Article Summary
Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 20, 2026:
- Should FMCSA allow a fleet to log short trips on public roads between two company yards as “yard moves”?
- Volvo trucks recalled -- here’s why.
- U.S. highway redesignating as I-99 next week. Why it matters.
- 180 new parking spaces along I-10.
Fleet requests ‘yard move’ exemption for short runs on public roads between company facilities
The 128-truck Conway, Arkansas, fleet CCS Transportation petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for an exemption that would allow its drivers to log 1.3-mile moves on public roads between two adjacent properties as yard moves.
CCS’s request would allow short-distance moves to be logged as on-duty (not driving) yard moves on ELDs during brief travel on local public roadways separating two CCS facilities. The company said the movements “do not involve interstate travel, highway speed operation, or linehaul transportation.”
CCS argues that current rules requiring the short, operationally necessary moves as driving time “inaccurately represent the nature of the work and consumes hours of service (HOS) in a manner inconsistent with the intent of those regulations.”
The exemption, CCS said, “would allow accurate HOS duty status recording for movements that are functionally identical to yard jockey activity and confined terminal operations.”
The company added that a denial of the request “would result in continued misclassification of yard-type movements as driving time, inefficient use of driver hours, increased administrative burden, and reduced operational flexibility -- without a corresponding safety benefit.”
FMCSA is accepting public comment on the request here through Aug. 17.
[Related: How to properly log a 'yard move']
Volvo recalls 3,800 trucks for steering issue
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling nearly 3,800 trucks due to an issue in the steering assembly, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
In the affected units, the steering knuckles may have been manufactured with insufficiently tightened steering arms, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
The recall includes approximately 3,794 model-year 2026 Volvo VNL, VNR, VN, VAH and VHD units manufactured between Feb. 3 and July 24, 2025.
Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners between the steering arm and steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 7. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX2607. NHTSA’s recall number is 26V-444.
U.S. highway in Pennsylvania becoming I-99 next week
A 62-mile section of U.S. Highway 15 in Pennsylvania between the I-180 interchange in Williamsport and the New York/Pennsylvania state line will be redesignated as I-99 beginning July 30.
U.S. 15 is set to be designated as I-99 beginning Thursday, July 30.PennDOT
Currently on U.S. 15, hauling permits can be issued for divisible loads of certain commodities up to 95,000 pounds. After designation as an interstate, per federal law, the maximum weight will be reduced to 80,000 pounds for divisible loads if there is no federal exemption for the commodity.
The Pennsylvania DOT noted that milk haulers are permitted under federal law to operate overweight on interstates including the future I-99 corridor. Permits for non-divisible oversize or overweight loads will continue to be issued and remain valid for travel along I-99.
Haulers will be required to comply with the weight limits or reroute using alternate, approved state routes under their current Annual Network permits. After the designation is finalized, the Automated Permit Routing and Analysis System (APRAS) will prevent the issuance of new divisible overweight permits for this corridor.
[Related: Overdimensional permitting: Will there ever be a truly national system?]
The change U.S. highway to interstate designation, Pennsylvania DOT said, will improve highway consistency and driver clarity in the region, enhance economic opportunity for the region, and strengthen freight movement safety and compliance.
“This designation from U.S. 15 to I‑99 reflects decades of planning and hard work to make a significant investment in our future,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I‑99 strengthens the region’s transportation network by enhancing long-term safety, mobility, and economic opportunity throughout the region.”
New TA adds nearly 180 truck parking spaces along I-10
Truckers hauling across I-10 in Alabama have a new option to stop, grab a meal and take your 10 with the opening of a new TravelCenters of America location in Robertsdale.
The new TA boasts 178 new truck parking spaces (18 Reserve-It pay-to-reserve spaces), along with 11 diesel fueling lanes, Truck Service with two bays, eight private showers, a Cat scale, and more.
Drivers needing fuel for themselves will find several restaurant options -- Derail Diner, Subway, Miss J's Café and Sbarro -- along with an on-site deli with freshly prepared grab-and-go items.
