The Top 13 Trucking Stories of 2013, Part 1
As we look back at 2013, here's our annual look at the top news stories of the year. Our list was compiled on the basis of popularity on our website, Truckinginfo.com, as well as our editors' opinions on which stories have the most impact on the trucking industry.
As we look back at 2013, here's our annual look at the top news stories of the year. Our list was compiled on the basis of popularity on our website, Truckinginfo.com, as well as our editors' opinions on which stories have the most impact on the trucking industry:
13. FMCSA Plans to Drop Driver Inspection Reports if no Defects
May 20 -- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to ease the regulatory burden on drivers by dropping the requirement that they file inspection reports, even when there are no defects in the truck. Read more.
12. Sleep Apnea Bill Receives Final Congressional Approval
Oct. 6 -- Despite the feud between Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration that resulted in a partial shutdown of the federal government, the U.S. Senate came together to give approval to legislation regarding sleep apnea and truckers. It requires any Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration action on sleep apnea to go through the usual rulemaking process, rather than the agency simply issuing guidance. Read more.
11. Legislation Would Up Minimum Truck Insurance Almost 500%
July 22 -- Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Penn) introduced a bill that would raise the required insurance minimum for motor carriers, dubbed the Safe and Fair Environment on Highways Achieved through Underwriting Levels Act (H.R. 2730) otherwise known as “SAFE HAUL." Read more.
10. FMCSA Eases CDL Process for States
March 26 --In response to petitions from states and the industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is changing provisions of its commercial driver’s license rule. The rule, which has been in effect since 2011, sets standards for CDL testing and established the Commercial Learner’s Permit. Read more.
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From One Generation to the Next: How Mentorship Builds Safer Truck Drivers
After three decades in trucking, Harold Perry shares what he's learned about driver safety, mentorship, and helping the next generation build confidence behind the wheel.
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Truck Drivers Need More Than Another Alert
Fleets have more visibility into truck health, safety events, and driver activity than ever. The next challenge is turning all that information into useful guidance for the person who has to decide what to do next.
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FMCSA Removes 110 Truck Driver Training Schools from Certified ELDT List
Federal regulators also are targeting more than 160 additional training providers and launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers as part of a broader crackdown on trucking fraud.
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Hours of Service Pilot Programs: FMCSA Readies for 2027 Rollout
Two pilot programs could eventually reshape hours-of-service rules, giving truck drivers options to pause their 14-hour clock or use longer split sleeper rest periods.
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Medical Cards, English Proficiency Reshape Roadcheck Violations
Medical-card violations jumped to the top of the driver out-of-service list during CVSA’s 2026 International Roadcheck, while English-language proficiency violations appeared among the leading violations for the first time.
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Driver Trust Can Make or Break the Success of Fleet Safety Technology
New Teletrac Navman research suggests that onboarding, transparency about driver data, and positive feedback can play a significant role in how commercial drivers respond to safety and coaching technology.
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EEOC Sues KLLM Over Alleged Sex Discrimination in Driver Training
KLLM is facing a federal sex-discrimination lawsuit over policies the EEOC alleges put female truck driver trainees at a disadvantage.
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FMCSA Moves to Codify English Language Requirements for Commercial Drivers
By changing regulations on English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, rather than relying on a guidance memo, the FMCSA said future administrations won't be able to walk back the Trump administration's stricter enforcement with just a memo.
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Drivers Put Western Star Trucks to the Test at Star Nation Experience
Watch to get an inside look at the Western Star trucks, technology, and community behind the Star Nation Experience 2026!
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Trump Administration Looks to Put More Veterans Behind the Wheel
The Freedom Haulers program pulls together existing and expanded programs at several federal agencies to recruit veterans to drive commercial heavy-duty trucks and cut the red tape for them to get a CDL, training, and employment.
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