Trucking news and briefs for Friday, March 21, 2025:
Arkansas passes legislation to fight cargo theft
A package of bills targeting organized retail crime, including cargo theft, was recently passed by the Arkansas Legislature and signed into law.
The organized retail crime package, sponsored by Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett) and Rep. Jeremiah Moore (R-Clarendon) and championed by the state’s Attorney General's office, addresses a top priority for the trucking industry -- cargo theft protection and organized retail crime throughout the entire supply chain. The legislative package garnered strong bipartisan support as it moved through the Legislature.
"The industry saw unprecedented levels of cargo theft last year, up 27% from the previous year and a 1,500% increase since 2001,” said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton. “These laws demonstrate that Arkansas lawmakers understand the economic threat organized retail crime and cargo theft pose to our industry and all consumers. The success of this organized retail crime package demonstrates what can be achieved when policymakers, industry stakeholders and officials like Attorney General [Tim] Griffin work together.”
Among bills signed into law were SB 301, which creates an enhanced sentence of up to 10 additional years in prison for those convicted of cargo theft.
The bill also declares a cargo theft emergency in the state, allowing provisions of the bill to take effect immediately.
The new law applies to “goods, chattels, money, or baggage that constitutes, in whole or in part, a commercial shipment of freight moving in commerce,” and does not include direct-to-consumer goods. The law defines “moving in commerce” as “all points from the point of origin to the final destination, regardless of any temporary stop while awaiting transshipment or otherwise.”
[Related: ‘You’re on your own’: Cargo theft, fraud challenges aired in Congress]
Mack adds new axle, engine option for MD Series trucks
In an effort to give Mack Trucks’ vocational customers improved durability and broader options for their applications, Mack is now offering a 23,000-pound rear axle and Cummins B6.7 engine with up to 325 horsepower on its Mack MD Series models.
Designed for a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of up to 23,000 pounds, the heavier axle and suspension offer increased capability for hauling loads requiring the most durable of trucks, Mack said.
The Mack MD with the 23,000-pound rear axle specifically benefits refuse packers with 11-yard up to 20-yard rear loaders, as well as those MD models being utilized as water trucks holding 2,000 to 2,500 gallons of water.Mack Trucks
When paired with the 325-hp engine rating and the Allison 3000RDS transmission, the Mack MD is now capable of increased towing capacity if the customer has a trailer.
“The 23,000-pound rear axle expands the applications in the vocational market -- with refuse and construction reaping the most benefits,” said Tim Wrinkle, Mack vice president of vocational and medium duty. “The 325 horsepower also offers carriers traversing longer routes or in a hilly or mountainous region a more durable and reliable powertrain. The rear axles on those truck models equipped with a dump body, hook lift or roll-offs take some abuse during the truck’s lifespan. The heavier axle rating has better durability, and the larger horsepower engine will provide enhanced performance.”
The Mack MD6, a Class 6 model, has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the MD7, a Class 7 model, has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax, Mack noted.
[Related: Mack giving its medium duty MD a wider cab in bumper-to-bumper refresh]
Five truckers named TCA Drivers of the Year
The Truckload Carriers Association this week announced and celebrated the five winners of the 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year award, who each received $20,000 as part of the award. The program is sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins.
Chosen from a competitive group of nominees, the drivers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the trucking industry, their unwavering commitment to safety, and their exceptional leadership both on and off the road, TCA said.
The 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year are:
- Perry Carter, Cargo Transporters (CCJ Top 250, No. 163)
- Scott Lindsey, Cheema Freightlines (No. 182)
- Toby Wallis, Freymiller (No. 121)
- Walter Jackson, Landstar (No. 10)
- Gerald Rhoden, Stevens Transport (No. 52)
Each of the drivers’ stories can be viewed here.
“Receiving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and hard work these drivers show every day,” said Jon Archard, Vice President of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. “These drivers embody the core values that we at Love’s hold dear, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to motivate and inspire others in the trucking community.”
