Tale Lites Issue 65

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🚛 Paper Med Cards Still Good Through October

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is hitting pause (again) on going full digital with DOT physicals.

As of April 11, drivers can continue using paper medical cards as proof of certification through October 11, 2026.

Even though the industry is transitioning to an electronic system, you’re still covered if you’re carrying a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Some key details:

• Paper MECs are valid for up to 60 days after issuance

• Applies to both CDL and CLP holders

• Motor carriers can also rely on these paper copies

⚠️ Why the Delay?

As you may or may not have read, not every state is ready for the switch.

Five states, Alaska, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New Hampshire, are still behind on implementing the new system. Because of that, FMCSA is keeping the paper option alive a little longer.

💻 What’s Changing Eventually?

Under the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) rule, the goal is:

• No more drivers submitting med cards themselves

• Medical examiners send results electronically

• State agencies automatically update your driving record

This is a little less paperwork, and actually something drivers won’t have to worry about. I know here in Texas after I get my DOT physical I then have to e-mail it to a specific state e-mail address for it to go into the system.

For Right Now:

• Keep a paper copy of your med card on you

• Don’t assume your state is fully digital yet

• If you get a new physical, make sure you receive a paper copy

FMCSA has been pretty clear though, this is likely the last nationwide extension. I’d say October sounds like a safe bet when this will finally be fully online.

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 nice light joke DOT plays on a driver back in 1974!

🚨 Lawsuit: Company Accused of Tossing Women Drivers’ Applications

A big trucking company is (back) in some legal trouble, this time it’s over allegations that qualified women drivers were being shut out before they even had a chance.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit against Central Transport, claiming the company engaged in a nationwide pattern of refusing to hire female truck drivers.

📉 A Bigger Industry Problem?

Women make up roughly 4% of truck drivers. This is specific to over the road drivers, but including local and CDL B drivers that number is between 7-10%. Women making up about 4% of OTR drivers has mainly stayed the same for the past 20 years, and could actually be trending down.

Groups like the American Transportation Research Institute highlight:

• Safety concerns (parking, restrooms)

• Harassment and discrimination

• Training and industry perception

🗑️ The Allegations

According to the lawsuit, qualified female applicants weren’t even having their applications looked at, they were (allegedly) thrown out.

In one case:

• A woman applied alongside her male cousin

• When they returned to fix their applications, staff quickly retrieved the man’s

• The woman’s application? Found in the trash

He got the job. She never even got an interview.

In another case:

• A woman with 15 years of experience applied in Phoenix

• She was told her application looked fine…but never got an interview

• Meanwhile, a male applicant with less experience was hired within a week

Over a 3 month span at that same terminal:

• 20 men hired

• 0 women

⚖️ Not Their First Lawsuit

This isn’t Central Transport’s first time in court. The company is also battling a separate case involving a rejected applicant with a past conviction. That case is still ongoing after an appeals court revived the driver’s claims.

💭 Why This Matters

This is important because this isn’t really just about one company, it’s a retention issue that is once again used in the perpetual lie of the “driver shortage” that gets thrown around. In an industry where many claim to be desperate for drivers, this is another case of qualified drivers being left on the sidelines.

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

🩺 Health Tip of the Week: Strong Knees

Recently I was helping a driver as his knee begins to recover from an injury. I wanted to share this video of exercises you can do to keep your knees strong.

Spending a lot of time driving keeps your knees bent which reduces blood flow, tightens your leg muscles, and causes stiffness. Fun fact, for every one pound of body weight your knees take on 3-4 pounds of force when walking.

By losing 20lb you can remove 60-80 pounds of pressure per step!

This video shows what 20 minutes can do for your knees! All of which can be done while you’re at a loading dock, or on any break.

Partner Post of the Week

Here’s another excellent video from Big Ed talking about the truck parking problems in the US! Get $20 off your next booking by using the promo code EDDIEV

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!

🎸 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!