Author: Ai

Ontario is preparing to introduce tougher penalties for commercial vehicle offences — including distracted driving and speed limiter violations — as part of a wider road safety bill, while a national carrier group warns a separate federal tax-compliance push could strain an already fragile supply chain.

Ontario set to toughen commercial vehicle penalties

The Ontario government says it will bring forward sweeping changes to dangerous driving laws in a bill to be introduced on November 25, 2025. The package is intended to keep high-risk drivers off the road and strengthen penalties for serious offences affecting commercial vehicles.

Proposed measures would raise penalties for offences such as distracted driving and speed limiter non-compliance. Ontario has long required speed limiters on most heavy trucks; enforcement provisions would be tightened under the new legislation, according to the government’s outline.

Bill dedicated to crash victim

Officials say the bill honours the memory of Andrew Cristillo, a 35-year-old father of three who was killed in August in an alleged dangerous driving crash. The government framed the legislation as a response to persistent high-risk behaviours on provincial highways and an effort to enhance deterrence.

Industry group warns of supply chain impacts from federal tax plan

The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) cautions that a federal plan to crack down on tax non-compliance in the trucking sector could backfire. The group says additional compliance measures, if not implemented carefully, risk exacerbating operational pressures and could worsen supply chain fragility.

CTOA’s warning underscores concerns from carriers and owner-operators about added administrative burdens and potential disruptions at a time of tight margins and ongoing market volatility.

What’s next

The Ontario bill is expected to be tabled as part of a broader legislative package. Details on specific fine amounts, enforcement timelines, and implementation steps were not immediately available. At the federal level, further clarification on the scope and timing of tax-compliance actions is pending.

Ontario has proposed tougher fines and suspensions for commercial vehicle drivers, while an investment in training equipment will expand Skills Ontario’s teaching fleet to six trucks by August 2026. The measures aim to strengthen road safety and broaden hands-on training opportunities for youth entering the skilled trades.

Stronger penalties proposed for commercial drivers

The province is advancing a plan to increase fines and suspend commercial drivers more aggressively for violations. Specific penalty amounts and timelines were not detailed, but the proposal signals a push to tighten enforcement across Ontario’s commercial vehicle sector.

Training investment expands Skills Ontario fleet

With the new funding, Skills Ontario will grow its training fleet from four to six trucks by August 2026. The additional equipment is intended to give Ontario youth more access to hands-on skilled trades training, including exposure to trucking-related careers.

Industry response

“More work needs to be done,” said Stephen Laskowski, president and CEO of the Ontario Trucking Association and the Canadian Trucking Alliance, in response to the announcements. The associations represent carriers at the provincial and national levels, respectively.

What it means for carriers and drivers

If implemented, stricter penalties could raise the consequences for non-compliance, while expanded training resources may help build the entry-level talent pipeline. Further details on the enforcement framework and program funding are expected as the initiatives progress.

Workhorse Group (Nasdaq: WKHS) shareholders have approved the company’s merger with Motiv Electric Trucks, clearing a key step toward combining two medium-duty electric vehicle manufacturers.

Shareholders approve merger

CINCINNATI — Workhorse Group said its shareholders voted in favor of the company’s merger with Motiv Electric Trucks at the 2025 Annual Meeting held earlier today. The companies expect the transaction to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions, including financing and regulatory approvals.

Workhorse has described the combination as creating a stronger competitor in medium-duty electric trucks, with an internal target of approximately $20 million in cost and operational synergies by 2026.

About the companies

• Workhorse Group develops and manufactures electric commercial vehicles and related technologies for the medium-duty segment.
• Motiv Electric Trucks builds medium-duty electric trucks and buses. The company collaborates with established truck body manufacturers, offering an electrified chassis designed as a drop-in replacement on existing production lines.

Motiv’s products are available to public-sector agencies through Sourcewell via a partnership with National Auto Fleet Group, providing an additional procurement channel for municipalities and other government entities.

What’s next

Following the shareholder vote, the companies will work to complete remaining closing requirements. Until the transaction closes, both businesses continue to operate independently.

