Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, March 20, 2025:
More legislation looks to block California’s EPA waivers
Two bills introduced this month in the U.S. Senate seek to amend the Clean Air Act (CAA) to limit or eliminate waivers granted to California allowing the state to adopt and enforce emissions regulations that are stricter than federal regulations.
One bill, reintroduced after failing to advance in the previous Congress, was brought forth by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma). The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would limit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing CAA waivers for state policies seeking to ban or otherwise limit the sale of internal combustion engines.
The bill also calls for the EPA to revoke any waiver granted since Jan. 1, 2022, that does not comply with the requirements of the bill. That would include waivers for the California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus Low-NOx rules.
A press release from Mullin said the legislation would preserve consumer choice and maintain competition in the automotive markets by ensuring Americans have access to reliable and affordable vehicles.
An identical bill has also been introduced in the House by Rep. John Joyce (R-Pennsylvania).
Another piece of legislation -- dubbed the Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden Act, or Stop CARB Act -- was introduced this month by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), and would repeal California’s Clean Air Act waiver exemption, repeal Section 177 of the Clean Air Act that allows other states to adopt California’s emissions standards, and nullify any active or pending waivers granted to California.
"California has abused the Clean Air Act’s waiver provision for years, essentially imposing ridiculous emission standards on the other 49 states,” Lee said. “… By putting an end to this overreach, our legislation will keep costs lower for hardworking American families, increase consumer choice, and restore economic freedom.”
The two pieces of legislation are just the latest in a recent string of attempts from Congress, the EPA itself and legal challenges to overturn some or all CARB waivers.
[Related: CARB problems: untangling state and federal emissions regulations]
ATA: Truck tonnage shows signs of freight recovery
Trucking activity in the United States surged 3% in February, marking the largest monthly increase in several years, according to the American Trucking Associations.
ATA’s advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index showed the gain in February after observing a slight decline in January.American Trucking Associations
“After a scant 0.1% decline in January, which wasn’t bad considering the harsh winter weather and California wildfires, truck tonnage had a robust gain in February” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “This outcome fits well with our growing optimism for the truck freight market after a two-year recession.”
Costello noted that President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs caused some of the gain in February, as shippers “accelerated imports early in the year … to bring products into the U.S. before tariffs hit.”
Even with that in mind, though, “the first two months of the year were positive, all things considered, indicating that the freight recovery has indeed begun,” Costello added.
In February, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 115.2, up from 111.9 in January. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was up 0.6% from the same month last year, the second straight year-over-year increase, which hasn’t happened since early 2023.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 104.8 in February, 4.7% below January’s reading of 110.0.
DB Schenker adds 20 Volvo VNLs with camera monitoring systems
DB Schenker (CCJ Top 250, No. 65), parent company of USA Truck, has added 20 new Volvo VNLs to its fleet, featuring the integrated camera monitor system to enhance safety through improved visibility.
DB Schenker intends to deploy more than 120 new VNLs with the camera monitor system by the end of 2025.Volvo Trucks
The fully integrated camera monitor system improves upon traditional cab mounted and hood mounted mirrors with a wider range of visibility, helping drivers reduce the risk of collisions during lane changes or backing maneuvers, Volvo said.
“We were impressed with the advanced safety features of the all-new Volvo VNL, particularly the camera monitor system. The new camera solutions give our drivers additional tools to improve their visibility, helping us continue our pursuit to become the industry leader in safety,” said George Henry, Head of Land for Region Americas, DB Schenker. “The increased scope of vision provided by the camera monitor system – including blind spot vision, zoom while backing, and the digital video recorder capability – provides us with further possibilities to protect our company in the event of an accident.”
The integrated camera monitor system in the all-new Volvo VNL offers superior visibility compared to traditional mirrors. The advanced system employs infrared technology to optimize rear visibility in all conditions, improving drivers’ ability to see clearly even in low-light or adverse weather situations.
The system also tracks the trailer’s position, providing enhanced lines of sight, particularly where collisions most commonly occur – cornering, lane changes and backing maneuvers. By replacing bulky exterior mirrors, the camera monitor system also contributes to aerodynamic improvements, which in turn make the truck more fuel efficient.
ACERTUS acquires exotic vehicle transport, corporate relocation businesses from Bluestar
Automotive logistics-as-a-service platform ACERTUS has announced its strategic acquisition of Bluestar Auto Movers and Bluestar Corporate Relocation Service, a move that significantly expands the company's market reach and service capabilities.
The transaction specifically excludes Bluestar Transportation, the asset-based trucking division of Bluestar, allowing ACERTUS to maintain its strategic focus on technology-enabled logistics services rather than physical fleet assets.
The acquisition is effective immediately and includes the existing Bluestar Auto Movers and Bluestar Corporate Relocation Service management teams and employees, which will continue to drive the company’s success, ACERTUS said.
This acquisition allows ACERTUS to introduce two high-value service lines: exotic vehicle transport and corporate relocation.
Building on a proven track record of successful integrations, the Bluestar deal strengthens ACERTUS' comprehensive platform that seamlessly handles every aspect of vehicle logistics, including moving, storing, reconditioning, titling, and registering finished vehicles throughout their complete lifecycle, the company said. Bluestar's expertise enables ACERTUS to deliver full-spectrum corporate and employee relocation solutions, addressing a critical market need and creating new revenue opportunities.
The acquisition positions ACERTUS to capture the premium exotic vehicle segment through new "white glove" delivery services specifically designed for ultra-luxury brands including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, and the corporate and employee relocation segment by providing reliable, secure and efficient transport solutions.
[Related: ACERTUS has acquired Guardian Auto Transport]
