Trucking news and briefs for Monday, June 9, 2025:
FMCSA removes DEI, climate change requirements from CDL grant program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced Friday that it’s making nearly $90 million available to states and other entities implementing commercial driver’s license programs.
In 2024, FMCSA awarded $55.1 million in CDL Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants, though there was approximately $84 million available to be awarded. This year, $89.4 million is available to eligible entities to help states strengthen compliance with federal safety regulations and enhance the integrity of the National CDL Program, according to FMCSA. Eligible entities include state, county and city governments; public and private institutions of higher education; non-profit organizations; small businesses and other entities.
Last year, the vast majority of funding was awarded to state DOTs and motor vehicle departments.
FMCSA’s National CDL Program ensures that only properly trained and qualified individuals are eligible to obtain and retain a CDL, with a goal of reinforcing highway safety across all states. At its core is the principle of “One Driver. One License. One Record.” The agency describes it as a critical safeguard that maintains the integrity of driver histories and prevents unsafe drivers from evading accountability through licensing loopholes.
[Related: Trump admin reviewing non-domiciled CDLs for foreign drivers: How many are there?]
This year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) eliminates racial equity and climate change and sustainability provisions that were included during the Biden administration. Under those provisions, applicants were encouraged to consider how their project(s) would “address the challenges faced by individuals and underserved communities," and consider "climate change and sustainability, as applicable.”
FMCSA then evaluated each application regarding climate change/sustainability and racial equity/barriers to opportunity, to the extent possible, evaluating whether:
- The project promotes energy efficiency
- The project avoids adverse environmental impacts to air or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species
- The applicant has adopted an equity and inclusion program/plan or has otherwise instituted equity-focused policies to ensure racial equity in the overall project delivery and implementation
- The project improves access to or provides economic growth opportunities for underserved, overburdened, or rural communities
“For example, if an applicant is purchasing new vehicles, has the purchase/utilization of electric vehicles been considered in order to reduce carbon emissions; if engaging in education and outreach efforts involving CDL and CMV safety, have specific plans been developed to identify and target methods which will benefit underserved communities; or if recruiting and hiring new staff (via contractual agreements or direct hire), does the recruitment plan identify qualified applicant pools from underserved communities,” the 2024 NOFO said.
FMCSA will award 2025 grants based on merit while evaluating applications using a Merit Evaluation Criteria that includes: Technical Merit Criteria; Budget Cost Analysis Criteria; Program-Specific Criteria; Past Performance Criteria; and Other Review Information. The DEI and climate change criteria were previously included in the “other” category and have since been removed.
[Related: FMCSA awards grants for improving CDL licensing process]
Paccar recalling a few hundred Peterbilts for potential brakes issue
Paccar is recalling approximately 315 Peterbilts due to an issue in which the rear brake piping assembly may have insufficient clearance, which can result in a loss of service brakes or anti-lock brake function, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The manufacturer noted that the recall is being done in an abundance of caution as very few trucks have reached customers and there are no field issues reported. The recall includes the following truck models:
- 2024 Peterbilt 367
- 2026 Peterbilt 548 and 589
- 2024-‘26 Peterbilt 567
According to Paccar, certain chassis may have rear suspension tracking rod interference with the left rear brake modulator when the suspension moves through its full travel. Interference with the left rear brake modulator could cause loss of service brake or ABS modulation for one rear axle wheel end and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install new brake hoses and correct the rear brake piping assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to mailed July 27. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 940-591-4220 with recall number 25PBE. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-353.
[Related: Battery issue, fire potential prompt recall of 21K Western Stars]
Five new Mack Granites recalled for having incorrect brakes
Mack Trucks is recalling five model year 2026 Mack Granite trucks in which the incorrect drive axle brake drums were installed, resulting in an incorrect load rating on the door jamb label.
Incorrect weight rating information on the door can result in overloading the axles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The company said certain Mack Granite trucks were built with drive axle brake drums that should have de-rated the vehicle rear axle rating from 29,000 lbs. to 27,000 lbs., but this is not reflected on the incorrect door jamb labels.
Dealers will replace the brake drums, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 21. Owners may contact Mack's customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0472. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-352.
