Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, May 5, 2026:
- Lower electric truck costs? California bill takes aim.
- Money laundering, theft: Alleged $8M scheme by carrier's employees.
- Driver recognized for assisting after witnessing rollover crash.
California bill looks to cut EV truck costs
As diesel prices in California remain the only part of the country to average more than $7 per gallon, legislation under consideration in the state aims to make so-called “zero-emission” medium- and heavy-duty vehicles more affordable for California’s fleet operators.
Senate Bill 1213, introduced by state Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton), has passed a key Senate policy committee with unanimous support.
A press release from Reyes’ office cites research from the International Council on Clean Transportation that found electric-truck prices in Europe have fallen by 27% in recent years, while prices for those trucks have increased 32% in the U.S. According to the press release, Reyes' legislation looks to close that gap “by fostering a more transparent, competitive marketplace and providing enhanced financial support to fleets transitioning away from volatile fossil fuel costs."
In the California Inland Empire region, “where goods movement shapes our air quality and quality of life, we cannot afford to fall behind in the fight for clean air,” Reyes said. “SB 1213 is designed to make zero-emission trucks more attainable, while prioritizing the health of the communities most impacted by diesel pollution and ensuring cleaner, more responsible industry practices.”
To ensure that state incentive programs, such as the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), are delivering maximum value to taxpayers and fleets, the bill would require OEMs to provide quarterly pricing data, including MSRP and average transaction markups.
[Related: Known unknown: How the used market will develop for Class 8 electric trucks]
Recognizing the “sticker” price is only one hurdle, the bill also expands the California voucher programs' reach to cover 90% of the total cost of purchase, including taxes and delivery fees, Reyes noted. California’s HVIP program has allocated $1.7 billion to date.
Additionally, the bill mandates an annual evaluation of voucher caps, with a priority focus on trucks serving disadvantaged communities.
Finally, the legislation directs the state to explore alternative financing models by 2028, including low-cost loans and residual value guarantees -- “tools specifically designed to scale the market, encourage new manufacturing entrants, and provide the financial confidence to fleets to invest in a zero-emission future,” Reyes added.
[Related: 'Like a cabover' with more side glass: Tesla Semi panorama views, walkaround vid]
Trucking company employees charged in laundering scheme
Three individuals have been charged following a massive, multi-agency investigation of an $8 million theft and money laundering scheme targeting an Elizabeth, New Jersey-based business.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced charges of three individuals, including a longtime employee of the business:
- Alejandro Garcia, 49, of Manasquan, New Jersey, is charged with first-degree money laundering, multiple counts of second-degree theft, credit card fraud, and conspiracy to commit theft.
- Sandra Garcia, 51 of Manasquan -- second-degree theft and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft.
- Rosemarie Ritacco, 46 of Nutley, New Jersey -- second-degree theft, third-degree theft, and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft.
The case was initiated by the Union County prosecurtor's Special Prosecutions Unit in September 2025, following a referral from R. Roman Truck Leasing, Inc. alleging that Mr. Garcia diverted $2.5 million to himself over a 5-year period. R. Roman Truck Leasing is listed as a 14-truck, for-hire motor carrier in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safer database.
The investigation, led by Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jessica Tattoli, revealed that Alejandro Garcia, a 27-year employee of the company, allegedly stole roughly $8 million from the victim’s business. The investigation uncovered that Garcia used unauthorized checks, cash withdrawals, and payments to other employees to finance a lavish lifestyle for himself and his family.
To facilitate the theft, he allegedly established a shadow company titled Roman Truck Leasing Co. of NJ Corporation.
On Tuesday, April 21, prosecuting detectives, assisted by the law enforcement officers in the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, New Brunswick Police Department, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, executed a warrant at Mr. Garcia’s place of business in New Brunswick.
Additionally, Union County detectives, assisted by the Wall Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Search Warrant Entry Team, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, executed a search warrant at a residence in Wall Township and subsequently served Sandra Garcia with a complaint-summons.
Sandra Garcia is scheduled for her first court appearance on June 4.
Ritacco was served with a complaint-summons on April 22 and is scheduled for her first court appearance on June 4.
Alejandro Garcia turned himself into the Union County Prosecutor's Office on April 21, was processed and remains at the Union County Jail pending his detention hearing.
[Related: Former fleet owner at head of truckign Ponzi scheme to pay $1M resitution]
Highway Angel recognized for rollover crash-assist
Nigel Hunt, a truck driver for ABF Freight, received Highway Angel recognition from the Truckload Carriers Association for his quick response and care following a rollover crash in California.
Nigel Hunt
“I saw a dust cloud and checked the shoulder, and the vehicle was upside down,” said Hunt.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Hunt safely pulled his truck over and immediately went to assist.
“I put on my hazards, grabbed my flashlight, and went over to check on him," he said. He located the man involved in the crash and conducted a concussion check, noting signs of disorientation.
Hunt promptly contacted state authorities and remained with the individual, providing support and monitoring their condition until emergency responders arrived on the scene.
“He looked shell-shocked, and I could tell something wasn’t right,” Hunt added. “Even though he didn’t think he needed help, I called emergency services anyway -- better safe than sorry, especially with adrenaline.”
[Related: 'God had me there for a reason': Highway Angel saves six in Hurrican Helen floodwaters]
