Tale Lites Issue 27

Book Parking | List your Property 

🛣️ Want a Say in the Next Federal Highway Bill?
Here’s Your Shot!

Every couple of years, Congress will pass a new highway bill. Like we saw in last week’s newsletter, a lot of these bills will miss the mark, like we see in Pennsylvania with Idling laws. So this is one of those rare opportunities where you can hopefully sway the direction of these bills.

The DOT just opened a public comment period to gather feedback on priorities for the next highway bill, set to replace the current legislation expiring September 30, 2026.

According to the DOT, this input will help shape legislative priorities around:

• Infrastructure modernization

• Improved safety

• Streamlined federal processes

• Economic growth

• Public-private partnerships

What’s Already being discussed?

OOIDA’s Executive VP, Lewie Pugh, has already voiced concerns and recommendations to Congress, including:

• More truck parking

• Access to restrooms

• Better driver training

• Broker transparency

• HOS flexibility

OOIDA also stands against:

• Increasing truck size and weight limits

• Raising minimum liability insurance

• Lowering the interstate CDL age

• Mandates that make drivers’ jobs harder

Pugh is going to testify before the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation on July 22, continuing the push for “driver focused” solutions.

How You Can Make Your Voice Heard

The DOT is currently accepting comments through August 20.
Submit your input by visiting Regulations.gov and searching for Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468.

🔗 Direct Link to Comment: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DOT-OST-2025-0468

If you’ve got thoughts on parking, regulations, or safety now is your chance!

I want to hear from you! For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

🚨 DOT Compliance Corner: Medical Card Reporting Goes Electronic, but Don’t Skip the DMV

By Santiago Talamantez

A new change hit on June 23, 2025 with the FMCSA now requiring medical examiners to electronically report medical cards directly to state licensing agencies for CDL holders.

In theory, this sounds convenient, but in typical fashion, many states are already having technical issues, which means drivers could end up with lapses or suspensions if records aren’t properly processed.

What Should Drivers Do?

Even with the new electronic system, play it safe:
👉 Still go to the DMV in person to certify your updated medical card.
👉 If your physician says they’re submitting it electronically, great! But go verify it was received and logged anyway.

Remember:
✅ This applies only to CDL drivers.
✅ Non-CDL DOT drivers still need to carry their physical medical card while driving, and you still need to keep a copy in their Driver Qualification File.

In case you were wondering, yes, some people have tried to buy fake medical cards on Amazon (do not do this). This new process can help prevent fraud, especially with so much buzz around Non-Domiciled CDL holders, but the system isn’t flawless

Stay compliant, double check your records, and keep the wheels turning.

Drive safe and have a great week!

Health Tip of the Week - Food Swaps!

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire diet, and doing so most times leads in relapse. Small goals daily is the winning strategy, with one or two easy swaps at a time. How I became successful was a system built on progress, not perfection.

Here are some smart swaps to get you started:

• 🥤 Swap soda for: Sparkling water with fruit juice or unsweetened iced tea (available at all truck stops)

• 🍞 Swap white bread for: Whole wheat, rye, or multigrain bread. Sarah Lee even makes a Low carb/calorie option at 40cal/slice versus 120cal/slice for regular white bread. Two slices is essentially a Coca-Cola!

• 🍚 Swap white rice for: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is far less calorie dense

• 🧈 Swap butter for: Olive oil, avocado oil.

• 🥣 Swap sugary cereals for: Oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with fruit & nuts

• 🍿 Swap chips for: Air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or veggies with hummus. I know Love’s has the hummus!

• 🥑 Swap mayo for: Avocado, hummus, or light vinaigrette

• 🍩 Swap sugary snacks for: Fresh fruit, veggies, or a handful of nuts

• 🍗 Swap fried foods for: Baked, grilled, or steamed options. If you can get it grilled, always go for it. Super helpful at a place like Chik-Fil-A

Bonus Tip: Keep healthy snacks on hand. You may not be able to park overnight, but prioritize grocery shopping at Wal-Mart once a week and keep the food IN your truck, which will remove the temptation from buying unnecessary foods from a truck stop

Interested in one on one coaching? Download the 1stPhorm app today!

$10 off your next booking!

Use promo code talelites27 (all lowercase - one time use) at checkout for $10 off your next Truck Parking Club booking at one of our 2200+ Property Member locations!

Partner Post of the Week

Can you guess where our Partner is this week?! Follow along on his journey, and if you need truck parking, use his code cowboy20 for $20 off your next booking

@cowboyanddiesel

@bigdog.n.bigdogsrav3n @#flatbedtrucker @Joe Brady @KDUB _PIMPIN @CowboysWoman @Bad Reputation @🔥JIM🔥 @Hotwheels7191 @Truck Parking Club #... See more

Truck Parking Club Partner Program

Do you create content for truckers, want to help solve the truck parking crisis, and an opportunity to give drivers FREE parking? Let’s work together! Click below to apply for Truck Parking Club’s Partner Program today!