Industry context

The proposed combination aligns with broader adoption of battery-electric platforms for city and regional routes in the medium-duty segment, driven by fleet sustainability targets and zero-emission regulations. A consolidated product lineup and expanded procurement pathways could streamline electrification options for vocational and municipal fleets once the merger is finalized.

Regulators on both sides of the border are tightening oversight of trucking, with the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pressing California over non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Canadian industry leaders debating tax reporting and border screening priorities.

FMCSA targets California over non-domiciled CDLs

California has said it will revoke 17,000 CDLs as part of a federal review into how states issue licenses to non-domiciled drivers. Officials said California is the only state the administration has acted against so far because it was the first to complete an audit. A recent government shutdown delayed reviews in other states.

The FMCSA, in a letter to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, outlined actions the state must take to correct what the agency determined were problematic processes and systems related to non-domiciled CDL issuance.

Pointing to recent high-profile crashes and the audit findings, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) described the current system as “broken” and “a threat to public safety,” saying many drivers with non-domiciled CDLs are not qualified or are not legally in the United States.

Enforcement findings and industry reaction

Texas officials reported that nearly one in three truck drivers pulled over during a recent operation were in the country illegally, and many held CDLs issued in California. State troopers worked with federal immigration authorities during the enforcement effort.

Industry feedback has been mixed. “Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation have taken important steps to immediately make America’s roads safer by cracking down on non-domiciled CDLs and ensuring that anyone operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle can read road signs,” said George O’Connor, speaking for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

Canada debates tax compliance and border screening

In Canada, a renewed push to enforce contractor tax reporting in trucking is drawing industry attention. “A lot has changed since the moratorium was introduced in 2011, and the idea that issuing T4As creates a mountain of red tape for small businesses is simply not true in 2025,” said Stephen Laskowski, president and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), responding to federal budget measures.

At the same time, some industry voices warn that a broad crackdown on tax noncompliance could exacerbate supply chain pressures if not implemented carefully.

Border operations are also under scrutiny. Witnesses told a parliamentary committee that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has relied too heavily on automation at ports of entry, reducing human contact. “We need to get our focus back on interdiction, it’s been entirely about facilitation for far too long,” one witness, Weber, said. At issue is CBSA’s One Touch intake system, which critics say prioritizes speed over screening.

Technology and safety backdrop

These developments come as new driver-assistance technologies promise to make truck driving safer and less demanding. Regulators and industry groups continue to balance adoption of automation with the need for rigorous licensing, verification, and border security processes that support highway safety and supply chain reliability.

Governments on both sides of the border are tightening oversight of commercial drivers. Canada’s latest budget proposes new enforcement measures targeting the misclassification of drivers, while California is preparing to revoke thousands of commercial driver’s licenses to align with federal rules on work authorization—moves that follow heightened scrutiny after recent fatal crashes.

Canada targets driver misclassification in budget measures

The federal budget includes steps to crack down on the misclassification of truck drivers, including lifting a longstanding moratorium on issuing T4A slips tied to driver payments and enabling the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to share information with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Critics often refer to misclassification schemes as “Driver Inc.” when employers treat drivers as incorporated contractors to avoid employment obligations.

Industry advocates stress that incorporation itself is not illegal and argue that recent narratives risk casting all independent and incorporated drivers as noncompliant. The Canadian Trucking Organizations Alliance (CTOA) maintains the core issue is tax compliance and education, citing CRA comments at a November 2025 transport committee meeting.

California moves to revoke CDLs under federal pressure

Sacramento officials say California will begin revoking up to 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses in January, affecting drivers who do not have permanent work authorization. The action follows federal pressure to comply with new U.S. Department of Transportation rules overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding license eligibility and status verification.

In a letter sent last week, FMCSA said a recent collision “may have been avoided” had California complied with the new federal rules. The agency also warned that full compliance could ultimately affect as many as 61,000 CDL holders in the state. Publication of the interim federal rule has fueled debate in California and beyond.

Fatal crashes intensify scrutiny

Policy debates accelerated following high-profile cases. Authorities say an August 12 crash on Florida’s Turnpike occurred when a driver, who was licensed in California and alleged to be in the country without legal status, made an illegal U-turn in front of a minivan, resulting in three deaths. In a separate October incident in Ontario, Canada, a truck-involved collision killed three people; federal authorities alleged the driver did not have legal status.

