Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, March 20, 2025:
Arkansas passes legislation to fight cargo theft
A package of bills targeting organized retail crime, including cargo theft, was recently passed by the Arkansas Legislature and signed into law.
The organized retail crime package, sponsored by Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett) and Rep. Jeremiah Moore (R-Clarendon) and championed by the state’s Attorney General's office, addresses a top priority for the trucking industry -- cargo theft protection and organized retail crime throughout the entire supply chain. The legislative package garnered strong bipartisan support as it moved through the Legislature.
"The industry saw unprecedented levels of cargo theft last year, up 27% from the previous year and a 1,500% increase since 2001,” said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton. “These laws demonstrate that Arkansas lawmakers understand the economic threat organized retail crime and cargo theft pose to our industry and all consumers. The success of this organized retail crime package demonstrates what can be achieved when policymakers, industry stakeholders and officials like Attorney General [Tim] Griffin work together.”
[Related: ‘You’re on your own’: Cargo theft, fraud challenges aired in Congress]
Among bills signed into law were SB 301, which creates an enhanced sentence of up to 10 additional years in prison for those convicted of cargo theft.
The bill also declares a cargo theft emergency in the state, allowing provisions of the bill to take effect immediately.
The new law applies to “goods, chattels, money, or baggage that constitutes, in whole or in part, a commercial shipment of freight moving in commerce,” and does not include direct-to-consumer goods. The law defines “moving in commerce” as “all points from the point of origin to the final destination, regardless of any temporary stop while awaiting transshipment or otherwise.”
[Related: Arkansas bill would would criminalize non-citizen truck drivers]
Package pickup service expands to help truckers get online orders
Package pickup locator LockerMap has announced new fleet pricing and mobile apps designed to help truck drivers easily receive personal online orders while on the road.
LockerMap aggregates publicly accessible, secure package lockers, helping truck drivers and travelers find a convenient pickup location for their personal packages.
With thousands of retail lockers and other pickup locations mapped, LockerMap is now offering fleet subscriptions at just $20 per driver per year, making it an affordable perk for trucking companies to provide their drivers. Individual drivers can also subscribe to LockerMap Plus for access to premium features designed to make finding pickup locations even easier.
“Truckers spend weeks or months on the road, and receiving personal packages isn’t as easy as it is for someone at home,” said Justin Capogna, founder of LockerMap. “Our new Fleet Pricing makes it simple for companies to give their drivers easy access to pickup locations nationwide, with zero management required. And for individual drivers, LockerMap Plus provides powerful tools to find the most convenient pickup spots along their routes.”
LockerMap is free to use, allowing anyone to browse and locate pickup locations. For truck drivers and frequent travelers who need more advanced features, LockerMap Plus provides:
- Truck stop filtering -- Find pickup locations at truck stops nationwide
- Route-based searching -- Easily locate package pickup points along your planned route
- More detailed location info -- Get precise details on locker types and operating hours
Drivers can upgrade to LockerMap Plus to access advanced search and filtering options, making it faster and easier to find the best pickup locations along their route.
LockerMap’s Fleet Pricing is designed to be a low-cost, zero-maintenance benefit for trucking companies. Every driver enrolled through a fleet subscription receives full access to LockerMap Plus. Fleets receive a custom signup link for drivers to join, and there’s no need to manage seats or subscriptions, just a simple, flat-rate cost per driver with bulk discounts available.
LockerMap is available on web, iOS, and Android, ensuring drivers can access it anywhere. The new apps are available now in the App Store and Google Play and introduce truck stop filtering and route-based searching, helping drivers find the most convenient package pickup points without detouring off their route.
[Related: Get in where you fit it: Hotels4Truckers revamped for truck parking-friendly, discounted bookings]
Five truckers named TCA Drivers of the Year
The Truckload Carriers Association this week announced and celebrated the five winners of the 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year award, who each received $20,000 as part of the award. The program is sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins.
Chosen from a competitive group of nominees, the drivers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the trucking industry, their unwavering commitment to safety, and their exceptional leadership both on and off the road, TCA said.
The 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year are:
- Perry Carter, Cargo Transporters
- Scott Lindsey, Cheema Freightlines
- Toby Wallis, Freymiller
- Walter Jackson, Landstar
- Gerald Rhoden, Stevens Transport
Each of the drivers’ stories can be viewed here.
“Receiving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and hard work these drivers show every day,” said Jon Archard, Vice President of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. “These drivers embody the core values that we at Love’s hold dear, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to motivate and inspire others in the trucking community.”
[Related: Compete for Overdrive's 2025 Trucker of the Year honor]
