Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025:
- Legislative action on English language proficiency for truck drivers.
- Shopping for trucking insurance? Trucker Path could help. Yes, that Trucker Path.
- New system looks to help truckers find more parking along I-5.
- Wreaths Across America needs more carriers to haul veterans’ wreaths for 2025.
‘Connor’s Law’ companion ELP-requirement legislation introduced in Senate
A few months following Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) introducing “Connor’s Law” legislation in the U.S. House to codify President Trump’s Executive Order requiring truck drivers to maintain a basic English language proficiency (ELP) in order to operate a heavy commercial vehicle in interstate commerce, companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) announced the introduction of the bill on Oct. 14. The legislation is named after Connor Dzion, an 18-year-old who was killed in 2017 in a crash in Northern Florida by a distracted truck driver who was found unable to speak English or read signs warning of upcoming traffic.
“Wyoming families and travelers deserve safe highways,” Lummis said. “I’m introducing this commonsense legislation to ensure commercial truck drivers operating heavy vehicles can simply read signs, understand traffic laws, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency responders.”
Lummis noted that given Wyoming’s “challenging road conditions, including high winds, winter storms, and mountains,” the ability for truck drivers and law enforcement to communicate is necessary.
The bill would require that drivers “can read and speak the English language sufficiently” to:
- Converse with the general public
- Understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language
- Respond to official inquiries
- Make entries on reports and records
An individual operating a commercial vehicle who is determined by a law enforcement officer to be noncompliant with the law would be required to be placed out of service.
The bill is the latest to be introduced that addresses ELP or non-domiciled CDLs this year. Among them are Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North Carolina) bill introduced this month to codify standards for how states issue CDLs to foreign nationals; a similar bill to Rouzer’s from Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas); and more.
[Related: Congress looks to codify ELP requirements for truck drivers]
Trucker Path launches insurance agency for owner-ops, small fleets
The makers of the Trucker Path mobile app for truck drivers this week announced the launch of its new division, Trucker Path Insurance. The insurance agency will work with independent owner-operators and small- to mid-size fleets.
"Built for truckers, Trucker Path Insurance is fully integrated with and backed by the number one trucking app in the industry," said Aaron Ealy, General Manager of Trucker Path Insurance. "We understand the needs of professional truck drivers better than anyone and are uniquely positioned to match truckers with the right insurance carrier.”
Ealy added that Trucker Path Insurance will provide drivers and fleets with “an opportunity to save thousands on insurance costs from a company they have come to trust to keep them safe, compliant, and efficient on the road."
Independent drivers and small to mid-size fleets can access coverage from Trucker Path Insurance regardless of their operation type, commodities hauled, or areas of service. A company spokesperson said Trucker Path Insurance cannot yet quote in all 50 states, but they are working toward that goal.
According to Trucker Path, its agency provides:
- Quotes in minutes rather than days or weeks by eliminating 100-question PDFs, lengthy email chains, and phone-tag with agents
- Competitive rates from more than 10 truck insurance companies in the country
- Dedicated support from trucking industry and insurance professionals
- Coverages including auto liability, cargo, physical damage, non-trucking liability, and more
"The Trucker Path Insurance team lives and breathes trucking insurance," Ealy said. "Members of our team are former truckers, freight brokers, and underwriters. And, all of them are insurance pros ready to help truckers find the right coverage at the right price."
[Related: Trucking insurance prices at all-time high]
Washington State DOT deploys truck parking info system along I-5
The Washington State Department of Transportation has partnered with Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) company Quarterhill to deploy a new Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS) designed to help truck drivers quickly locate available parking at rest areas along I-5.
The $2.3 million initiative is designed to help secure reliable and safe truck parking. By improving visibility into available spaces, the technology aims to reduce fatigue-related risks and support safer, more efficient freight movement across Washington state.
The initial deployment spans the I-5 corridor from Vancouver, Washington, to the Canadian border, with WSDOT planning future expansions along other major freight routes statewide.
Information is shared through dynamic signage, mobile platforms, and WSDOT's traveler information systems for greater visibility and help optimizing use of limited parking spaces along the I-5 freight corridor. Truck drivers can also access real-time parking data through the ParkerTruck app and accompanying online landing pages to track the growth of the system.
"This project is a prime example of how public agencies and private partners can work together to improve highway safety," said Matt Neeley, State Traffic Systems Development Engineer for WSDOT. "Reliable access to truck parking information not only supports safer freight movement but also strengthens the resilience of Washington's transportation network for all road users."
[Related: NIMBY concerns, land costs limiting public truck parking]
Wreaths Across America seeks more fleets to fill lanes for 2025
With less than two months until National Wreaths Across America Day, the Wreaths Across America (WAA) organization is still seeking truck drivers to join its mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach” this wreath season.
Nearly 20 loads of veterans’ wreaths still need delivery this year on Saturday, Dec. 13. As the program continues to grow, with more than 5,300 participating locations nationwide, there are plenty lanes available to match carriers’ needs. Open lanes for 2025 can be viewed here.
“The WAA Honor Fleet is made up of trucking professionals who go the extra mile to serve those who served us,” said Courtney George, WAA Director of Trucking and Industry Relations. “By hauling wreaths, drivers honor veterans laid to rest, and ensure the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach reaches every community. Joining the Honor Fleet means making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of veterans and their families.”
Trucking companies joining the Honor Fleet contribute to a worthy cause and provide their professional drivers with a healing journey, WAA said. For veterans or those who have lost loved ones in service to our country, the opportunity allows them to engage with grateful communities and participate in a deeply meaningful experience. Delivering the precious cargo of sponsored veterans’ wreaths is an honor, and WAA’s dedicated volunteers ensure drivers are met with gratitude and reminded of the significance of their contribution upon arrival.
“There are moments on the road with the Honor Fleet that take your breath away. Watching the wreaths move out across the country, with people lining the streets to honor our veterans, is humbling beyond words,” said Graig Morin, Owner and President of Brown Dog Carriers, LLC. “Joining the Honor Fleet gives your team a chance to honor fallen heroes, build stronger bonds, boost morale, and take pride in being part of a company that truly gives back.”
Drivers and transportation companies interested in joining the Honor Fleet can explore available lanes here or contact the WAA Transportation team at [email protected] to start the conversation.
[Related: Faces of the Road: Longtime Wreaths Across America transportation director Don Queeney]
