Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025:
- This freight-heavy state is turning to AI to help streamline the inspection process.
- State's tumble down the HOS-enforcement rankings over the last decade.
- Alert: A section of I-94 in one state will close this weekend.
- How two Penske Logistics drivers earned Highway Angel recognition.
Arkansas turns to AI for truck enforcement
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Arkansas State Police have partnered with intelligent transportation system (ITS) company Quarterhill to begin a $2.7 million project that includes AI-driven and sensor-based technologies for truck inspections.
The initiative will deploy advanced truck sorting systems for the approach to the Lehi inspection point on I-40 Eastbound and at Marion on I-55 Southbound, two key scales that handle some of the highest truck volumes in the nation.
Working in partnership, ARDOT, the Arkansas Highway Police, and Quarterhill are introducing an integrated suite of sensor-based technologies that they say will streamline inspection, improve safety, and keep commerce moving efficiently without the need for costly roadway expansion. These systems will feature:
- Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) sensors to capture truck weights at highway speeds.
- Tire Anomaly Classification System (TACS) for real-time detection of unsafe tire conditions.
- License Plate Recognition (LPR), Department of Transportation (DOT) Checks, and Intelligent Roadside Operations Computer (iROC) to verify vehicle credentials instantly.
- Fully integrated dynamic message boards to guide drivers who need further inspection.
The systems, many of which have existed and been in use at scales around the nation for many years, have been modernized, the collborators added, to help Arkansas address increasing freight volume while supporting ARDOT's broader mission to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
[Related: Arkansas: The new top hours of service enforcer]
"Partnering with Quarterhill allows us to bring cutting-edge tools to two of Arkansas' most important freight gateways," said Jeff Holmes, Chief of Arkansas Highway Police. "These upgrades will strengthen enforcement, improve roadway safety, and keep goods moving efficiently across our state and beyond. This initiative is a win for our economy, drivers, and communities."
[Related: The hours of service enforcement black hole out West]
Westbound I-94 closure planned this weekend
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is closing westbound I-94 between I-696 and M-102 (8 Mile Road) in Macomb County due to a high-load bridge hit earlier this month.
The bridge hit caused damage to the Frazho Road bridge over I-94, MDOT said. EB and WB Frazho Road remains closed at I-94.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, WB I-94 will be closed between I-696 and M-102 (8 Mile Road) to safely remove the damaged bridge beam. The following ramps will also be closed:
- EB I-696 to WB I-94
- 12 Mile Road to WB I-94
- EB and WB 11 Mile Road to WB I-94
- 10 Mile Road to WB I-94
- 9 Mile Road to WB I-94
WB I-94 traffic will be detoured via WB I-696, SB M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) and EB M-102 (8 Mile Road) to reach WB I-94.
WB I-94 will reopen after bridge beam demolition by 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. MDOT bridge crews will return later this fall to complete additional bridge repairs and reopen EB Frazho Road at I-94. WB Frazho Road will remain closed until final repairs can be made in 2026.
Pair of Penske drivers recognized for stopping, assisting at accident scene
The Truckload Carriers Association has named Penske Logistics truck drivers Casey Ford and Dan Svec Highway Angels for their quick thinking and selfless actions at the scene of a serious crash in Dale, Indiana.
On the morning of Feb. 11, 2025, Ford was traveling westbound on Highway 64 when he came upon a single-vehicle accident. A car had rolled onto its side and was smoking, with two women and a child still trapped inside. Without hesitation, Ford safely pulled his truck to the shoulder, called 911, and rushed toward the wreck. Almost simultaneously, fellow Penske driver Dan Svec also stopped to help.
“I almost cried right there because he stopped, because nobody else would,” Ford later recalled.
Together, with the assistance of another motorist, the two drivers worked quickly to free the occupants. Ford tended to the young boy, who appeared uninjured, while Svec helped pull the two women from the vehicle through a broken side window. One of the women appeared to have suffered a cut ankle.
Thanks to their calm and decisive actions, all three passengers were safely removed before emergency crews arrived.
“I’m glad we could be there to help,” Ford said.
