Heavy commercial vehicles, their technology, manufacturing, operations or markets.

US launches Freedom Haulers programme to recruit veteran truck drivers
The US administration has launched Freedom Haulers to recruit veterans into heavy-truck driving, expanding CDL waivers, tuition support and training pathways while easing licensing for service members.

Isuzu launches US veterans apprenticeship for commercial-truck technicians
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has launched a nationwide paid apprenticeship programme for US military veterans, combining dealership experience, mentorship and Isuzu technical training to strengthen its commercial-truck technician pipeline.


Truck Centers joins Battle Motors’ dealer network in the US Midwest
Truck Centers has joined Battle Motors’ dealer network, adding sales and service for its vocational trucks across Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The range includes diesel, compressed natural gas and electric models.


Hyroad opens mobile hydrogen refuelling station for trucks in California
Hyroad Energy has opened a mobile liquid-hydrogen refuelling station in Santa Fe Springs, California, supporting hydrogen-powered commercial trucks. The 1,000kg unit completed 45 transactions in its first full week, with fuelling times below 25 minutes.


ZF presents scalable 360-degree safety system for trucks and trailers
ZF is presenting scalable active-safety technology for trucks and trailers, combining radar, camera, braking and steering through a truck-trailer Ethernet link. The system supports collision prevention, highway assistance, yard manoeuvring and future automation.


Daimler to move Freightliner and Western Star production to the Carolinas
Daimler Truck North America will shift Freightliner and Western Star production from Portland to factories in North and South Carolina, with 375 workers facing layoffs as the company restructures its manufacturing network.


British Columbia passes commercial dash camera mandate
British Columbia’s Bill M217 mandates forward-facing 1080p cameras, 72-hour retention and night vision on commercial vehicles above 11,793kg operating on provincial highways. The law follows Royal Assent and applies to qualifying US-registered trucks using B.C. routes.


2026 Driver CPC rules and fleet compliance explained
A 2026 guide explains Driver CPC’s five-year, 35-hour training requirement, the distinction between National and International CPC, requalification after expiry and how fleets can track driver compliance.


US senators introduce bill targeting identity-changing trucking operators
Bipartisan US Senate legislation would study “chameleon carriers”, require the FMCSA to detect identity-changing operators during registration and improve agency information sharing, with an appeals process for wrongly flagged applicants.


Charger Logistics to deploy Aurora driverless trucks on Dallas–Laredo route
Charger Logistics will deploy Aurora’s second-generation driverless trucks on freight runs between Dallas and Laredo, Texas. The agreement is intended to add capacity and improve tractor utilisation, with further routes planned.


US freight brokers overhaul carrier vetting after liability rulings
US freight brokers are reviewing motor-carrier vetting after court decisions increased liability risks. The industry is seeking clearer FMCSA standards, while new guidance emphasises documented safety checks, controlled exceptions and action against fraud and double brokering.


B.C. trucking group forms task force on commercial dashcam legislation
British Columbia’s trucking association has formed a task force to advise on regulations for Bill M217, which requires qualifying commercial vehicles to use forward-facing dash cameras with defined recording, retention and technical capabilities.


NuPort completes autonomous truck tests at Blue Water Bridge
NuPort Robotics has completed year-long autonomous truck and platooning tests in the Blue Water Bridge corridor in Ontario. The project assessed autonomous freight technology around congestion, customs approaches and controlled access points, supporting future cross-border operations.


TFI reports strong Q2 as it targets higher US LTL pricing
TFI International reported strong second-quarter growth, with revenue up 12% and net income up 39%. The trucking group plans to raise underpriced US LTL rates, while tighter enforcement and constrained capacity support a more durable truckload recovery.


Barrier Highway upgrades improve freight access and road safety
Works on South Australia’s Barrier Highway are progressing, including culvert, intersection and rest-area upgrades. The $62.5 million programme is designed to improve safety, fatigue management and freight efficiency for heavy vehicles along the corridor.


Aurora signs Value Truck for autonomous freight routes
Aurora has signed Value Truck as a customer for its autonomous trucking service. The carrier will deploy Aurora Driver-equipped trucks on the Dallas–Laredo and Fort Worth–Phoenix freight lanes, adding long-haul capacity while drivers focus on local operations.


