Tale Lites Issue 28

Federal Legislation introduced over Autonomous Trucks - New Survey and Discount Codes!

Author

Michael Lombard
July 28, 2025

🚛 Congress Eyes Nationwide Rules for Autonomous Trucks

New Bill Could Override State Laws and Fast-Track Self-Driving Trucks

This Monday is starting off hot with new Federal legislation being introduced that can streamline robot trucks hitting America’s highways

Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) just introduced the America Drives Act, a federal proposal aiming to create a national framework for autonomous commercial vehicles, specifically those operating at Level 4 or Level 5 (fully driverless). If passed, states would no longer be able to block autonomous trucks simply because there's no human behind the wheel.

Fong says this bill is about streamlining regulations, boosting the supply chain, and keeping America competitive on the global stage. It also calls for the U.S. DOT to take the lead on setting the rules, giving federal regulators full authority to manage how and where these trucks roll.

Key points from the bill:

  • Autonomous trucks would be exempt from human specific rules, like HOS and drug testing.

  • It supports flashing beacons instead of warning triangles when a vehicle is disabled (matching a recent FMCSA exemption request).

  • It would preempt conflicting state laws, paving a single path for AV deployment across state lines.

I’m not on board with this, and neither is OOIDA
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is pretty heated, demanding more transparency and real safety data. In formal comments earlier this year, OOIDA President Todd Spencer warned:

“Autonomous vehicles might improve safety under certain conditions, but they create new risks with dangerous outcomes.”

Researchers into robot trucks also seem to agree. Dr. Missy Cummings of George Mason University, who studies AV safety, points to persistent tech flaws like phantom braking as serious red flags:

“If we can’t fix that, self-driving trucks won’t work.”

Right now, 35 states allow some form of autonomous truck testing or deployment. Others have stricter rules. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association backs the bill, saying it’s the bold move needed to lead the world in AV innovation.

So, what does this mean for drivers?
If this bill moves forward, we could see driverless trucks operating coast to coast without any state level roadblocks. And that raises big questions about jobs, safety, accountability, and who controls the future of freight. I find this legislation to be an attack on state autonomy. (Pun intended) I see both sides of this argument, as The United States wants to stay ahead of China in the rapidly growing AI war, but when it comes to this technology, it seems tied to China in several ways.

I personally believe blanket federal legislation on this issue opens up the biggest Trojan Horse to our National Security, where if this tech is rushed to starting line, we’re making ourselves vulnerable to attack to not just our adversaries, but any rogue hacker worldwide.

I would suggest calling your representatives and telling them how you feel about this.

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

Take this Truck Parking Club Survey, and get a $10 promo code!

Driver Tale Lites! Aubry Oden - Trucker, Creator, Community Builder

Trucking with Aubry is one of our Partners, and is one the most engaged and supportive people in this industry. Like myself and the Truck Parking Club team, Aubry operates off of a philosophy of helping people win, and because of that she was recently filmed for a commercial for International Trucks, was awarded the Best Influencer in Education and Cause-Based Content in the US of 2025, and was featured in Women’s Insider!

Who is Aubry Oden? She is a rising star in the industry who’s using her platform to inspire the next generation of drivers, especially women.

Aubry’s journey started from scratch. With no family ties to trucking, and no shortcuts, She wanted to do something, and went all in. From rookie team driver now rolling solo, she’s learned the hard way, from your typical mechanical breakdowns, and navigating personal issues that coincided with isolation, she gained something more powerful: a voice.

“Every mile was a lesson,” says Aubry. “I had to prove I belonged in a space where women are rarely seen.”

She’s proved herself as a driver, and because of it she pours her heart into the entire trucking community.

🛠️ A Mission to Empower

Through her brand Trucking With Aubry (TWA) and merch line Trucking With Attitude, Aubry has created more than content, she’s built a community. Her platforms mix “real life” education with advocacy and community, offering support to drivers who are often overlooked in an industry still catching up to modern values.

She connects small trucking businesses with influencers, mentors new drivers, and fosters a culture of collaboration over competition. Her message is simple, Support each other. Learn together. Win together.

👩‍🔧 The Power of Representation

With over 180,000 followers across her social platforms, Aubry has become a powerful force in an industry primarily occupied by men. But her goal isn’t about visibility, or making anyone else look less than, it’s at it’s core about impact

“A woman’s place is wherever she chooses to be,” she says. “The trucking world is no different.”

Through Trucker Women Advocacy (the third pillar of TWA), Aubry’s mission is crystal clear: open doors, break barriers, and make trucking a space where everyone can thrive.

📣 From the Road to the Main Stage

Aubry’s voice is reaching far beyond trucking. She’s been featured in Bust Magazine alongside Grammy winner Kehlani, appeared on CNN’s Champions for Change, and is a regular on SiriusXM’s Dave Nemo Show. She’s also graced stages at major trucking expos and was recently honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Chattanooga, TN.

She’s even made waves in pop culture shouted out in a song by Rikk Reighn (collaborator of Jelly Roll and Yelawolf), with an upcoming appearance in the music video.

🔁 Paying It Forward

Aubry never forgets where she came from. Whether she’s mentoring a new driver, spotlighting women owned brands, or lifting up overlooked voices, she’s constantly giving back.

“I never would’ve made it without people who believed in me,” she says. “Now it’s my turn to do the same.”

🚀 What’s Next?

For Aubry, trucking isn’t just a job it’s a God given platform. She’s building a legacy rooted in empowerment, equity, and opportunity. And as she continues to grow her influence, she’s making one thing clear: anyone who wants to be here, should be here and be given an opportunity to thrive. If you’re a fleet owner or driver just looking to connect you won’t find a better friend than Aubry.

Health Tip of the Week - Magnesium

There’s a lot of supplements out there, and some have benefit, some can be placebo, but if there has been one micronutrient I’ve been learning about that actually helps people it’s Magnesium. I think all drivers at any given time may suffer from feeling tired, tense, or struggling with sleep. It could be a deficiency in Magnesium

This essential mineral plays a crucial role in over 300 bodily functions! From muscle recovery to mood regulation. For truckers, athletes, parents, etc magnesium can help:

  • 💤 Improve sleep quality by calming the nervous system

  • 💥 Reduce muscle cramps and soreness after long hours or workouts

  • 🧘‍♂️ Lower stress and anxiety by supporting brain and nerve function

  • ❤️ Regulate blood pressure and support heart health

  • 🍽️ Improve insulin sensitivity for better energy and fat metabolism

👉 Best food sources: Spinach, almonds, dark chocolate, avocados

Or you can try a quality magnesium glycinate supplement for better absorption without the laxative effect.

Pro tip: Best time to take a magnesium supplement is at night to help wind down and recover faster.

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

$10 off your next booking!

Use promo code talelites28 (all lowercase - one time use) at checkout for $10 off your next Truck Parking Club booking at one of our 2300+ Property Member locations!

Partner Post of the Week

Ilya Denisenko is an Owner Operator out of Tennessee regularly posting about where he’s going! Fun fact since starting his Authority he hasn’t hauled one load from a load board, but relationships he’s built along the way. You can get $20 off your next booking by using his promo code icvpark20

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!