Industry perspective and next steps

While critics of misclassification push for stronger enforcement, industry groups caution against conflating independent contractor status with illegality. They argue that proper tax compliance, verification, and education should remain the focus as governments implement new measures.

Neither the Canadian budget provisions nor the U.S. rule changes have been fully detailed in final guidance. Carriers and drivers are watching for implementation timelines, enforcement protocols, and any clarifications from CRA, ESDC, and FMCSA in the months ahead.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is advancing several initiatives affecting motor carriers and drivers, including a nationwide survey to quantify the benefits of adding truck parking, the removal of five electronic logging devices from its registered list, and expanded crash-causation research. The agency is also continuing oversight of non-domiciled commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and commercial driver’s license (CDL) issuance practices at state motor vehicle departments.

FMCSA to survey drivers on truck parking benefits

FMCSA says it will survey thousands of semi-truck drivers as part of a project to “quantify the benefits of creating new truck parking spaces,” noting that “currently, there is no comprehensive, existing data set that can be used for this project.”

The effort comes amid a persistent national shortage of safe, secure, and accessible truck parking. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, there is roughly one legal truck parking space available for every 11 drivers.

ELD registry update

FMCSA has removed five additional electronic logging devices from its list of registered ELDs. Devices not on the agency’s registry are not considered compliant. Carriers and drivers can consult FMCSA’s ELD list for current device status.

Data and safety research

The agency recently launched a Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP) to analyze crash, roadway, and vehicle data with the goal of identifying root causes of commercial motor vehicle crashes and targeting enforcement, training, and other interventions.

FMCSA also referenced ongoing work tied to hours-of-service (HOS) research. In its 2011 final HOS rule for commercial motor vehicle drivers, the agency committed to analyzing relative crash risk by driving hour, evaluating the impact of HOS changes, and examining differences in crash risk after restarts that include two nighttime periods versus those that do not. In December 2014, Congress passed the FAST Act, which suspended the then-new 34-hour restart provision and directed FMCSA to study its effectiveness. In 2015, FMCSA selected the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to conduct a large-scale naturalistic study to inform that analysis.

State CDL compliance oversight

FMCSA says it will conduct a supplemental review of California’s non-domiciled CLP and CDL issuance practices once the state notifies the agency that corrective actions have been completed. Federal officials have warned that California could risk up to $160 million in transportation grants if it fails to comply with federal requirements.

Pointing to recent high-profile crashes and concerns identified in reviews of non-domiciled CDL issuance, the U.S. Department of Transportation has characterized the situation as a public safety issue and said some drivers with non-domiciled CDLs were not qualified. In late September, FMCSA issued an emergency interim final rule aimed at addressing the problem. DOT has also said it conducted a nationwide audit of trucking licensing policies and cited additional compliance concerns in Texas, South Dakota, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.

An early-season winter storm prompted a no-travel advisory in west-central Minnesota late Tuesday as snow and gusty winds moved across the region. With holiday traffic ramping up, transportation agencies are urging professional and passenger drivers to monitor conditions, use official road tools, and expect slower operations as winter weather sets in.

Storm impacts in the Upper Midwest

Authorities in west-central Minnesota issued a no-travel advisory late Tuesday afternoon amid deteriorating conditions. The storm marks the state’s first widespread snowfall of the season, and local towing operators said they were preparing for a busy stretch as snow and wind reduce visibility and traction.

State tools and winter operations resources

State and local transportation departments are deploying plows and sharing real-time condition updates as winter operations ramp up. The Michigan Department of Transportation, along with numerous municipalities, provides online maps showing plow locations and roadway status to assist commuters and holiday travelers.

In Maine, the State Police, AAA, the Maine Turnpike Authority, and state transportation officials launched a winter driving awareness effort on Monday, emphasizing preparation as snow and ice return.