Stellantis Pro One reports 7% first-half commercial-vehicle sales growth
Stellantis Pro One reported 7% first-half 2026 sales growth and maintained strong commercial-vehicle positions globally. It led Europe’s battery-electric van market, increased shares in South America and North America, and launched the Ram Dakota in Brazil.


US DOT launches campaign to recruit veterans into trucking
The US Department of Transportation has launched Freedom Haulers, a campaign using digital and radio advertising plus a resource microsite to recruit veterans into trucking. It highlights CDL training support and military-experience waivers.


Gordie Howe bridge opens to improve Canada-US freight flows
The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Ontario and Michigan has opened, adding direct freeway links, expanded customs capacity and advanced imaging technology. The crossing is expected to save commercial carriers about 850,000 hours annually.


Daimler Truck opens new used-truck facility in South Africa
Daimler Truck Southern Africa has opened a new TruckStore facility on Gauteng’s West Rand, expanding its used-truck network and offering graded vehicles, warranties and support for transport operators.


C.H. Robinson faces $604m verdict over fatal truck crash
A Texas jury ordered C.H. Robinson and a motor carrier to pay $604m over a fatal 2021 crash. The verdict renews scrutiny of broker liability and carrier safety-rating standards, while the Transportation Intermediaries Association seeks changes from the FMCSA.


$604m C.H. Robinson verdict tests freight-broker liability
A Texas jury has awarded $604 million against C.H. Robinson and other defendants over a fatal truck crash. The verdict follows a US Supreme Court ruling allowing negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers, potentially reshaping carrier-selection liability.


Fortescue tests electric 150-tonne water truck ahead of Pilbara rollout
Fortescue has tested XCMG’s electric 150-tonne water truck, dozers, graders and wheel loaders, with the first machines due at its Pilbara mines later this year. The company plans a complete electric mining-fleet rollout by 2027 as part of its diesel phase-out.


Gordie Howe bridge set to open, adding Detroit–Windsor truck crossing
The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor is scheduled to open on 27 July, adding a six-lane commercial crossing with new customs facilities, direct freeway links and tolling infrastructure to the busiest US–Canada truck gateway.


Cummins sets phased 2027 X10 and X15 engine launch plan
Cummins will phase in Model Year 2027 X10 and X15 engine production from January 2027, retaining current-generation engines during the transition. The plan responds to proposed US emissions-rule flexibilities and supports North American truck and bus OEM production schedules.


ConMet launches TruCast aftermarket brake-drum range
ConMet has launched its TruCast aftermarket brake-drum range, with nine part numbers for heavy-duty truck and trailer applications. The drums are available through the company's North American aftermarket distribution network and meet FMVSS 121 and OEM performance requirements.


Ryder launches free 60-day warranty for used commercial vehicles
Ryder has launched a free 60-day limited warranty for DOT-verified used commercial vehicles sold in the US until year-end. The programme covers key powertrain and comfort components, alongside optional extended cover of up to 36 months.


North American Class 8 orders surge as freight markets strengthen
Canadian spot freight volumes remained 46% above last year in June, while North American Class 8 orders surged 231% year on year. Shipper conditions stayed among the worst recorded in 25 years as freight rates continued to weigh on the market.


Volvo Australia urges diversified energy strategy for heavy-vehicle fleets
Volvo Group Australia says recent diesel disruption highlights the need for diversified heavy-vehicle energy strategies. It supports HVO as a drop-in alternative and says battery-electric trucks are already commercially viable in suitable Australian fleet applications.


ArcBest to cut 280 jobs and close 10 ABF Freight terminals
ArcBest will cut about 280 jobs, close 10 ABF Freight terminals and consolidate several operations under its ArcBest brand. It is also ending the Vaux Freight Movement System while focusing more on Vaux Smart Autonomy, targeting $40 million in annualised savings.


Netherlands replaces Eurovignette with per-kilometre truck charge
The Netherlands’ Vrachtwagenheffing began on 1 July 2026, replacing the Eurovignette with distance-based charging for heavy goods vehicles. Operators need an approved OBU and service-provider contract, with rates varying by weight and emissions class.


Eurovignette remains in Luxembourg and Sweden as tolling systems diverge
The Eurovignette remains valid for heavy goods vehicles in Luxembourg and Sweden in 2026. The Netherlands and Denmark have moved to distance-based charging, while tariffs now reflect CO₂, emissions class, axles and duration.


