Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 24, 2025:
DOT, New York continue back-and-forth over congestion pricing
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday penned a letter to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outlining the specific actions the Federal Highway Administration could take if New York City’s congestion pricing plan remains in place.
The DOT since President Trump took office has been working to end the tolling plan that charges fees for vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street -- basically anywhere south of Central Park. The FHWA announced in February that it was terminating its approval of the pilot for New York’s Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) and gave New York officials until March 21 to stop collecting tolls. That deadline was later extended to April 20.
In an April 21 letter to Hochul, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the April 20 deadline passed “without New York taking action to comply,” and directed the New York State DOT to show cause by May 21 as to “why FHWA should not take appropriate steps … to remedy New York’s noncompliance” in ending the program.
By May 21, Duffy is requiring NYSDOT to respond to the FHWA’s New York Division Administrator that either certifies that the collection of tolls under the program has ended, or demonstrates that the continued collection of tolls does not violate U.S. Code that requires roads constructed with Federal-aid highway funds be free from tolls of all kinds.
[Related: New York given 30 more days to end congestion tolling program]
If the tolls continue, or if FHWA determines that New York remains out of compliance, the agency will take the following actions:
- No further advance construction (AC) authorizations for projects within Manhattan, except for projects determined by FHWA to be essential for safety
- No further National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approvals for projects within Manhattan, except for safety projects.
- No further approvals of Statewide Transportation Improvement Program amendments concerning New York Metropolitan Transportation Council TIP modifications.
If non-compliance continues, additional measures could include:
- No further obligations of FHWA funds (both formula and competitive) for projects within New York City, except for safety projects.
- No further AC authorizations for projects within New York City, except for safety projects.
- No further NEPA approvals for projects within New York City, except for safety projects.
Hochul responded on X with a video in which she reiterated her position that “the cameras are staying on.”
“Another day, another threatening letter from the Department of Transportation regarding our congestion pricing program,” she said. “Well, let me repeat this for those who didn’t hear me the first 10 or 11 times. Congestion pricing is legal. It’s working. Business is up, traffic is down, and the cameras are staying on.”
While the two sides battle in public, legal proceedings are also ongoing in court. A court order filed April 9 indicates filings and motions will be accepted well into October before a decision is made on the legality of the program.
[Related: Trump DOT terminates New York City's congestion pricing program]
Nevada Senate advances bill to double trucking insurance minimum
The Nevada Senate on Tuesday approved a bill by a narrow vote that would -- if it also passes the state Assembly and is signed by the governor -- increase the minimum liability insurance requirement for intrastate motor carriers to $1.5 million by 2030.
As reported last week, the legislation would increase the liability insurance minimum to $1 million by Jan. 1, 2026; to $1.25 million by Jan. 1, 2028; and to $1.5 million by Jan. 1, 2030.
The bill passed the state’s Senate by an 11-10 vote Tuesday. It will now move to the Assembly for consideration.
The Nevada Trucking Association has voiced its opposition to the bill, with NTA CEO Paul Enos saying the “legislation threatens the livelihoods of Nevada’s trucking families and the communities they serve.”
New Jersey is currently the only state in the U.S. that requires higher liability insurance minimums that the federally-required $750,000.
[Related: Nevada considering increase to minimum liability insurance requirement]
TCA awards $176K in scholarships
The Truckload Carriers Association announced Wednesday that it has named its 2025-‘26 TCA Scholarship Fund recipients who collectively will be receiving a total of $176,725.
Since 1973, the Fund has been providing scholarships to students associated with the trucking industry. Each scholarship recipient must be a student in good standing attending a four-year or two-year college or university and must be associated with a TCA member company.
“The TCA Scholarship Fund remains one of the most valuable initiatives offered through TCA membership, providing an opportunity to give back and honor the legacy and future of the truckload industry,” said TCA Scholarship Fund Chairman Joey Hogan of Covenant Logistics. “In the face of economic challenges, we were able to provide over $176,000 in scholarship monies which reflects TCA’s strong commitment to this important program.”
The full list of 62 scholarship recipients can be seen here.
