Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025:
- The 30 "illegal aliens" arrested by Border Patrol agents had CDLs from nine different states.
- Diesel's still on the rise, rates a mixed bag.
- Brake-activated, pulsating warning light from this manufacturer gets waiver extension.
- Independent truck parts distributor expands East with acquisition.
Border Patrol arrests 30 ‘illegal alien’ truck drivers in New York
U.S. Border Patrol agents recently announced arrests of 30 “illegal aliens” operating commercial vehicles with state-issued CDLs on Interstate 90 -- the New York State Thruway -- in the vicinity of western New York.
From Nov. 8-11, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Buffalo Station assisted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted immigration inspections in more than 10 locations along the western portion of the Thruway.
[Related: ICE arrests 'wanted terrorist driving 18-wheeler in Kansas']
Agents discovered what it called 30 illegal aliens possessing valid CDLs from the states of California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. An additional seven individuals were also arrested who were not operating commercial vehicles. All 37 males were arrested, processed and turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.
“As we continue to see an alarming trend of illegal aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States operating commercial vehicles, it raises significant safety concerns," said Acting Buffalo Sector Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato. "Drivers who are not fluent or with little to no ability to speak or read English pose a serious risk on our roadways, especially when operating large vehicles that require a high level of skill and understanding of traffic laws. The ongoing major accidents nationwide involving such drivers highlight the critical need for enforcement and vigilance to protect public safety."
[Related: Non-domiciled CDLs back in action after court blocks FMCSA rule?]
[Related: ICE arrests 34 'illegal alien' truck drivers in a second raid on I-40 in Oklahoma]
Diesel prices hit 2025 high mark
Diesel prices’ recent upward trajectory has continued through the first two weeks of November, leading to a new 2025 high point for diesel’s national average during the most recent week. Spot rates, meanwhile, largely continued on a downward trajectory but for typical pre-Thanksgiving gains for reefers.
During the current four-week upward trend for fuel prices, according to the Energy Information Administration, diesel’s national average has increased by 24.8 cents to an average of $3.87 per gallon.
During the most recent week, prices increased in all regions across the U.S. The largest increase was observed in New England, where prices jumped 6.6 cents/gallon, followed by the Gulf Coast, which saw a 5.4-cent increase.
The nation’s most expensive fuel is in California at $5/gallon, while the cheapest fuel can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $3.49/gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA:
- New England -- $4.02
- Central Atlantic -- $4
- Lower Atlantic -- $3.79
- Midwest -- $3.91
- Rocky Mountain -- $3.81
- West Coast less California -- $4.18
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the same week increased by 6.2 cents to $3.77/gallon nationwide. According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $5.14/gallon, the cheapest in the Gulf Coast region at $3.39/gallon.
Alongside the fuel cost increase, spot freight rates in the Truckstop.com system (see the chart below) largely moved in expected fashion, with reefer rates rising ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, dry van largely flat, and flatbed rates losing ground headed into the winter period.
Owner-operators' hopes for 2025 spot-market improvement have largely been dashed. In the latest week, among the segments charted above, only reefers are outperforming 2024 rates by any significant measure, and just a single percentage point at that.
[Related: What's one extra mpg worth in profit at today's rates? An extra 3 mpg?]
Grote's FMCSA waiver renewed for five more years
The Grote Auxiliary Strobe and Stop Lamp, a brake-activated, pulsating warning light designed to reduce rear-end collisions, has been granted a renewed five-year waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The renewed exemption is valid through 2030.
Originally granted in 2020, the waiver allows motor carriers to equip trailers and van body trucks with a brake-activated, pulsating amber warning lamp in addition to the steady-burning red lamps required by federal regulations.
Since the waiver was first issued, more than 150,000 vehicles have been outfitted with the Grote Auxiliary Strobe and Stop Lamp, logging upward of 250 million miles on the road, according to the company.
One large national fleet customer experienced a 33% reduction in rear-end crashes per mile compared to a baseline fleet without the system, based on data from 1 billion-plus miles driven. In cases involving personal injuries, the same fleet recorded a 75% reduction. A second major fleet customer reported a 52% decrease in overall recordable incidents per vehicle and a 75% reduction in the severity of incidents.
4 State Trucks acquires East Coast Truck Parts
4 State Trucks has acquired East Coast Truck Parts, the companies announced last week. East Coast Truck Parts was founded in 1968 and serves New Jersey and the New York City metro. It’s headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.
“This is an exciting step forward for both our companies and all of our customers,” said Bryan Martin, president of 4 State Trucks. “By combining our inventories, industry knowledge, experience and logistics networks, we’ll be poised to deliver faster shipping, a wider selection of products and services and even stronger customer support across the East Coast.”
The company added that the acquisition further strengthens 4 State’s position as one of the nation’s largest independent truck parts distributors and creates new opportunities to better serve truck owners and big rig repair shops across the eastern U.S.
For prior East Coast customers, 4 State said they can now expect expanded service coverage, faster shipping, wider product availability and a stronger network.
“Teaming up with 4 State Trucks allows us to continue to offer our past customers the next level service they deserve,” said Mike Kane, owner of East Coast Truck Parts. “Our customers will benefit immediately from greater product depth, parts availability, quick shipping and access to one of the industry's strongest parts networks.”
The locations will operate under the 4 State Trucks brand, which is part of KCM Capital Partners.
[Related: Old-school perfection: 'Bossman' Bryan Martin's ’87 Pete 359]