2026 EU driving-time and rest rules for truck and coach drivers
A 2026 guide summarises EU driving-time and rest rules for truck and coach drivers, including daily and weekly limits, tachograph-recorded breaks, reduced weekly-rest compensation and employers’ return-home obligations. It also outlines Romanian enforcement.


DHS to assist FMCSA crackdown on fraudulent CDL schools
The Department of Homeland Security will assist FMCSA investigations into about 75 suspected fraudulent commercial driver training schools and non-domiciled CDL issuance, as authorities seek to strengthen licensing integrity and road safety.


Ottawa blitz takes 27 commercial vehicles out of service
A joint enforcement blitz in Ottawa inspected 67 commercial vehicles and found 27 with safety defects serious enough to require immediate removal from service. Inspectors also laid 38 charges, including offences involving brakes, tyres, licensing, load security and vehicle weight.


US House panel advances 10-year DEF safe-harbour bill
A US House subcommittee advanced bills providing a 10-year safe harbour for EPA diesel-exhaust-fluid guidance and extending the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act through 2029, including $100m in annual retrofit and replacement funding.


Heavy-duty truck parts and labour costs fall for second quarter
A Decisiv/TMC benchmark found heavy-duty truck parts and labour costs fell 3% quarter on quarter in Q1 2026, despite stronger freight activity. The report draws on more than seven million assets and 300,000 monthly maintenance events.


US Army orders 115 more Mack Defense heavy dump trucks
The US Army has ordered 115 additional Mack Defense M917A3 heavy dump trucks, taking recent orders to 208 vehicles worth more than $84 million under a five-year contract for up to 450 trucks.


EPA proposes easing 2027 heavy-duty truck compliance costs
The US EPA has proposed retaining 2027 heavy-duty diesel NOx limits while delaying durability requirements, limiting warranty expansion and removing mandatory DEF derates. It estimates savings of up to $6,000 per engine, potentially affecting truck-buying decisions.


NACFE details renewable natural gas truck maintenance requirements
A NACFE report outlines maintenance requirements for heavy-duty fleets using renewable natural gas, including high-pressure fuel-system inspections, specialist training, spark-plug and oil servicing, catalyst monitoring and coolant checks.

Dutch electric van and truck numbers rise sharply, RVO data shows
The Netherlands had 59,818 battery-electric vans and 2,707 heavy commercial vehicles on the road by May 2026, up sharply from 2020. The article outlines fleet cost, zero-emission-zone access, range and charging constraints.

Cummins Updates Engine DEF Inducement Calibrations
Cummins has begun updating engine calibrations to extend time before DEF inducements, increase final derate speeds for certain applications and support emissions compliance; revised calibrations have been offered for over 1.5 million medium- and heavy-duty engines across select model years.


Renault Trucks unveils 2027 T High and electric range
Renault Trucks has presented new diesel and electric models at IAA 2026, including the 2027 T High with the DE13 R engine and E-Tech long-haul trucks, and has showcased expanded electric and light commercial offerings.


Rush Enterprises acquires Peterbilt of Louisiana dealerships
Rush Enterprises has acquired Peterbilt of Louisiana, adding five full-service dealerships, a collision centre and a PacLease operation in Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans. The assets will form its new Gulf South Region.


NACFE outlines renewable diesel maintenance guidance for truck fleets
NACFE says renewable diesel can cut fleet carbon emissions with little change to trucks, fuelling infrastructure or maintenance. Fleets should nevertheless monitor seals, cold-weather performance, DPF regeneration and SCR temperatures.


Netherlands launches kilometre-based truck toll
The Netherlands has introduced a kilometre-based truck toll, has required onboard units to remain active, has limited exemptions and has required operators to obtain compliant devices and verify vehicle eligibility before entry.


NACFE report details changing maintenance needs for diesel truck fleets
A new NACFE report examines how North American truck fleets are adapting maintenance for software-intensive diesel engines. It highlights oil analysis, coolant testing, connected diagnostics, condition-based servicing and technician training as fleets navigate the transition to new powertrains.


Mack Defense secures $47m to continue US Army truck production
Mack Defense has secured $47 million in US federal funding to continue producing M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks for the Army at its Allentown facility. The appropriation supports a five-year contract for up to 450 vehicles.

