Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026:
- More state action on non-domiciled CDLs.
- State adds resources to help truckers find parking.
- MATS silent auction to benefit trucking charity.
Indiana lawmakers look to strengthen non-domiciled CDL standards
In the wake of two deadly crashes in Indiana involving non-domiciled CDL holders now in federal immigration custody, lawmakers in the Hoosier State want to increase the state’s ability to govern non-domiciled CDLs.
HB 1200 started its life focused squarely on English language proficiency for trucking. It passed the state House but will need to clear the full Senate and House again before moving to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s desk after new amendments were tacked on. The original House version requires truck drivers to be able to demonstrate ELP, and to take and pass the CDL skills exam in English, to obtain a CDL, which is already part of federal law.
The state’s Senate on Monday approved several amendments to HB 1200 related to non-domiciled CDLs.
[Related: FMCSA issues Final Rule banning non-domiciled CDLs almost entirely]
One of those amendments would allow the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to revoke a non-domiciled CDL if it “receives credible information” from the federal government -- including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and/or the State Department -- that the individual no longer has legal status or documentation needed to obtain the license, or “poses a risk to public safety.”
Under terms of the amendment, an individual whose license is revoked has the opportunity to seek judicial review of the revocation.
The amendment also requires the BMV to periodically consult with DHS “to identify individuals whose commercial driver's licenses may be subject to revocation.”
A separate amendment would add on to the above amendment and also fine the driver and the trucking companies that hire a driver who is found to have an invalid CDL as a result of the proposed law change. The individual driver would be subject to a $5,000 penalty, the owner of the commercial vehicle a $50,000 penalty.
"As the Crossroads of America, Indiana must do all we can to ensure our roads are safe," said Gov. Braun. "In addition to strengthening our CDL licensing process, Indiana will revoke the CDLs of drivers who are illegal immigrants and penalize companies who employ them. Through strong enforcement we will keep our roads and highways safe."
[Related: Non-domiciled drivers, advocates urge California, Pennsylvania to fight DOT]
Montana launches truck parking info system along I-90
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is launching a new information system that will help truck drivers locate safe parking when traveling on I-90 in the state.
The Truck Parking Availability Information System (TPAIS) will provide real-time information about available parking spaces ahead, MDT said. Full implementation could strengthen the state's already high standing in the parking rankings in Overdrive's 2025 Truckers Highway Report Card. Readers' survey responses ranked the state 8th best for parking nationwide, and metro areas singled out excellent for parking options included Missoula (at No. 8 best) and Billings (tied for No. 11).
Information will display on electronic road signs and MDT’s 511 system for seven rest areas, including Columbus east and westbound, Greycliff east and westbound, Headwaters, and Homestake east and westbound. In addition, information for drivers and dispatchers will be available through in-cab displays and through the Drivewyze mobile apps.
MDT said it received a just over $1 million High Priority Information Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) grant for the program provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
St. Christopher Fund to benefit from annual MATS silent auction
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) will once again serve as the beneficiary of the annual silent auction at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), taking place March 26-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Held during the MATS Opening Reception, the silent auction brings together industry leaders, exhibitors, and attendees in support of SCF’s mission to provide financial assistance and health and wellness resources to professional truck drivers and their families during times of illness or injury. This year’s MATS Opening Reception is sponsored by Triumph.
The event builds on the strong momentum of last year’s auction, which raised more than $13,500 for the nonprofit and drew enthusiastic participation from donors, bidders, and volunteers across the trucking industry.
“Last year’s silent auction was an incredible example of what happens when our industry comes together for drivers in need,” said Courtney Niemann, Executive Director of SCF. “The generosity we saw -- from donated items to competitive bidding -- directly translated into meaningful support for truckers and their families. We’re excited to bring that same energy back to MATS this year.”
The auction will feature a wide range of unique items and experiences donated by industry partners, with all proceeds benefiting SCF. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid while enjoying the Opening Reception, which will included food, beverages, live entertainment, and networking opportunities to kick off the show. This year, Tony Justice is set to perform live during the event.
[Related: OTR trucker-songwriter Long Haul Paul's 'After Party Sessions,' MATS show upcoming]
“Owner-operators and professional drivers are the backbone of our nation’s supply chain, but they often don’t have a safety net when unexpected health issues arise” said Norita Taylor, SCF Board President and Director of Public Relations at OOIDA. “The Silent Auction at MATS is a powerful reminder that this industry stands behind its drivers. Every bid placed and every item donated helps ensure that professional drivers have somewhere to turn when illness or injury takes them off the road.”
SCF invites MATS exhibitors and partners to participate by donating auction items and encourages attendees to take part in bidding during the event. Additional details regarding auction items, sponsors, and event logistics will be announced ahead of the show.
[Related: St. Christopher Fund co-founder Dr. John McElligott passes]
