Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
- Should autonomous trucks be exempt from warning triangle regs?
- Trucker Path load board app expands with new partnership.
- Vocational tractors get new front-end factory option.
Autonomous trucking company requests warning-device waiver extension
Autonomous truck tech developer Aurora Operations petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a long-term waiver from the warning-device regulations.
Aurora is currently operating under a limited exemption that allows the company’s Level 4 automated driving system (ADS)-equipped trucks to operate with cab-mounted beacons in lieu of the warning devices otherwise required by the FMCSRs, such as warning triangles and flares.
The waiver also allows other motor carriers operating Level 4 ADS-equipped trucks to use the waiver, provided that the carrier notifies FMCSA in writing and certifies information specified in the waiver. Kodiak Robotics is one such company.
With the limited waiver expiring July 9, Aurora wants a full, five-year exemption from the warning-device regulations in 49 Code of Federal Regulations 392.22(b), 393.25(e), and 393.95(f).
Aurora noted that the exemption would apply to Level 4 ADS-equipped trucks, even if there were a human driver present. The company also suggested that FMCSA consider extending the exemption to conventional CMVs operated by human drivers.
[Related: Aurora adds 1K-mile 'driverless' lane: Will HOS regs apply for the in-cab observer?]
Aurora claimed 109 Class 8 Level 4 ADS-equipped commercial trucks currently, and expectations of more than 200 by the end of calendar year 2026. The company projects its fleet could expand to thousands operating under the exemption over the next five years.
Additionally, Aurora said it successfully used cab-mounted warning beacons under its existing waiver from Oct. 10, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026, on 34 trucks that traveled more than 500,000 miles. During that period, the beacons activated for a total duration of nearly 10 hours, and, to the company's knowledge, the beacons were reliable and operated as expected without any faults, malfunctions, or power issues.
The trucks that operated with the beacons under the waiver were not involved in, nor contributed to, any roadway collisions while stopped on the roadway and using the beacons, Aurora added.
FMCSA is accepting public comments on Aurora’s request here through May 15.
[Related: FMCSA clearing path for autonomous rigs with recent waiver?]
Truckstop.com loads integrated into Trucker Path load board app
Trucker Path and Truckstop.com announced a partnership to bring available loads into Trucker Path’s TruckLoads digital freight exchange, expanding access to a large network of professional drivers and carriers across North America.
Under the agreement, Trucker Path’s TruckLoads customers can also subscribe to and access Truckstop.com loads directly within the TruckLoads mobile app, expanding load visibility to more carriers and helping brokers get loads covered faster, the companies noted.
A new subscription within the Trucker Path Truckloads app integrates Truckstop.com loads.Trucker Path
Carriers accessing Truckstop loads through Trucker Path are required to meet the same requirements, the companies added.
“By bringing Truckstop loads into the Trucker Path ecosystem, we are expanding access to higher quality freight, helping brokers reach a more trusted network of carriers, and supporting the drivers and businesses that keep the U.S. supply chain running every day,” said Scott Moscrip, founder and CEO of Truckstop.com. “Just as important, every carrier accessing Truckstop freight is expected to meet the same Truckstop standards our customers rely on, because security and fraud prevention remain a top priority.”
[Related: Sweet dream? 2026 rates surge transforming a fuel nightmare]
Kenworth adds reinforced front frame as T880, T880S option
The front frame structure option is now available to order for the T880 with the set-forward front axle configuration (T880S). The T880 in set-back front axle configurations will be available later this year.Kenworth
A new reinforced front frame structure has been added as an option for Kenworth’s T880 and T880S models to support a variety of front-of-frame-mounted equipment such as hose reels, snowplows, steady legs, and more.
The front frame structure feature consists of reinforced front-of-frame castings, crossmembers, kicker braces, and an implement plate located behind the bumper. The factory preparation eliminates the need for aftermarket front suspension modifications, saving both time and money during the upfitting process, Kenworth said.
Kenworth added that the front-of-frame structure serves as an effective alternative to traditional parent rails for applications that do not require a front engine PTO (FEPTO) drive. By using the front frame structure instead of a parent rail solution, the installation of equipment is simplified, and no modifications to the hood or cooling module are required to package the new components. This helps preserve the T880’s visibility from the driver’s seat and eliminates the need for unique parts in this configuration.
The factory-installed, factory-warranted option reduces the time and cost to the end user and body builder once the truck arrives, increasing quality and consistency while reducing time to in-service new units.
