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🚨 Daimler Rolls Out DEF Fixes That Could Save Drivers from Getting Stranded

For years, the drivers I know have complained about one thing more than almost any other issue: DEF systems putting trucks into severe derate mode over sensor failures and other minor problems. The fact that civilian diesel vehicles simply derate to 55mph, I have always thought derates for commercial vehicles is some of the most unsafe technology there is. Bringing 80,000lb trucks down to 5mph just to force them into an overpriced dealership is what has been happening.

Here’s a little bit of relief! Daimler Truck North America announced it has begun rolling out updated DEF software on Freightliner and Western Star trucks that gives drivers significantly more time to address DEF related issues before their truck is heavily restricted.

What Changed?

Under the old system, a faulty DEF sensor could trigger a rapid engine derate, sometimes reducing a truck's speed to just 5 mph within a matter of hours.

Drivers have argued that many of these derates were caused by sensor failures rather than actual emissions problems, leaving them stranded on the side of the road waiting for repairs. This has happened to me personally on more than one occasion.

Following new guidance issued by the EPA in August 2025, manufacturers were encouraged to update their software to prevent these sudden shutdown scenarios.

The new software dramatically slows the inducement process.

Instead of quickly dropping a truck to crawl speed, drivers now receive:

✅ At least 650 miles or 10 hours before the first torque reduction occurs

✅ Nearly a week or roughly 8,400 miles before the truck reaches its final speed restriction

✅ A final speed limit of 25 mph instead of 5 mph

I think this is a fair amount of time for driver to finish a load, and get to the shop of their choice.

Hundreds of Thousands of Trucks Being Updated

According to Daimler, all new trucks equipped with Detroit engines are now being shipped with the updated software.

The company has also been updating existing trucks since February and plans to continue throughout the year.

The update applies to:

• 2021-2025 DD15 engines

• 2022-2025 DD13 engines

More than 300,000 trucks are expected to receive the software upgrade.

More DEF Changes Could Be Coming

The software update is hopefully just the beginning. One of the biggest complaints surrounding DEF systems has been false sensor readings that trigger derates even when no actual emissions issue exists.

In March, the EPA issued additional guidance allowing manufacturers more flexibility in sensor design in hopes of reducing false alarms.

Meanwhile, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has publicly stated that the agency is exploring ways to permanently eliminate DEF related derates altogether.

The Department of Justice also announced earlier this year that it would no longer pursue criminal charges related to tampering with onboard diagnostic devices, although civil enforcement actions remain on the table.

Why It Matters

Every hour a truck sits on the shoulder because of a faulty DEF sensor costs money.

For owner operators and small fleets, a simple sensor malfunction can mean missed loads, repair bills, lost revenue, and days of downtime.

These software updates won't eliminate DEF systems, but they should give drivers more flexibility to reach a shop safely instead of being stranded hundreds of miles from home because of a bad sensor.

What do you think? For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

🚚 Freight Market Watch

The spot market took a small breath last week, but don't read into it too much. Dean Croke at DAT called the pullback "an easing of pre-Independence Day inventory positioning rather than underlying weakness" and noted demand typically picks up again toward month's end as Q2 closes and the holiday weekend approaches.

Here's where the all-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge) sit on the DAT board as of this week:

• Dry Van: ~$2.74/mile ▼ down 1 cent week over week

• Reefer: ~$3.05/mile ▼ down 1 cent week over week

• Flatbed: ~$3.30/mile ▲ up 1 cent week over week

Flatbed kept its streak alive, this was the 13th consecutive weekly rate increase. Since the run began in early March, the weekly average flatbed linehaul rate has added 63 cents per mile, a 25% gain. More significantly, new contract rates entering routing guides have climbed 6% year over year, ending nearly four years of negative rate growth.

At the pump: Some welcome movement. The EIA's most recent weekly reading put the national retail diesel average at $5.06/gallon for the week of June 15, down meaningfully from the $5.42 reported last week. Regional breakdown: Gulf Coast remains your cheapest fill, California is still its own planet north of $7. YChartsSeaVantage

🚛 DOT Blitz Week Round 2? What is CVSA “Safe Driver Week"?”

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that its annual Operation Safe Driver Week will take place July 12–18 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

During the weeklong enforcement campaign, state and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols and traffic stops targeting both commercial drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors.

This Year's Focus: Reckless Driving

For 2026, CVSA says officers will be paying special attention to reckless, careless, and dangerous driving.

That includes:

• Speeding

• Distracted driving

• Following too closely

• Unsafe lane changes

• Fatigued or drowsy driving

• Driving under the influence

• Failure to wear a seatbelt

• Running red lights or ignoring traffic signals

Operation Safe Driver Week isn't a vehicle inspection blitz like International Roadcheck. Instead, the focus is on driver behavior.

That means officers will be watching traffic, conducting traffic stops, and issuing warnings or citations for unsafe driving habits.

Last Year's Numbers

During Operation Safe Driver Week 2025, law enforcement officers issued:

• 1,839 citations and 3,230 warnings to commercial vehicle drivers

• 665 citations and 345 warnings to passenger vehicle drivers

Those numbers show that enforcement agencies aren't just targeting truck drivers. Four wheelers are getting stopped too.

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

🩺 Health Tip of the Week: New Recipe!

Air Fryer Chicken & Rice
Three ingredients, an air fryer, and a microwave. That's it. High protein, low effort, and easy to batch for 4 total meals

INGREDIENTS
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 microwavable rice cups (like Uncle Ben's Ready Rice)
• 2 bags microwavable steam vegetables (broccoli or mixed)

STEPS

1. Air fry the chicken: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

2. Microwave the rice: Microwave 4 microwavable rice cups (like Uncle Ben's Ready Rice) according to package directions, usually 90 seconds.

3. Steam the veggies: Microwave 2 bags microwavable steam vegetables (broccoli or mixed) according to package directions, usually 3–4 minutes.

4. Assemble and eat: Plate the rice, top with chicken and veggies. Done.

   
   Trucker tips:

• Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts in an air fryer — harder to dry out.

• Buy the seasoned rice cups (garlic butter, brown rice, etc.) for extra flavor with zero extra work.

• Doubles or triples easily, cook a big batch of chicken on home time and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• Macros (approx. per serving): 420 cal · 38g protein · 40g carbs · 9g fat

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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. 🚛🇺🇸 

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