Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025:
- Do you have ideas on how to address cargo theft in trucking? The DOT wants to hear from you.
- Another tort reform effort emerges in D.C.
- New tool for Mack Anthem buyers before heading to a dealer.
DOT calls for industry input on how to address cargo theft
The U.S. Department of Transportation is turning its attention toward cargo theft, which has seen unprecedented surges in recent years.
In a Federal Register notice publishing Friday, Sept. 19, the DOT is calling for information from carriers, shippers, law enforcement agencies and others “to aid in the development of strategies and potential programs to reduce cargo theft, strengthen supply chain security, and create a safe operating environment for freight stakeholders and the traveling public.”
In the notice, DOT noted that cargo theft includes both “straight thefts” of trailers, containers and loads at truck stops and distribution hubs, as well as “highly coordinated operations conducted by organized criminal networks.” The latter of those tactics includes “fraudulent carriers, staged diversions, cyber-enabled thefts, and insider collusion,” DOT added.
The department said that while law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders track cargo theft incidents, “reporting is fragmented and inconsistent, and national-level visibility is limited,” DOT said. “DOT is uniquely positioned to improve coordination across modes, support data collection, and strengthen resilience by working with law enforcement, industry, ... and Federal partners.”
[Related: Cargo thieves boosted 33% more freight than a year ago: Report]
In the Request for Information publishing Friday, DOT invites comment and data from stakeholders on a number of questions, which can be found in the notice here. There are sets of questions for different groups of stakeholders, including general questions for all stakeholders, questions for law enforcement and industry stakeholders like motor carriers and shippers as well.
Following a 30-day comment period -- which will be available beginning Friday at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. DOT-OST-2025–1326 -- DOT said it will review responses and may use them to:
- Coordinate with law enforcement and regulatory partners to identify and close loopholes that allow carriers or transporters removed from service to re-enter operations under different names or affiliations.
- Improve cargo security risk assessment methodologies and strengthen decision support capabilities by leveraging data shared through existing Federal, State, and industry partnerships.
- Enhance interagency coordination amongst DOT, DHS, FBI, CBP, and state/local partners.
- Guide DOT in formatting an appropriate response, including the design of future initiatives in partnership with industry and law enforcement.
[Related: Serial cargo thief found guilty in $5M scheme]
Lawsuit abuse: More legislation introduced in Congress
In another attempt to prevent frivolous lawsuits, including those targeting the trucking industry, members of Congress have introduced the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act that would reform tort law and mandate sanctions for frivolous lawsuits.
Introduced in the U.S. House by Reps. Mike Collins (R-Georgia), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin) and Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming), the bill would amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A separate piece of legislation also introduced in the House recently specifically targeted lawsuits against trucking companies and would give federal courts original jurisdiction over highway accident civil actions against commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce when the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million.
A press release from Rep. Collins said his legislation would:
- Make sanctions for frivolous lawsuits mandatory rather than discretionary.
- Eliminate the 21-day period that prevents a sanctions motion from being filed if the challenged pleading is withdrawn or corrected, allowing immediate filing of a motion for sanctions.
- Mandate payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, to parties harmed by the frivolous filing.
- Allow additional sanctions, including striking pleadings, dismissing cases, or imposing financial penalties to deter future violations.
"This commonsense legislation will help restore accountability in our courts, protect job creators from frivolous legal attacks, and deliver real reform to a civil justice system that too often favors abuse over fairness," Collins said. "We’re sending a clear message: the courtroom should be a place for justice, not a playground for abuse."
According to the American Trucking Associations, federal rules requiring sanctions for frivolous lawsuits were weakened in 1993, which resulted in increased lawsuit abuse. This bill, ATA added, would reinstate mandatory sanctions for lawyers who use this tactic in federal court.
“When frivolous lawsuits are filed to shake down honest trucking companies, hardworking truckers and consumers pay the price,” said ATA SVP of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act would turn the tables on those who pervert our justice system for profit by ensuring that unscrupulous lawyers – not their victims – bear the consequences of frivolous claims."
Hancom added the ATA "strongly supports this commonsense reform championed by Congressman Collins to restore fairness in the courtroom and protect job creators.”
[Related: Legislation aims at 'lawsuit abuse' that targets truckers]
New Mack Anthem added to Mack’s online truck spec’ing tool
Mack Trucks this week announced that its all-new Anthem, which has been completely redesigned for enhanced maneuverability and efficiency, is now available for customization through the Mack Truck Builder digital platform. The free online tool allows prospective buyers to explore and configure every aspect of the Anthem to meet their specific operational needs.
“Making the all-new Anthem available on our Truck Builder platform gives customers the ability to explore and customize this game-changing truck at their convenience,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president of global brand and marketing. “This tool provides a comprehensive and intuitive way for fleet managers and owner-operators to build their ideal Anthem configuration, whether they need a day cab or sleeper, before connecting with their local dealer.”
[Related: 'Brand new' Anthem reintroduced as Mack's regional haul truck]
Truck Builder offers customers complete control over their Anthem configuration, Mack said, featuring full 3D renderings of both the truck exterior and cab interior. Users can explore the Anthem’s three available configurations -- day cab, 44-inch sleeper and 64-inch sleeper -- each designed to excel in its respective application while delivering exceptional driver comfort and operational efficiency.
Through the platform, customers can:
- Select from an expanded exterior color palette
- Choose interior trim options and premium features
- Configure powertrain specifications, including engine and transmission options
- Customize axles, suspension and chassis components
- Specify safety features, including the optional digital mirror system
- Add connectivity features, including the Mack Connect telematics platform
Once a configuration is complete within Truck Builder, the platform then connects customers directly with their local Mack dealer to finalize their order. Users can save, share and modify their build as needed.
Serial production of the new Anthem is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
[Related: Mack Pioneer, Anthem models' front-end protection options]
