Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025:
- Three national and 49 state trucking associations want the EPA to delay the 2027 heavy-duty NOx rule to 2031, as well as reconsider NOx standards.
- Shell Rotella is offering reward cards for the purchase of T4, T5 and T6 heavy-duty diesel engine oils.
- Wreaths Across America recognized Load One as the ninth recipient of its James Prout Spirit of Giving Award for support of the organization.
- ABF Freight driver David Cyr helped save a fellow trucker after a rollover crash.
Trucking orgs call for delay of EPA's heavy-duty NOx rule
The American Trucking Associations, National Tank Truck Carriers, Truckload Carriers Association and 49 state trucking associations penned a letter Wednesday to the Environmental Protection Agency calling for a delay in the implementation of EPA's heavy-duty NOx rule until 2031.
The rule is currently set to take effect with the 2027 model year. It tightens NOx limits from the stacks to a level more than 80% below the current standard and reduces the particulate matter limit by 50%. The agency also will require that OEMs extend warranties to 450,000 miles from 100,000 and useful-life limits to 650,000 miles from 435,000 miles.
The organizations cited substantial added costs amid already-existing economic and operational pressures facing the trucking industry.
[Related: Trucking groups slam 'challenging' new EPA rule that slashes truck emissions limits]
"As finalized, the heavy-duty NOx rule imposes substantial compliance costs and operational burdens at a time when the trucking industry is already contending with historically difficult market conditions," the letter said. "With prolonged weakness in freight demand and inflationary cost pressures, the rule’s 2027 implementation timeline threatens to intensify strain across our industry."
In addition to calling for a delay of the rule, the trucking groups also urged EPA "to conduct a full reconsideration of current heavy-duty NOx standards, allowing for a comprehensive review and public comment on key provisions, including NOx stringency levels, warranty obligations, useful life requirements, and associated technical elements. EPA would need to finalize this review and rulemaking process by the end of 2026 to provide engine manufacturers with the requisite lead time for implementation in 2031."
The letter comes just weeks after the EPA announced it will revoke the Endangerment Finding that has allowed presidential administrations to regulate greenhouse gases since 2009, and with that, roll back the Greenhouse Gas Phase 3 rule set to take effect in 2027. Just this week, EPA announced new guidance around derating procedures after faults in SCR emissions systems, too, complicating both in-place and upcoming emissions standards for truck makers.
[Related: EPA 2027 diesel emissions regs: Class 8 truck price hikes in the offing]
Shell Rotella launches new promotion
Shell Rotella has launched its 2025 Shell Rotella National Promotion in which oil purchasers can receive up to a $40 Mastercard Virtual Reward Card.
Truck owners who purchase Shell Rotella’s T4, T5 or T6 heavy-duty diesel engine oil from participating locations can enter their purchase online by Nov. 30 to receive a reward card. The value of the reward cards varies depending on which oil is purchased and at what amount.
Buyers can request their offer online here by selecting their retailer and following the directions on the site. Once the purchase is validated, buyers will receive an email with a link and instructions to redeem their reward card.
Load One receives ‘Spirit of Giving’ award from Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America (WAA) this month recognized Load One Transportation & Logistics, headquartered in Detroit, as the ninth recipient of the organization’s James Prout Spirit of Giving Award. As a member of the WAA Honor Fleet, Load One has been helping move the organization’s mission since 2010.
The James Prout Spirit of Giving Award is named in memory of James Prout, owner of Blue Bird Ranch Trucking of Jonesboro, Maine. Prout was the first person to volunteer to haul wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery when the program was in its infancy. The award is given semi-annually to a deserving professional truck driver, transportation company or organization that has supported charitable causes in a way that will affect generations to come.
“Load One has been an incredible partner in helping us fulfill our mission. When other companies or owner-operators can’t take a load, they step up, often at the last minute, to ensure every wreath is delivered,” said Courtney George, WAA Director of Transportation & Industry Relations. “They generously block out their broker fees, so we receive services at a discount, and they go the extra mile to make sure every ceremonial wreath is included in the Escort to Arlington.”
George noted that Load One took five loads of wreaths in the 2024 Wreaths Across America effort, “an impressive commitment for an expedite carrier with most of their trucks being sprinter vans and straight trucks,” she said.
“It is incredibly meaningful to be selected for the James Prout Spirit of Giving Award by Wreaths Across America,” said John Elliott, Executive Chairman, Load One. “I have long said, hauling veterans’ wreaths is easily the most sacred cargo we have the honor of delivering each year. I am proud of our team, who step up to volunteer their time, and as a veteran myself, I am honored to play a part in this important mission.”
The trucking industry is vital in helping WAA move the mission to more than 5,000 participating locations across the country. National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. It is a free event open to all.
Trucker’s quick action to help following truck rollover earns recognition
David Cyr of Glen St. Mary, Florida, a truck driver for ABF Freight, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for his quick thinking and courageous actions that helped save a fellow truck driver following a rollover accident in Jacksonville.
David Cyr
“We were running down the side of the trailer and the wheels were still spinning -- that’s how quickly we got there,” Cyr recalled. “It was like 15 seconds after the truck flipped.”
With the cab crushed and the driver trapped inside, Cyr quickly assessed the situation. He checked for any signs of leaking fluids or potential fire hazards before jumping down the embankment beside the guardrail to reach the cab. Inside, the driver -- standing on the passenger-side window amid scattered debris -- was clearly shaken.
Despite a language barrier, Cyr was able to help the driver out of the wreckage and bring him to safety before calling 911. The driver appeared unharmed but understandably rattled by the experience.
“You gotta help people out,” said Cyr, a 30-year trucking veteran. “It’s the human thing to do.”
