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- Tale Lites Issue 77
🚨 EPA Just Backed Truckers' Right to Repair
Planned obsolescence, and right to repair has been a scourge on American truckers, and car owners for years. I even posted an old clip of Tale Lites from the 70’s of a disgruntled person complaining about “newer model cars” being harder to work on.
The Modern emissions systems, mainly DEF related components, have become complex and locked down that most repairs require expensive dealership visits simply because manufacturers control the diagnostic software, repair information, and specialized tools.
This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new guidance making it clear that vehicle owners, including heavy-duty truck owners, should have the ability to repair their own equipment or choose an independent repair shop without unnecessary restrictions.
What Changed?
The announcement comes just days after President Donald Trump directed the EPA to clarify what truck owners are legally allowed to do when repairing emissions related equipment under the Clean Air Act.
In response, the EPA issued guidance covering all vehicles, including commercial vehicles and their DEF and emissions systems.
According to the agency, truck manufacturers have a long standing legal obligation to provide the same repair information, training materials, diagnostic software, and tools to independent repair shops and vehicle owners that they provide to their own dealerships.
It’s Big Win for Independent Repair Shops
The EPA also announced that it will recognize certifications from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for qualifying aftermarket parts, rather than relying solely on California's certification process.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the move will expand consumer choice and make it easier for Americans to use federally compliant aftermarket replacement parts.
While this guidance doesn't eliminate emissions regulations or legalize deleting emissions equipment, it does reinforce something many owner/operators have been asking for for years:
Better access to repair information
More freedom to choose independent repair shops
Increased competition that could lower repair costs
Less dependence on dealerships for routine emissions-related repairs
If manufacturers fully comply, drivers could have more options when their trucks need service instead of being forced into the dealer network every time an emissions component fails.
What do you think? For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444
đźšš Freight Market Watch
All-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge) on the DAT board, week of June 30:
Dry Van: ~$3.02/mile â–˛ up 1 cent week over week
Reefer: ~$3.39/mile â–˛ up 2 cents week over week
Flatbed: ~$3.68/mile ▼ down 3 cents — the streak ends
At the Pump
Diesel continues to ease. Fuel surcharges fell roughly 4 cents per mile week over week across all equipment types, up to 60 cents for dry van, 65 cents for reefer, and 72 cents for flatbed. The EIA's most recent weekly reading put the national retail diesel average near $4.76/gallon (week of June 29) down meaningfully from the spring peak of $5.64 hit in early May. Gulf Coast remains your best fill. California is still well north of $6.50. The next EIA release drops July 7.
🚨 FMCSA Hits Pause on Biennial Update Enforcement After Motus Rollout Problems
For a while we had the MOTUS link in the newsletter to help you guys out, but it looks like there have been a bunch of problems!
After numerous reports from motor carriers experiencing login issues, account verification problems, and difficulties updating their information, FMCSA has announced it's temporarily pausing enforcement for carriers who haven't completed their required biennial USDOT registration update.
What Does This Mean?
Normally, motor carriers are required to complete a biennial MCS-150 update. Failing to do so can result in your USDOT number being deactivated.
However, FMCSA says it will not deactivate USDOT numbers for carriers who have missed their update while the agency continues working through issues with the new Motus platform.
The agency said the suspension is temporary but has not announced when normal enforcement will resume.
Why the Pause?
The goal was to modernize the registration process, improve security, and reduce fraud. But shortly after launch, many carriers reported they couldn't even claim their USDOT numbers inside the new system.
Without access, carriers were unable to:
Complete required MCS-150 biennial updates
Change business addresses
Update company information
Reinstate registrations
Make other required filings
Why Did FMCSA Replace the Old System?
According to the agency, Motus is designed to make carrier registration both easier and more secure.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said the new system is intended to crack down on shell companies and fraudulent motor carriers while making life easier for legitimate trucking businesses.
FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs also said the platform should improve customer service while giving regulators better tools to detect fraud and identify unsafe operators.
If your company is due for a biennial update, it's still worth checking Motus periodically and completing your filing once you're able to access your account. FMCSA has made it clear this enforcement pause won't last forever, and once the system actually works, biennial update requirements will once again be enforced.
đź“© What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444
🍽️ Recipe of the Week! - Tuna & Sweet Potato Power Bowl
INGREDIENTS
• 2 canned tuna (5 oz cans, drained)
• 2 microwavable sweet potatoes
• 1 bag microwavable steam green beans
• 2 tbsp olive oil packets (or have a bottle in the truck)
• 2 hard boiled eggs (can grab these at Love’s or big truck stops)
STEPS
Microwave the sweet potatoes: Pierce 2 microwavable sweet potatoes a few times with a fork. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until tender.
Steam the green beans: Microwave 1 bag microwavable steam green beans according to package directions, usually 3–4 minutes.
Crisp the tuna (optional): Place drained 2 canned tuna (5 oz cans, drained) in the air fryer at 400°F for 5–6 minutes until slightly crispy on top. This step is optional but adds great texture.
Assemble and serve: Slice open the sweet potatoes, drizzle everything with 2 tbsp olive oil, and plate with 2 hard boiled eggs on the side.
Trucker tips:
Pre-made hard boiled eggs are sold at almost every truck stop and gas station
Single serve olive oil packets are available at most Walmarts or online in bulk
Swap tuna for a can of salmon or chicken if you want to mix it up.
Macros (approx. per serving): 480 cal · 45g protein · 35g carbs · 14g fat
Partner Post of the Week
Need truck parking and maybe some repairs? Check out where Josh stopped in NC recently! If you need safe parking use the promo code moose20 for $20 off your next booking
@the1stmightyturtle #truckparkingclub #moose20 @Truck Parking Club
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
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