Mileage Matters | April 8, 2025

Trump's sweeping tariffs: What does it mean for trucking?

FleetOwner- Earlier this year, analysts predicted national freight demand would grow moderately throughout the year. However, market paralysis and tariffs have damaged that optimism. Industries affected by the tariffs, directly or indirectly, will likely have weaker freight demand.

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More state spring weight restrictions lifted April 7

Effective 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7th, 2025 weight restrictions will be lifted on all state trunkline highways from the southern Michigan border north to and including the following route beginning on US-10 in Ludington in Mason County from the M-116 intersection then east to US-127 in Clare County then north on US-127 to M-61 then east on M-61 ending at the intersection of US-23 in the City of Standish, Arenac County.

Frost restrictions are still in effect for the remainder of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways north of the routes stated above.

Truck Operators' Map

County road restrictions in effect

Registration for the 2025 Michigan

Truck Driving Championship Now Open

Banquet Tickets Also Now on Sale

• Driver registration
• Purchase banquet tickets
• Volunteer registration
• Hotel information (scroll down)
• Sponsorships
• Detailed event information

Federal & State Regulations

Governor lifts HOS, weight restrictions for fuel haulers in Northern Michigan, U.P. through April 10

Governor Whitmer has signed executive orders to help expedite getting fuel and other critical supplies to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula impacted by the March 28 ice storm.

In an effort to ensure a consistent flow of gasoline, distillate, and propane, the executive orders temporarily suspend restrictions on commercial driver hours to allow the immediate delivery of energy to impacted areas through April 10.

Also, all state and local seasonal load restrictions are suspended for commercial vehicles for the transportation and delivery of gasoline, distillate, propane, and other necessary equipment.

Declaration of State of Emergency

Detroit Chapter Council of Equipment & Maintenance Meeting: Tonight, April 8

Topic: Every Dollar Counts: Making Maintenance Cost-Effective

Government

Congress eyes $7,500 tax credit for truck drivers

Commercial Carriers Journal- A bipartisan group of lawmakers have reintroduced a bill that would give eligible truck drivers a $7,500 tax credit over the next two years. Introduced in the U.S. House, the Strengthening Supply Chains through Truck Driver Incentives Act aims to address truck driver retention issues.

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Trucker bathroom-access bill back in Congress

Overdrive- For the third consecutive legislative session, lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require shippers and receivers across the U.S. to give truck drivers access to bathrooms at their facilities.

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Operations

NHTSA issues safety recalls for several big rigs

The Trucker- Several models of medium-duty trucks including Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner and Western Star are on a recall list from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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KSM / Scopelitis 2025 Transportation Leaders Roundtable: Indianapolis, May 15, 2025

Hosted by KSM’s Transportation Services Group, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, and KSM Transport Advisors, this exclusive full-day conference will bring together industry leaders to discuss key challenges, explore emerging trends, and share best practices in a collaborative setting. To maintain this focus, attendance is limited to carriers and logistics companies.

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Business

Supreme Court sides with trucker fired after CBD product triggered failed drug test

CNN- The Supreme Court sided with a former commercial truck driver who was fired after failing a drug test he said was caused by a “CBD-rich medicine” in a decision that could make it easier to sue companies under organized crime laws.

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The impact of diminishing wireless connectivity on the trucking industry

Commercial Carriers Journal- Wireless connectivity is something most people in the U.S. take for granted, but according to a recent report by J.D. Power, it’s getting worse. Fortunately, the trucking industry, which relies on this diminishing wireless connectivity for the use of technology in trucks, hasn’t experienced a major impact from this … yet.

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Announcements

Please take the ATA Women In Motion Council's short survey for a chance to win a free pair of AirPods.

This survey seeks to gather insights from trucking professionals of all backgrounds to distill industry best practices for recruiting and retaining women in trucking roles.

More information

Register Your Drivers

for the MCDD Skid Pad

$125/ in-state driver

April & May registration open

April 1 Mileage Matters