Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Oct. 13, 2025:
- Another lawmaker is proposing legal changes to non-domiciled CDL issuance.
- Four trucking industry icons now in hall of fame.
- “It’s just the way I was raised.” -- Highway Angel George Lancaster on why he stopped to help after witnessing a crash.
North Carolina rep introduces legislation to codify non-domiciled CDL rule changes
In what’s becoming a common occurrence of late, a lawmaker introduced a bill related to non-domiciled CDL issuance.
Rep. David Rouzer (R-North Carolina) introduced HR 5688, dubbed the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, on Oct. 3. The bill, if passed, would codify standards for how states issue CDLs to foreign nationals.
Under the requirements prescribed in the bill, largely in line with the Department of Transportation's Interim Final Rule changing requirements for such CDLs, states can issue a CDL to a driver domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction if:
- The individual has lawful immigration status in the United States
- The individual possesses a visa determined by the DOT Secretary to be directly connected to a legitimate, employment-based reason to hold a CDL
- The state confirms the applicant's lawful immigration status before issuing, transferring, renewing, or upgrading a license
- The state issues a license for a time period of up to 1 year or until the expiration of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States, whichever is shorter
- The state retains records related to the issuance of a license for at least 2 years or for a period of time as otherwise prescribed by the Secretary and, within 48 hours of a request, provides such records to the Secretary
The bill currently has four co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Rouzer’s bill is just the latest of several introduced in recent months related to non-domiciled CDLs. Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) recently introduced a bill that would codify new DOT rules around obtaining and maintaining a CDL for foreign nationals. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Florida) introduced a bill in September that would ensure states are following President Donald Trump’s executive order related to English language proficiency requirements and review CDLs for irregularities during checks at weigh stations. In June, a bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) to require that all CDL applicants be tested on their ability to read and understand traffic signs, communicate in English with law enforcement, and provide and receive feedback and directions in English.
[Related: Foreign driver exodus clearing parking lots and boosting rates]
ATHS set to induct four new Hall of Fame members
The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) has announced the next group of inductees into its American Trucking and Industry Leader (ATIL) Hall of Fame.
ATHS will celebrate four pioneers who shaped the trucking industry at its 2025 ATIL Induction Ceremony, set for Wednesday, Oct. 22, at ATHS headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. This year’s event is sponsored by Autocar Trucks.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include:
- Roy Carver, founder of Bandag, Inc. -- In 1957 in Muscatine, Iowa, Carver built the company into the largest commercial tire retread operation in North America. The company went public a decade later and was acquired by Bridgestone in 2007.
- Lewis Semple Clarke, co-founder of The Autocar Company -- He pioneered key automotive innovations like the left-handed steering wheel and shaft drive. His leadership helped shape early American cars and left a lasting legacy of engineering ingenuity.
- Father-son duo Joseph A. Morten and Joseph W. Morten, founders of Great West Casualty Company -- The Mortens set new standards in trucker-focused insurance with expert service and innovation, becoming a leader in motor carrier coverage.
The ATIL Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 22. A truck display will accompany the event.
‘It’s just the way I was raised’: Driver named Highway Angel for quick actions to help at accident scene
The Truckload Carriers Association has recognized ABF Freight truck driver George Lancaster, from LaVergne, Tennessee, as a Highway Angel for his quick actions and courage following a serious incident on Interstate 24 near South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
George Lancaster
“He thought he could get in between me and the truck,” Lancaster said about the driver of the Camaro. “He didn’t make it.”
The car ended up spinning out of control, went up an embankment and rolled backwards onto the right shoulder. Lancaster immediately pulled over and rushed to assist.
“He was disoriented,” Lancaster said. “He’s lucky he lived; I was shocked, honestly, that the man survived.”
The driver tried to climb out through his windshield but eventually got out through the passenger side window.
Acting swiftly, Lancaster safely helped guide the disoriented driver and remained with them until emergency responders arrived. He said the driver told police he was driving over 140 miles per hour. Campbell County EMS later transported the injured driver for further evaluation.
Lancaster’s quick thinking and willingness to step in ensured the safety of everyone involved and prevented a dangerous situation from escalating further.
“I was born and raised here in Tennessee; we try to help people whenever possible,” he said. “It’s just the way I was raised.”
