Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026:
- Truck driver in Cheech and Chong t-shirt arrested for DUI after forgetting to deliver load.
- Planning for MATS in March? Register and enter to win prizes.
- Peterbilt diesel tech program hits milestone.
Don't forget to deliver the load in Phoenix: Driver charged with DUI after turning back
A truck driver arrested in Arizona this past weekend for driving under the influence was so impaired he “forgot to deliver his load,” according to a press release from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.
Early on Sunday, Jan. 11, state troopers located the truck driver moving down a notoriously rough stretch of I-40 near Kingman. After performing field sobriety tests, the driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DUI.
After reviewing the truck’s logs, troopers discovered he drove from Las Vegas to Phoenix, but he was so impaired he neglected to deliver his load and headed back to Nevada. When he reached Kingman, he turned around and started driving toward Phoenix again.
Troopers stopped him on the return trip and removed him from the road.
[Related: Like a 'bronco buster at a rodeo': Truckers' experience of American roads today]
Register for MATS for chance to win prizes
The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) has launched a “Share & Win” contest for 2026 show registration, providing those that register to attend MATS 2026 a chance to win up to $6,000 in prizes and exclusive VIP packages.
The contest is running through Feb. 27 and will feature three grand prize winners, announced at contest's end, and multiple weekly winners announced each week on the show's social media platforms.
“We designed the ‘Share & Win’ contest to be a fun, social way for our community to connect and rally around the show,” said Toby Young, President of MATS. “It’s a great opportunity for attendees to share their excitement and see who else is planning to be there. But most importantly, it’s our way of helping offset the costs of attendance by giving away cash prizes, hotel stays, and VIP access. We want to welcome everyone back to Louisville for MATS 2026.
Each of the grand prizes includes:
- A 2-night hotel stay
- $500
- VIP package for MATS 2026
Weekly winners receive $100 and a VIP package.
To participate, register to attend MATS 2026; visit truckingshow.com/share-and-win to complete the two remaining steps; and repeat social media sharing steps to increase chances of winning.
Registration to attend the show is free through Feb. 27. MATS will be held March 26-28 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Peterbilt tech program graduates 150th class
Peterbilt Technician Institute (PTI) has announced the graduation of its 150th class since the program’s launch. PTI said the milestone achieved at the Irving, Texas, campus underscores ongoing commitment to developing highly skilled service technicians prepared to support today’s advanced vehicle technologies.
“Reaching our 150th graduating class is more than a milestone, it highlights our steady support in preparing the next generation of qualified service technicians,” said Danny Landholm, Peterbilt director of dealer network development. “Our graduates are trained not only to service and maintain today’s most sophisticated trucks but also to adapt as technology evolves.”
PTI was established to meet the growing demand for diesel technicians across Peterbilt’s dealer network, becoming a leading diesel tech training program for aspiring technicians throughout North America.
The program features an immersive curriculum combining classroom learning, real-world experience, factory-level certification and advanced instruction on the latest Peterbilt technologies, including alternative fuels, electric powertrains, diagnostics and telematics.
Upon completing the program, students earn factory-trained technician credentials that can help fast-track their careers at more than 430 Peterbilt dealerships across the United States and Canada, PTI said.
