Tale Lites Issue 40

Book Parking | List your Property 

🚛 Masks, Fake Beards, and Safety Vests - Inside a CDL Scheme busted in New York

Ever since the enforcement of the English Language Proficiency mandate, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has called the CDL system, “broken.” And for anyone who doubts that sentiment, take a look at this latest case out of New York

Multiple news organizations, especially Land Line Magazine have broken stories regarding CDL fraud from states like Connecticut, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, but none of those stories involved fake beards!

The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office recently dropped a 51-count indictment against seven people, including three New York State DMV employees, for an elaborate CDL testing scam that sounds like a very B list heist movie.

The accused include:

• Kanaisha Middleton (33) – former DMV supervisor

• Tawanna Whitfield (36) – DMV representative

• Satoya Mitchell (35) – DMV representative

• Jamie Middleton (35) – Kanaisha’s sister

Each faces four felony charges and one misdemeanor.

According to the New York Inspector General, a supervisor at the Garden City DMV tipped them off after noticing CDL applicants were mysteriously passing written tests without physically taking the exam.

Between March and September 2023, Jamie Middleton allegedly walked into the DMV six times, dressed in baggy clothes, construction jackets, face masks, and even fake facial hair, to take the CDL permit tests on behalf of others.

The investigation revealed Jamie Middleton allegedly took the CDL exams for three applicants:

• James Nurse (42)

• Omesh Mohan (42)

• Rene Sarduy (44)

All three are now facing charges for falsifying business records and tampering with public documents. Nurse even used his fake CDL to drive recycling trucks before getting caught. Mohan and Sarduy, meanwhile, never made it past the permit stage.

Inspector General Lucy Lang said:

If convicted, all defendants can face up to 7 years in prison.

Takeaway:
When the DOT Secretary down to truckers themselves are calling the CDL system “broken,” this is what they’re talking about. Mainstream media wants to try and play politics with this, to create sound bites and buzz for social media clout. Criminals know this, so they’ll continue to subvert to law, which puts the general public at risk

Read more at LandLine

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

Tale Lites Throwback

Check out what this Tale Liter had to say about “New Cars” back in 1974. I wonder what he would say now!

📰 States’ Actions on Non-Domiciled CDL Order

The DOT back on September 29th, ordered every state new restrictions with issuing Non-Domiciled CDLs

Secretary Sean Duffy called it a matter of national security after the illegal U-Turn crash in Florida earlier this year. The federal audit that followed revealed that several states were issuing CDLs to drivers who were no longer legally allowed to be in the U.S., and in some cases, their licenses remained valid for years after their residency expired.

Here’s a breakdown of how some states are taking action:

🏁 South Carolina

As of September 29, South Carolina DMV will only issue CDLs and CLPs to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who can prove their legal presence. Current CDL holders aren’t affected, this is for only new licenses and renewals fall under the new rule.

Executive Director Kevin Shwedo said the agency has always been “prudent” when it comes to issuing CDLs to non-citizens, adding:

The move also earned support from Rick Todd, President of the South Carolina Trucking Association:

🐎 Kentucky

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said that from now on, non-domiciled CDL and permit applicants must hold H2A, H2B, or E2 visas, and there will be no more using an Employment Authorization Document.

Applicants must show a valid foreign passport and Form I-94 proving their legal entry to the U.S., and they’re instructed not to surrender their foreign driver’s license during the process.

🦀 Maryland

Maryland decided to go full stop. The Maryland MVA has completely halted issuing any non-domiciled CDLs or permits “until further notice.” This includes renewals, transfers, and duplicates.

🌲 Oregon

The Oregon DMV also suspended its limited-term non-domiciled CDL program while it reviews federal guidance. The FMCSA directed states to “immediately stop issuing these credentials until they can ensure compliance with updated regulations.”

Not every state issues non-domiciled CDLs, and drivers from Canada and Mexico are exempt since the U.S. recognizes their commercial licenses.

But according to a recent FMCSA audit, six states: California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington, failed to meet federal standards for issuing these licenses.

On October 15, Sean Duffy announced that he has withheld $40 million in federal funding from California for not enforcing English language requirements for truckers.

From my experience, and from talking to dozens of people with decades of experience in the industry, everybody agrees that this has been the most active, and fastest acting DOT that anyone has seen.

Read more at TT

📩 What Do You Think?

Should DOT programs keep running during shutdowns, or should politicians feel the fire like everyone else?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444 — I want to hear what real drivers think about Washington’s woes!

Health Tip of the Week - Project 61 Step Challenge!

Sitting for a period of 8+ hours a day with no physical activity (less than 3k steps) can be just as hazardouse for your health as smoking cigarettes. In my time as a driver, and coach I have been a staunch advocate on how the secret weapon in fat/weight loss is walking. Which is why I’m happy to discuss Project 61’s - 61 Day Step Challenge to get you MOVING! The best part is it’s totally FREE!

What is it? - From November 1 to December 31, 2025, participants across the trucking industry - and supporters everywhere - will commit to staying active and building healthier habits. Every step taken during these 61 days raises awareness about the urgent health challenges CDL drivers face and fuels momentum for change. What can participating in this challenge do?

1. Keeps Your Circulation Alive
Hours of sitting slow blood flow, leading to swollen legs and higher risk of blood clots. A 10–15 minute walk after fueling or loading keeps your circulation moving and your legs strong.

2. Beats Stiffness
Walking loosens tight hips, eases lower back pain, and helps your spine decompress after long hauls. Think of it like hitting those grease points, for your joints.

3. Boosts Mood & Focus
Walking increases serotonin and dopamine, natural mood boosters that fight fatigue and stress.

4. Controls Weight Without a Gym
A few short walks a day can burn hundreds of calories a week, helping offset the sedentary lifestyle that comes with the job.

5. Supports Longevity
Studies show just 7,000–8,000 steps per day cuts all-cause mortality by up to 50%. That’s “mileage” worth logging.

Join the Step Challenge today, and download the Offshift app for FREE

Partner Post of the Week

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Truck Parking Club Partner Program

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