Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Dec. 22, 2025:
- Three more states grant measure of HOS relief.
- Rail giants’ proposed merger in trouble?
- Three factoring companies acquired by truck stop’s factoring arm.
- Driver-focused dealership opens in Southeast.
Winter-related HOS relief hits N.Y., Maine, Kansas
Officials in three more states -- New York, Maine and Kansas -- have issued emergency declarations related to winter weather that waive hours-of-service regulations for certain truck drivers. The three states join a growing list of states in both the Northeast and Midwest that have issued similar declarations.
The New York State Department of Transportation on Dec. 17 declared the exemption for intrastate truckers a result of “supply chain disruption caused by a propane gas refinery infrastructure issue” that spawned “logistical issues spanning multiple states.”
As a result, NYSDOT is modifying HOS provisions in the state “due to compounding multi-state propane supply issues that have resulted in jurisdictional emergency declarations and hours of service waivers and modifications.” Under New York’s declaration, the following HOS provisions are modified for intrastate truck drivers hauling propane between points in the state:
- The 70-hour maximum on-duty period in 8 days is modified to be 84 hours.
- The 60-hour maximum on-duty period in 7 days is modified to be 74 hours.
- The 14-hour maximum workday is modified to be 16 hours, and an 8-hour off duty period must be taken to reset the 16-hour provision.
- The 34-hour restart provision is modified to be 24 hours.
- On-duty time for the purposes of calculating the 60/70- or 14-hour rules does not include time spent waiting in a commercial motor vehicle while on the property of a shipper or carrier, loading point, unloading point, or terminal immediately subsequent to or preceding loading/unloading operations.
New York’s waiver is effective through Dec. 31.
In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills cited “a prolonged period of below-average temperatures statewide and windy conditions in parts of the state, all of which have significantly increased heating demand for residences and businesses,” among other issues, in a declaration waiving HOS regulations.
Maine’s Energy Emergency will allow heating fuel delivery crews to waive Part 395.3, maximum driving time, of the federal HOS regs. According to Mills, the declaration “will enable heating fuel delivery crews to operate in Maine free from otherwise applicable hours of service limitations.”
The declaration is in effect through Jan. 4.
Finally, in Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly issued a Dec. 17 emergency declaration to waive hours of service for fuel transport. Kelly’s regional declaration of emergency covers all counties in Kansas.
The Kansas State Corporation Commission noted that Part 395.3 is waived for motor carriers and drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle providing direct assistance during the emergency. The waiver is effective through Dec. 31.
[Related: Sleeper berth: Will truckers be able to split as they see fit?]
Proposed historic rail merger receives immediate pushback
The would-be historic proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways got off the ground just this past Friday, with the two companies submitting application to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval to combine the railroads and create America’s first transcontinental railroad.
The first step in the STB’s merger review process requires the board to determine, by Jan. 18, 2026, whether to accept the application for consideration or reject it as incomplete. If the STB accepts the application, review will entail the consideration of a broad and novel array of public interest concerns. Approval of the merger is uncertain, though it's gotten various trucking interests' stamp of approval, including from large carriers Knight-Swift and C.R. England.
Rail companies, though, immediately pushed back upon news of the merger application. In a statement on Friday, Canadian Pacific Kansas City said "approval of this merger is not inevitable."
BNSF President & CEO Katie Farmer noted her company has long opposed the merger, and Friday’s official filing with the STB did nothing to change that position.
"The transaction poses a significant threat to the U.S. economy and the American consumer through its long-term competitive harms," Farmer said. "It would leave shippers with fewer options -- driving higher rates and, ultimately, higher prices for consumers. This didn’t begin with customers asking for this merger, and the claimed public benefits appear to accrue primarily to shareholders.”
Past mergers, she said, demonstrate the risk of serious service failures with destructive impacts on customers, the U.S. rail network, and the American economy.
"This is precisely why the STB strengthened its merger rules: applicants must now prove their deal will not only preserve but enhance competition; that it serves the public interest; and that its purported benefits cannot be delivered through partnerships,” Farmer added. "BNSF is confident that UP has not met these requirements. UP has a long history of making promises in past mergers that they back away from once they’ve secured approval.”
[Related: Side-underride guard mandate: Rail disaster waiting to happen?]
Love’s Financial acquires three factoring companies
Love’s financial services arm, Love’s Financial, is expanding through the acquisition of three freight factoring providers serving small- to mid-sized fleets. The company acquired Saint John Capital, Financial Carrier Services, and the well-known TBS Factoring Service. The companies operate out of Chicago, Illinois; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Oklahoma City, respectively. The acquisition closed Dec. 19, and terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Love’s is committed to growing strategically as a trusted partner to meet professional drivers, owner-operators and fleets where they are, and providing fast and reliable freight factoring services is an important part of that vision,” said Shane Wharton, Love’s president. “We’re excited to welcome our new customers and Love’s Financial team members while learning from their factoring experience.”
Through the acquisition process, approximately 3,400 new customers for Love's Financial will not experience any disruptions or delays in funding, Love’s said. They'll also gain access to additional services at Love’s nationwide network of truck stops, including fuel discounts and access to a no-fee credit line on Love’s Express Billing card program.
Customers may also qualify for discounts at Love’s Truck Care locations, which provide tires, emergency roadside service, light mechanical services, lube and preventive maintenance.
[Related: How load factoring companies' diverse services help some fleets grow]
Georgia dealer group opens new location
The new Peach State Truck Centers location in Villa Rica, Georgia, is located off I-20 at exit 26.Peach State Truck Centers
Peach State Truck Centers has opened a new facility in Villa Rica, Georgia. Company company leaders believe it redefines what a dealership can be -- not just a place to buy or service trucks, but a destination built around drivers.
“This is truly a truck dealership reimagined,” said Rick Reynolds, president of Peach State Truck Centers. “We want every customer to experience something seamless, elevated, and respectful. Our mission is to make a positive difference in every part of their journey -- from buying trucks and parts to getting service or simply taking a break. Above all, we strive to honor drivers and the industry that keeps America moving.”
Located just off Exit 26 with easy access from I-20, the 24-acre campus goes beyond traditional sales and service, the company said. The new Villa Rica center features:
- 20+ Express Assessment bays for designated expert techs to diagnose problems within in the first hour of arriving with the majority of repairs completed same day. This reimagined process allows the driver to speak directly to the diagnosing tech to speed up the process of getting the truck back on the road, Peach State added.
- An extensive service department with 40+ bays to service Freightliner, Western Star, Cummins, Detroit and Allison.
- An indoor drive-through parts will-call with room for more than $10 million in parts to serve all needs.
- The Sovereign Lounge, an all-inclusive, airport-style driver’s lounge featuring nap zones with zero-gravity, lay-flat massage chairs.
- A café, serving food and coffee.
- Secure overnight truck and trailer parking and a dedicated dog park.
- A retail store with premium gear, safety equipment, and lifestyle items from leading brands.
“We designed this dealership to be an experience for customers and employees alike,” said Greg Althardt, chief operating officer. “From durable workwear and premium toiletries to an indoor/outdoor lounge where the VIP treatment even extends to your pets -- we’re creating a destination that stands apart from any other dealership in the country. It’s a place you’re welcome even when you don’t need a truck, a part, or service.”
The airport-style driver's lounge offers numerous amenities for truckers waiting for service.Peach State Truck Centers
With 13 locations across Georgia and Alabama, Peach State Truck Centers specializes in new and used medium- and heavy-duty truck sales, service, and parts for Freightliner and Western Star trucks. Several centers also offer SelecTrucks used trucks, Thomas Built Buses, and other government and emergency vehicles.
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