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Tale Lites Issue 91
Robot Trucks Score a Win - Not So Fast on Red Dye Diesel
Michael Lombard
October 12, 2026
🤖 FMCSA Gives Driverless Trucks a Green Light
The FMCSA approved a five year exemption allowing Aurora and other qualifying autonomous trucking companies to use cab mounted warning beacons instead of traditional roadside warning triangles when their trucks break down.
The exemption runs through October 2031. All they argued was that their product can’t set out the triangles, which is actually the point. These companies lobby heavily to state and federal governments, and it looks to be paying off.
Safety advocates argue that flashing beacons aren’t an adequate replacement for warning triangles, especially when a disabled truck creates a hazard on the highway.
FMCSA disagreed, despite receiving more than 400 public comments on the proposal.
⚖️ What Happens Next?
Aurora first requested the exemption in 2023 and has faced opposition ever since. A separate court fight over the safety risks of driverless trucks is also ongoing.
However, this isn’t a blanket green light for every autonomous truck. But it’s another sign that the government is willing to rewrite trucking rules as driverless technology advances (and pays money). But will this actually make anything safer?
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
All-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge), week of Sept 27–Oct 3
Dry Van: ~$3.13/mile, up ~11 cents week over week
Reefer: ~$3.69/mile, up ~7 cents week over week
Flatbed: ~$3.71/mile, up ~11 cents week over week
More relief at the pump. The national diesel average fell another 18 cents to $6.20/gallon, the second weekly drop in a row. The Midwest (down 24 cents) and Lower Atlantic (down 25 cents) fell the most. California is still the most expensive at $8.08. Expect lower fuel surcharges to start cutting into all-in rates over the next couple of weeks.
⛽️Red-Dyed Diesel Relief? Truckers Told to Read the Fine Print
Red dyed diesel is the temptation of any owner-op, but despite some recent headlines, don't start filling up just yet.
A new federal order expanded the use of red dyed diesel, normally reserved for off road vehicles like for farming. But trucking groups are warning drivers that the tax relief comes with plenty of fine print.
OOIDA President Todd Spencer said the move will provide minimal relief, arguing that stable fuel markets, not temporary measures, are needed to bring costs down overall
The Nevada Trucking Association is telling members to hold off until the Treasury Department clarifies the rules. Red dyed diesel doesn't create a new fuel supply; it comes from the same pool as regular diesel. And in Nevada, it's not even sold at public truck stops.
The bigger concern is getting caught using it illegally. The red dye is designed to remain detectable even when diluted with regular diesel. Violations can lead to hefty fines and license suspensions under federal and state law.
There's also a difference between delaying taxes and eliminating them.
The Energy Marketers of America says federal penalty relief doesn't automatically override EPA rules or state restrictions. While the White House has said it will explore eliminating the deferred taxes altogether, no permanent waiver has been finalized.
States are taking different approaches. Montana's Department of Transportation warned on Oct. 6 that red dyed diesel remains illegal on public roads in the state despite the federal order.
Agricultural groups are raising another concern: the tax bill could still come due in early 2027, right after farmers get through the 2026 harvest season.
And even if the federal government changes the rules, state fuel taxes are a separate headache. According to IFTA Executive Director Carmen Martorana, states would need to issue their own orders to exempt highway use from state taxes. Otherwise, carriers could still owe those taxes through their IFTA returns.
📩 What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444
🍽️ Recipe of the Week: Air Fryer Smokies, Potatoes & Peppers
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bag microwave steamable baby potatoes (Great Value or Green Giant), about 1.5 lb
• 1 package Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies, 14 oz
• 1 container precut fajita veggies (peppers + onions, Marketside), about 12 oz
STEPS
Microwave the potatoes: Microwave the bag of 1 bag baby potatoes, about 1.5 lb unopened, following the bag directions, usually about 8 minutes. Carefully open it, because the steam is hot. Smash each potato flat with a fork so the edges get crispy.
Air fry everything: Put the smashed potatoes, 1 packag Lit'l Smokies, 14 oz, and 1 container precut fajita veggies, about 12 oz in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the potatoes are crispy and the smokies are browned.
NOTES
Some steamable potato bags come with a butter or garlic seasoning packet. Use it, and you get flavor for free. Otherwise, a shake of salt and pepper is enough, since the smokies are already salty. If your basket is small, cook it in two batches so it crisps instead of steaming. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4 minutes. To switch it up, use pre-cut broccoli florets instead of the fajita veggies.
Partner Post of the Week
Check out how Rissa stays fit while OTR. Get your workout in at one of our locations and use the promo code riss20 for $20 off your next booking!
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!
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