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- Tale Lites Issue 62
Tale Lites Issue 62
Huge Drug Bust in Oklahoma - GA Suspends Fuel Taxes!
Michael Lombard
March 23, 2026
🚔 Drug Bust on Oklahoma Highway
A regular traffic stop in Oklahoma turned into a huge drug bust involving a commercial vehicle two weeks ago.
According to federal authorities, Jose Carlos Morales-Gutierrez, 31, was pulled over by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on March 11 in Custer County while driving a red semi-truck and trailer. Troopers noted he did not have a valid driver’s license, and was in the United states illegally.
During the stop, a K9 unit alerted officers to possible narcotics in the trailer. A search led to the discovery of a duffel bag containing more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Morales-Gutierrez has since been charged with possession with intent to distribute by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma. If convicted, he could face up to life in federal prison and significant fines.
The case is being investigated by OHP and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of a broader federal initiative targeting drug trafficking and organized crime.
What do you think? For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444
Tale Lites Throwback
A driver’s remarks about what it’s like working in New Jersey. Has it changed since 1969?
🚛 Georgia Hits Pause on Fuel Taxes
Drivers in Georgia are getting some temporary relief with fuel prices this week.
Governor Brian Kemp signed a new law on March 20 suspending the state’s motor fuel taxes for 60 days, aiming to offset rapidly rising fuel prices.
The spike comes as global tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran — have pushed fuel costs sharply higher. In Georgia alone:
Diesel prices are up 49% month-over-month
Gas prices have jumped 40%
Nationally, prices are also climbing. According to AAA:
Diesel averages $5.15/gallon (up from $3.60 last year)
Gas averages $3.91/gallon (up from $3.12 in 2024)
With the tax suspension, drivers should soon see some relief as new fuel shipments hit stations — removing roughly:
33 cents per gallon on gas
37 cents per gallon on diesel
Bottom line: It’s a short-term break, but for drivers and fleets feeling the squeeze, every cent counts.
📩 What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444
🩺 Health Tip of the Week: Better Weather? Get Outside and Walk!
With Spring coming and better weather on the way, now is a good time to revisit the benefits of walking, and how you can walk years back onto your life. Walking alone is what I call the “Gateway Drug” to fitness.
🚶 Why Walking Matters
❤️ Heart Health: Helps lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease
⚖️ Weight Control: Burns calories and keeps metabolism active between long drives
🩸 Blood Sugar Control: A 10-15 minute walk after meals can reduce blood sugar spikes
🦵 Joint & Back Relief: Loosens up hips and reduces stiffness from sitting. This one is especially important! The best thing for your spine is walking.
🧠 Mental Reset: Cuts stress and improves focus before getting back on the road
⛽ Easy Ways to Fit It In
Walk a lap around the truck during fuel stops
Take a 10-minute walk after eating
Park farther away at truck stops to force movement
Do a quick walk during load/unload wait times
You don’t need a gym, gear, or a plan. Walking is the #1 form of cardio there is, and it’s why we are alive today. The nickname for chronic disease is “Diseases of Civilization” brought on by the comforts of technology. Life is about choosing your hard: Going for a 30 minute walk after driving 600 miles is hard, but having a heart attack is harder. Choose your Hard.
Long Time Trucker Writes Book on the State of American Trucking Industry
Is there a quiet war being waged against America’s truck drivers?
That’s the argument behind End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, a new book by longtime driver and writer Gord Magill. Magill claims the industry that once represented freedom and independence is being attacked on all fronts, from government regulations, in cab surveillance technology, corporate consolidation, and the push toward autonomous trucks.
God Magill has decades of experience including 4 seasons on ice roads in Canada, road trains in Australia, and over the road in the US. He argues that drivers today face tighter control, shrinking margins, and a future where human truckers may be pushed out altogether.
If you drive a truck, have driven, or have a family member who drives then this book is a must read.
You can order the book HERE and use the promo code 4TRUCKERS20 for a discount at checkout!
Partner Post of the Week
We’ve teamed up with Balkan Truckers to spread the word about what we do at Truck Parking Club! Get $20 off your next booking by using the promo code BTUS20
🎸 Little Texas Headlining Walcott Truckers Jamboree
Country band Little Texas will headline the 48th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 10 at 7 PM at the Iowa 80 Truckstop — known as the World’s Largest Truckstop.
The three-day event (July 9–11) will feature live music, a Super Truck Beauty Contest, Antique Truck Display, Trucker Olympics, pork chop cookout, fireworks, and more.
Best part: Admission and parking are free. 🚛🇺🇸
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!