Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025:
- Driver without CDL caught smuggling people in Texas.
- OS/OW haulers get final decision on 30-minute break exemption.
- Do you know a Highway Hero? Goodyear wants the story.
Truck driver busted smuggling 23 illegal immigrants in sleeper
Texas DPS discovered 23 immigrants hiding in the sleeper compartment of a truck during a traffic stop.Texas DPS
A truck driver was arrested Nov. 28 in Texas after police discovered 23 illegal immigrants hidden inside the tractor during a traffic stop.
A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper conducted a traffic stop on a Freightliner for “driving on an improved shoulder” along I-35, according to a DPS press release. During the stop, the trooper discovered that the driver, John David Amaya, 24, of Laredo, Texas, was operating the vehicle without a CDL.
With assistance from a U.S. Border Patrol K9, the trooper ultimately discovered 23 people hidden inside the truck’s sleeper compartment. DPS also released video from the traffic stop and arrest:
Amaya was arrested and charged with 23 counts of smuggling of persons -- a state felony. The 23 illegal immigrants from Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico were referred to Border Patrol.
DPS noted that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023 signed legislation creating a mandatory 10-year minimum prison sentence for individuals convicted of smuggling of persons. If convicted, Amaya could face prison time.
FMCSA gives full, five-year HOS exemption truckers' hauling oversize/overweight freight
After provisionally renewing an hours-of-service waiver for the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association over the summer, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a final decision to grant a full, five-year renewal.
The waiver exempts certain truck drivers hauling oversize/overweight (OS/OW) loads from the required 30-minute break in the HOS regulations. The exemption has been held by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) since June 2015 and was last renewed in June 2020. In June this year, FMCSA provisionally renewed the exemption for six months.
The long-term exemption now covers drivers for all specialized carriers transporting loads that exceed normal weight and dimensional limits and require a permit issued by a government authority. According to SC&RA, the 30-minute break uniquely affects OS/OW loads and has exacerbated the number of instances in which drivers have had to park these loads at roadside, consequently impacting the safety of both the general public and the driver.
In granting the renewal, FMCSA clarified the applicability of the exemption, noting that it applies to interstate carriers transporting loads that are oversize, overweight, or both, and require a permit. Comments filed to the agency indicated there was uncertainty around the wording in the exemption previously that made it seem it only applied to loads that were both oversize and overweight.
With the renewal, the exemption is now effective through June 17, 2030.
[Related: Oversize/overweight trucking group’s HOS waiver provisionally renewed]
Goodyear begins search for next Highway Hero
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is once again honoring the bravery and quick thinking of commercial truck drivers with the launch of its 42nd annual Highway Hero Award.
Since 1983, Goodyear has recognized professional drivers who go beyond their daily responsibilities to protect others and keep our highways safe. This year, the company is inviting nominations for drivers who have demonstrated exceptional courage while on the job.
Nominations are open through Jan. 31, 2026. Eligible nominees must hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and operate qualifying commercial vehicles, including long-haul trucks, vocational vehicles, infrastructure trucks, and non-lifesaving emergency vehicles with rim sizes greater than 19 inches. The heroic act must have occurred between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, while the driver was actively on duty in the U.S. or Canada.
"Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads and communities," said Joe Stuglis, vice president, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear. "For more than four decades, the Highway Hero Award has celebrated those who step up in critical moments to protect others. We're proud to continue this tradition and shine a spotlight on their inspiring stories."
To nominate a driver, submit a detailed account of the heroic event online here. Goodyear will review submissions and compile a list of approved nominees. A panel of judges will then select one winner and up to two finalists.
The winner will be announced in early 2026 and honored with a cash prize and a ride aboard the iconic Goodyear Blimp. Finalists will also receive cash prizes in recognition of their courageous actions.
[Related: Driver named Goodyear Highway Hero after helping endangered person lying in road]
