled a handful of its Champion dry van trailers equipped with lift gates.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents state that in the six affected trailers, the deck pins may break, resulting in the lift gate platform falling.
Great Dane will work with lift gate manufacturer Hiab to inspect and replace the deck pins and bushing kits as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Aug. 10. Owners can contact Great Dane's customer service at 1-877-369-3493. NHTSA’s recall number is 26V-383.
Severe-duty Internationals recalled
International Motors is recalling approximately nine model year 2026-’27 severe-duty HV units due to a service brake issue.
Recall documents state that in the affected trucks, the service brake may take longer than expected to release. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Dealers will replace the 5/8” air line with a 3/4” air line, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Aug. 10. Owners can contact International's customer service at 1-800- 448-7825 with recall number 26506. NHTSA’s recall number is 26V-382.
