Tale Lites Issue 54

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🚨 Additional Relief Granted for Truckers After Winter Storm Fern

Winter Storm Fern put the hammer down over the weekend. Snow ended up covering more than half of the continental US as well as 800,000 customers without power nationwide.

Freezing temperatures and dangerous road conditions forced school closures across the country, while multiple state DOT’s urged passenger and commercial drivers to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Tennessee DOT posted:

FMCSA Issues Emergency Declaration

Ahead of the storm, several states enacted emergency declarations to protect public safety and keep critical supply chains moving.

On January 23, the FMCSA issued a regional emergency declaration covering 40 states impacted by Winter Storm Fern.

Under the declaration:

• Hours of service limits are temporarily suspended for eligible drivers and carriers

• Relief applies through February 6

• Drivers qualify regardless of where the trip originated, as long as they are providing direct emergency assistance

FMCSA clarified that direct assistance includes hauling freight or providing services necessary for the immediate restoration of essential supplies and services.

However, the exemption does not apply to:

• Routine commercial freight

• Mixed loads with only minimal emergency supplies

• Long term recovery or infrastructure repair once the emergency phase ends

FEMA Mobilizes National Response

FEMA has activated its National Response Coordination Center, along with multiple regional centers, to support relief efforts.

FEMA has deployed:

• Specialized response teams in Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia

• Supplies including generators, medical equipment, meals, and water

• Approximately 900 staff and personnel nationwide to assist storm impacted areas

As Winter Storm Fern continues to disrupt travel and infrastructure, truckers providing emergency support are urged to stay informed, prioritize safety, and verify eligibility before operating under emergency exemptions.

Were you affected by Winter Storm Fern? Let us know! For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

Tale Lites Throwback

Some snowy shots of an old Lombard Terminal in Shrewbury, MA in 1966. Send in your snowy photos from this past weekend!

🚛 DOJ Backs Off Diesel Delete Criminal Charges, But Delete Kits Are Still Illegal

The Department of Justice says it will stop pursuing criminal charges for tampering with onboard diagnostic devices, but that does NOT legalize DEF or DPF delete kits. Not yet anyways…

What’s changed

• DOJ will no longer file criminal Clean Air Act charges for OBD tampering

• Shift applies for at least the next few years

What hasn’t changed

• Delete kits still violate federal law

• Installing one voids warranties

• Civil penalties still apply

The risk

• Up to $45,000 per vehicle per day in civil penalties

• Up to $4,500 per tampering event or sale

• Drivers, installers, and sellers can all be fined

Why this matters

• Past enforcement was aggressive under the Biden administration

• A Wyoming mechanic’s prison sentence sparked backlash and a presidential pardon

• DOJ now says it wants to avoid “overcriminalization” — not end enforcement

Industry reaction

• SEMA supports ending criminal prosecutions

• Still acknowledges emissions tampering remains illegal

TLDR:
👉 No jail time ≠ legal
👉 Delete kits are still risky
👉 Civil fines can still hit hard

My thoughts: When it comes to DEF/DPF regulations, I can’t really argue the science as the system itself does change the emissions to Nitrogen, which is the dominant gas in our atmosphere, however this technology has been a scourge on small fleets, and company drivers who lose miles due to breakdowns. A wise man once told me, “The most environmentally vehicle you can drive, is the one you already own.” The longevity of vehicles versus new manufacturing is likely the better outcome if the tru goal is helping the environment. The fact that is isn’t tells me, these DEF/DPF regulations are just another way for governments to pick winners and losers.

Disclaimer: I’m just here to pass along the information, do with it what you will 😉

📩 What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444 

🩺 Health Tip of the Week: Staying hydrated in Cold Weather

With temperatures dropping you may not being “feeling thirsty,” and that’s the cold weather tricking you into thinking you don’t need water, but the reality is your body does!

With cold temps, you will sweat less, but you’re still losing fluids through breathing, dry air, and layered clothing. This type of dehydration can sneak up on you without the usual symptoms you’d experience in hot conditions.

Why hydration matters in the cold:

• 🧠 Keeps focus sharp: dehydration increases fatigue and brain fog

• 🩸 Supports circulation: helps your body regulate temperature

• 💪 Protects muscles & joints: reduces stiffness and cramping

• 🛡️ Boosts immunity: hydrated cells fight illness better

Simple cold weather hydration tips:

• Sip water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty

• Use warm options like herbal tea or hot water with lemon

• Add electrolytes if you’re sweating in heavy gear or winter layers

  If you’re waiting to feel thirsty, you’re already behind. Staying hydrated isn’t seasonal!

Partner Post of the Week

Check out where The Real Trucker Couple stopped the other day! You can get $20 off your next booking by using the promo code TRTC05 (all caps)

@trtc_tv

USE PROMO CODE TRTC05 @Truck Parking Club #expeditetrucking #expeditetrucker #truckparkingclub

Truck Parking Club Partner Program

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