Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025:
- It's been decades since FMCSA's last extensive fatal crash causation study -- there's a new one in the offing.
- Learn how to protect your fleet from cyber-criminals with an upcoming online training series from NMFTA and OOIDA.
- Mack is fully rolling out its GuardDog Connect telematics offering for Allison Transmission monitoring.
FMCSA to launch study into fatal truck crash causes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is formally starting the process to launch a new study into fatal heavy-duty truck crashes, as required by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).
The agency has announced it will submit an information collection request to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a study titled “Crash Causal Factors Program: Heavy-Duty Truck Study Data Collection.”
The information collected will support the first phase of the Heavy-Duty Truck Study, mandated by the IIJA. It will collect data from state jurisdictions that were identified as part of a nationally representative study sample of fatal crashes involving Class 7 and 8 trucks.
Under the IIJA, the Secretary of Transportation is required to:
- Identify data requirements, data collection procedures, reports, and any other measures that can be used to improve the ability of states and the DOT to evaluate future crashes involving commercial motor vehicles
- Monitor crash trends and identify causes and contributing factors
- Develop effective safety improvement policies and programs
To meet these requirements, FMCSA established the Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP), through which “FMCSA is pursuing a nuanced understanding of crashes involving CMVs so that policymakers, law enforcement agencies, regulators, and other interested parties can implement effective crash prevention strategies and programs,” the agency said.
[Related: DOT threatens funding for CA, WA, NM over lax ELP enforcement]
The study will collect data aimed at identifying key driver, vehicle, motor carrier, and environmental factors that may contribute to fatal crashes involving heavy-duty trucks.
After the data collection phase is complete, the data will be analyzed to identify crash trends and inform the development of effective, targeted safety policies and programs to help prevent crashes. The CCFP is part of DOT and FMCSA’s heightened effort to address the rising number of fatal crashes and reduce roadway fatalities, FMCSA noted.
The new effort at causation analysis follows almost two decades since the agency's Large Truck Crash Causation study of the mid-late 2000s took a deep dive into why crashes occur.
[Related: Reckless four-wheelers, bad road design...: Two factors, among others, in why trucks crash]
Cybersecurity training series for owner-ops, small fleets upcoming in September
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), in support of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, has announced a new online cybersecurity training series tailored for independent owner-operators and small fleet owners.
The three-part series, titled Cybersecurity Basics for Owner-Operators, will run through September and is being made available for $49.99 per attendee, and a group rate of $199.99 for up to five members of the same fleet.
Cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to large corporations. Truck drivers are increasingly targeted by phishing scams, identity theft, and attacks on mobile devices and truck technologies like GPS, electronic logging devices and telematics systems, NMFTA noted. Recognizing a growing risk, NMFTA and OOIDA plan to deliver accessible, practical guidance to small fleets and owner-operators.
[Related: 'Driverless' truck tech: Owner-ops worry over cyberattacks, crashes]
“Independent drivers are operating complex mobile businesses and need the tools to protect their digital footprint, just like any other entrepreneur,” said Ben Wilkens, cybersecurity principal engineer for NMFTA. “This training empowers them to do exactly that -- without breaking the bank or needing a tech degree.”
The three-part series in brief:
- Session 1 -- Personal Cyber Hygiene (6-8 p.m. Eastern, Sept. 10): How to safeguard personal data, email, and devices.
- Session 2 -- Cybersecurity on the Road (6-8 p.m. Eastern, Sept. 17): Securing mobile use, Wi-Fi safety, and protecting business files and GPS systems.
- Session 3 -- Building a Cyber-Safe Business (6-8 p.m. Eastern, Sept. 24): Learn about low-cost tools, vendor risk, and setting up a basic security plan.
Participants will receive supporting resources, implementation checklists, and continued education options to sustain cybersecurity improvements beyond the event. Recordings will also be available for those who cannot attend when the sessions are live.
Registration for the event is available online here.
[Related: Small fleets could be at higher risk of cyber threats]
Mack expands telematics offering to Allison transmissions
Following the successful completion of a pilot program, Mack Trucks today announced the full commercial launch of its integrated Allison Transmission monitoring within the Mack GuardDog Connect telematics offering, now available across all Mack powertrains.
The expanded telematics plan builds on Mack’s March announcement of its partnership with Allison Transmission, which has delivered exceptional results during the pilot phase, the company said. The original integration introduced direct incorporation of Allison Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data and other parameters into GuardDog Connect’s 24/7 monitoring service, streamlining customer communications by providing one point of contact through Mack rather than multiple sources.
The approach is now being made available across Mack’s complete powertrain lineup. Customer feedback revealed 100% satisfaction with the integrated approach, with participants praising the streamlined communications and proactive service capabilities. “The pilot program results exceeded our expectations,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Achieving 100% customer satisfaction validates our commitment to making Mack easy to do business with. We’re now ready to extend these proven benefits to customers across our entire powertrain lineup.”
The full launch introduces enhanced monitoring capabilities that extend beyond the original pilot scope. The expanded GuardDog Connect integration now provides:
- Universal coverage: Available across all Mack powertrains, not limited to specific configurations
- Retroactive access: Existing customers with compatible vehicles can access the service immediately
- Enhanced diagnostics: Improved fault code interpretation and resolution guidance
- Streamlined service coordination: Single point of contact for all powertrain-related issues
[Related: Telematics beyond ELD systems: Real uptime/expense-reduction benefits]
