Article Summary
Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, July 8, 2026:
- Three arrested after illegal haul discovered in Volunteer State.
- Trucker’s post-crash actions recognized by law enforcement.
- Mind your speed running through this state.
Truck busted hauling cocaine in Tennessee
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) on July 3 identified a tractor-trailer allegedly hauling cocaine from Texas to Nashville, resulting in three arrests.
The operation and investigation, which also included the execution of multiple search warrants in Nashville, led to the seizure of 68 kilograms of cocaine, 36 firearms, three sets of body armor, one kilogram press used to pack drugs, and U.S. currency.TBI
As a result of the operation, agents arrested the following individuals, all charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and with bond set at $100,000.
- Perry White of Nashville
- Jesus Garza, of Donna, Texas
- Antonio Diaz, of Texas City
TBI made the discovery in a joint investigation with the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force and with assistance from multiple federal and local agencies.
[Related: 'Habitual offender' locked up after operating overweight dump truck with no CDL]
Truck driver gets shout-out from law enforcement for post-crash actions
The Monroe County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday issued a statement recognizing the actions of a truck driver to lend assistance at the scene of a crash.
On Sunday, July 5, at 3:02 p.m., the Monroe County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a crash involving a car and a tractor-trailer at State Highway 16 and the I-90 Exit 28 off-ramp. The reporter said the car was on fire and a female party had been injured.
The driver of the semi removed the female from the car after it caught fire, MCSO said.
Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and began rendering aid and extinguishing the fully engulfed car fire. State Highway 16 and the I-90 off-ramp for exit 28 were closed in both directions for approximately three hours to facilitate the crash investigation and cleanup. The driver of the car was transported to a local La Crosse hospital with serious injuries. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage.
Based on the initial investigation, it appeared the car had stopped at the stop sign on the off-ramp. The semi was westbound on State Highway 16 crossing the overpass. The car pulled out in front of the semi, causing the semi driver to attempt to avoid a collision. The car continued forward and struck the side of the semi-trailer. The trailer drove partially over the car and pushed it into a ditch. The car then caught fire with the driver still inside.
The semi driver’s quick actions in removing the driver from the vehicle likely saved her life, MCSO added. The names of the drivers involved are not currently being released.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Kentucky cracking down on speeding this month
If you’re hauling through the Bluegrass State this month, keep an eye on your speed, as law enforcement officials are focusing enforcement on speeders with special enforcement emphasis through July 31. That's in addition to Kentucky truck enforcement's participation in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Operation Safe Driver Week traffic-enforcement initiative starting July 12.
Kentucky truck enforcement ranks in the bottom half of states (No. 28) for intensity of focus on moving violations for trucking companies and drivers, according to Overdrive's most recent accounting with sister company RigDig, based on 2025 stats. According to the state, a full third all traffic fatalities in Kentucky that year involved a speeding or aggressive driver, passenger vehicle or commercial.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies statewide to implement the “Not So Fast, Kentucky” speed awareness campaign through July 31. With funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, KOHS distributes full-year grants to law enforcement agencies that applied.
“Speed limits are in place to protect everyone on the road,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “We’re asking drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially as more workers are out in construction work zones improving roads and bridges for travelers.”
To further increase safety in work zones for Kentucky drivers and construction crews, KYTC began using automated speed enforcement devices in select active highway work zones in late fall of 2025.
KYTC urges drivers to stay alert and use extra caution in work zones as construction season rolls on.
