Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, July 29, 2025:
Trucking brothers charged in massive fentanyl bust
A pair of brothers driving a tractor-trailer in South Carolina were arrested after law enforcement agencies seized 156 pounds of fentanyl during a criminal investigation this month.
On July 1, Drug Enforcement Administration agents, Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies, and South Carolina State Transport Police officers conducted two coordinated traffic stops in Lexington and Richland counties. Inside a tractor-trailer that was transporting some products with a legitimate business purpose, law enforcement also found large packages of illegal narcotics. Investigators believe the seized narcotics were sourced in Mexico and transported across the southern border.
South Carolina police seized approximately 156 pounds (71 kilograms) of fentanyl and 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of methamphetamine in total. According to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose; thus a single kilogram of fentanyl holds potential to kill 500,000 people. The seized fentanyl had the potential to kill 36 million, and a street retail value of $1.7 million.
Two brothers operating the tractor-trailer were arrested following the traffic stop and indicted on July 22. Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, both of Delano, California, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Both face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.
“This isn't just a drug bust; it's a life-saving intervention on an unprecedented scale for our state,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Law enforcement has been working together at every level to keep South Carolina safe, and we’re committed to dismantling the criminal networks that bring this poison into our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the State Transport Police, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
[Related: Small-fleet owner gets 28 years in prison for cocaine distribution charges]
Summer spot freight doldrums | This week's spot-market snapshot from Truckstop.com and FTR Transportation Intelligence signaled the summer doldrums for spot freight rates were undeniably in effect, with rates declines nationally. Since early-year strength for flatbeds, rates have reversed course in that segment and others. Reefer rates best held ground in the latest week compared to 2024, just 0.3% below those levels. Flatbed's lost ground led to rates 2% below the 2024 mark, dry van at similar pricing levels. One bright spot was in loads posted, with spot freight total volume nearly 11% higher than it was during the same 2024 week.
[Related: Evaluate earning potential with this Load Profit Analyzer]
FMCSA denies CDL school’s request for under-21 exemption
FMCSA denied a Michigan CDL school’s request to allow truck driver trainees between the ages of 18 and 20 holding a “K” restricted commercial learners permit (CLP) issued by another state to attend its driver training facility.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said allowing the waiver “would disrupt and confuse each State’s use of the ‘K’ restriction.”
In its request, Bianco Trucking Services, doing business as CDL and Operator Training in Spalding, Michigan, petitioned to allow under-21 drivers with a Wisconsin-issued CLP and a “K” restriction to attend its driving school. Bianco is a registered entry-level driver training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Under current regulations, drivers younger than 21 must drive intrastate only in their state of domicile.
[Related: Michigan CDL school petitions FMCSA for under-21 waiver]
Driver recognized as Highway Angel for helping injured motorcyclist
The Truckload Carriers Association has named Logan, Utah-based Kevin Olsen, a truck driver for Truline Corp., a Highway Angel for stopping to help a motorcyclist who had crashed in front of him on the road.
Kevin Olsen
“I came to a stop and went to assess the situation,” Olsen said. “He was having trouble breathing; I think it was as a result of the impact with the road.”
Olsen got the crash victim ibuprofen and water, and he finally was able to catch his breath. He complained of rib pain but didn’t appear to have any other obvious injuries. Though there was no cellphone coverage in the accident area, a passing driver alerted emergency personnel with a satellite phone.
Olsen also helped to make sure that passing motorists did so at a pace that was safe for the conditions and to prevent further incidents from rising. He was on the scene for more than 90 minutes assisting with the accident before emergency responders told him he could depart.
“I didn’t want to leave him hanging,” Olsen said. “I ride a motorcycle myself and this easily could have been me -- I felt like it was my responsibility to make sure he was taken care of.”
