Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025:
- Congress turns attention to trucking with new caucus.
- Diesel prices offer early holiday gift with continued decline.
- Hyundai Translead launches new financing partnership.
First-ever House caucus on trucking will focus on integrity, safety, growth
For the first time ever, trucking will be the focus of a congressional caucus, which is a group of legislators who meet to pursue common policy goals.
The Congressional Trucking Caucus will be “dedicated to issues related to the trucking industry and the policies that promote integrity, safety and the growth of our nation’s trucking economy,” the coalition said in a Dec. 12 letter officially registering the caucus.
Reps. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Shomari Figures (D-Alabama), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming), Pat Harrigan (R-North Carolina), Doug LaMalfa (R-California), and Mary Miller (R-Illinois) announced their roles as co-chairs in the launch.
In addition to addressing issues related to government policy with respect to trucking, the caucus wants to serve as an educational resource for its members, organizers noted.
“Generating nearly $906 billion in revenue in 2024, America’s trucking industry powers our economy by creating 8.4 million jobs and securing American supply chains,” said Rep. Taylor. “After several tragic accidents occurred recently because of CDL drivers who could not read the road signs, it’s evident that change is needed to protect American lives on the road. I’m proud to launch the Congressional Trucking Caucus alongside my colleagues to create a forum for discussing policy solutions to keep all drivers safe on American roads, support hardworking truck drivers, and ensure the accessibility of reliable transportation across our Nation.”
The establishment of the caucus has received broad support from trucking industry organizations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association and others.
“OOIDA welcomes the creation of the Congressional Trucking Caucus and appreciates the leadership of Congressman Taylor and Congresswoman Hageman in giving small-business truckers and professional drivers a stronger voice in Washington,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.
Spencer added that OOIDA looks forward "to working with the caucus to help Congress understand the realities of the road and to advance practical policies that support professional drivers and highway safety, including improving truck parking, strengthening training standards, and ensuring that only qualified drivers get behind the wheel.”
[Related: New bill explores graduated path to interstate trucking for under-21 drivers]
Diesel prices slide for fourth straight week
Diesel prices have been on a quick decline since hitting a 2025 high mark during the week ending Nov. 17.
The Energy Information Administration reported fuel prices fell another 5.8 cents during the most recent week ending Dec. 15, bringing diesel prices’ recent tumble to 26.1 cents over the last four weeks.
With the most recent decrease, the nation’s average price stands at $3.61 a gallon.
The latest declines were mirrored last week by broad spot-market moves down after a few weeks of rates run-ups around the Thanksgiving holiday, as is typical for this point in the calendar.
Rates were dragged down just 0.7% broadly, as shown here in Truckstop.com and FTR Transportation Intelligence's weekly spot overview. The good news for rates: Despite last week's dip, for all three major segments, rates are sitting just more than 4% above the same 2024 week as fuel continues to decline.
[Related: State of freight 'sluggish,' even amid seasonal spot spikes, capacity reductions]
During the last week, all regions across the U.S. saw fuel prices fall except New England, where diesel jumped by 2.4 cents/gallon. The largest decrease was observed in the Rocky Mountain region, which saw an 11.3-cent decline.
The nation’s most expensive fuel is in California at $4.78/gallon, while the cheapest diesel can be found down South in the Gulf Coast region at $3.27/gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA:
- New England -- $4.06
- Central Atlantic -- $3.94
- Lower Atlantic -- $3.58
- Midwest -- $3.57
- Rocky Mountain -- $3.39
- West Coast less California -- $3.87
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the same week fell by 6.5 cents to $3.63/gallon nationwide. According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $4.98/gallon, the cheapest in the Gulf Coast region at $3.26/gallon.
[Related: Controlling fuel costs: Finding the cheapest fuel about more than pump price]
Hyundai Translead partners with Hyundai Capital to improve financing
Hyundai Translead is streamlining its financing process through a new partnership with Hyundai Capital America (HCA), the captive finance arm of Hyundai Motor Group in the U.S.
Together, as Hyundai Translead Capital, the companies will provide tailored, competitive financing solutions that will support Hyundai Translead’s customers and dealer network, they noted.
Hyundai Translead Capital will serve as the exclusive finance provider and support Hyundai Translead’s full range of products, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, truck bodies, dollies, and the Xcient fuel cell truck. It will offer a comprehensive suite of financial products such as retail loans and leases tailored to meet the unique needs of commercial fleets, owner-operators, and dealers, the companies said.
“This partnership allows us to offer a seamless, customer-centric financing experience that aligns with our commitment to operational excellence,” said Sean Kenney, CEO of Hyundai Translead. “Hyundai Capital America’s deep understanding of our business and shared brand values makes them an ideal partner.”