Research and recent safety reminders

Winter weather can magnify risks on curves, bridges, and higher-speed corridors. A study published in the Transportation Research Record reported that dynamic signs “had a significant speed reduction effect for drivers approaching the curve during winter weather conditions,” indicating potential safety benefits for targeted warnings in low-friction environments.

Separately, the Ohio Department of Transportation released footage showing a truck striking overhead signage and stopping shortly afterward, underscoring how visibility, surface conditions, and driver workload can converge during adverse weather.

Regulatory note: FMCSA ELD removals

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has removed five additional electronic logging devices from its list of registered ELDs. FMCSA maintains the official registry and periodically adds or removes devices based on compliance with technical specifications. Carriers and drivers can verify device status on the agency’s ELD registration list.

Alberta is moving to modernize driver identification and training standards while Canadian and U.S. regulators tighten compliance expectations for carriers and drivers. Key changes include a proposed option to add personal health numbers to Alberta driver’s licences by late 2026, clarified Class 1 learning pathways, the selection of a new provincial licence plate, and renewed contractor tax reporting. South of the border, U.S. regulators continue to emphasize electronic logging device (ELD) and logbook accuracy enforcement.

Alberta ID modernization: health numbers on driver’s licences by late 2026

The Alberta government has tabled legislation that would enable residents to add a personal health number to their driver’s licence or provincial ID card as early as late 2026. The measure is part of a broader plan to replace paper health cards and consolidate credentials to reduce damage and loss. The proposal is included in Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2).

Alberta has also confirmed that a new provincial licence plate design has been selected following a public vote that drew more than 240,000 responses. Details on rollout timelines and distribution were not disclosed.

Class 1 (tractor‑trailer) learning period and experience pathways

Alberta has reiterated minimum prerequisites for progressing through the Class 1 licensing path, which is required to operate tractor‑trailers in the province. During the learning period, applicants must meet at least one of the following before advancing:

• Hold a Class 1 learner’s licence for three months, or one month if the applicant is 25 or older; or
• Have 60 months of cumulative experience as a Class 5 licence holder; or
• Be registered in an approved truck driver training program.

These prerequisites align with Alberta’s commercial driver training framework and are designed to ensure adequate experience prior to full Class 1 testing and licensure.

Contractor reporting: T4A slips return in Canadian trucking

Industry stakeholders report that the reintroduction of T4A information slips for independent contractors in the trucking sector concludes a decade-long policy debate. The move is intended to standardize income reporting for contractors and improve clarity for carriers and drivers engaging in contractor relationships. Carriers and contractors should monitor federal guidance for filing requirements and timelines.

U.S. compliance note: FMCSA logbooks and ELD enforcement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) continues to enforce electronic logging device (ELD) requirements for most commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to federal Hours-of-Service rules. Drivers and carriers are required to maintain accurate records of duty status; falsification of logs can lead to citations, civil penalties, and out-of-service orders. Carriers may also face liability for permitting or requiring non-compliance. Cross-border fleets operating in the United States should verify that ELDs are compliant and that recordkeeping procedures align with FMCSA regulations.

Cargo theft activity is climbing in 2025, and the Thanksgiving holiday remains a prime target window for thieves, according to a new alert from Verisk CargoNet. Food and beverage loads face the highest risk during the holiday period, with California and Texas continuing as the nation’s most active hotspots.

Holiday risk profile and hotspots

Verisk CargoNet’s 2024 Thanksgiving-period analysis recorded the highest number of incidents involving food and beverage shipments (31 incidents), followed by household products (24 incidents) and electronics (19 incidents). The trend also extends to vehicles and accessories and other consumer goods moving into retail channels ahead of the holiday weekend.

Geographically, activity remained concentrated in key freight corridors. California accounted for 35% of incidents and Texas for 22%, driven by high volumes of electronics, food-and-beverage, home goods, and auto parts moving through these states.

Evolving theft tactics: deceptive pickups and cyber-enabled fraud

Thieves are increasingly moving beyond simple pilferage to more sophisticated schemes. CargoNet and industry security partners report rapid growth in deceptive (fraudulent) pickups, where criminals impersonate carriers or drivers to unlawfully obtain loads.

In several recent cases, criminals used stolen or compromised credentials to access company systems and communications, then impersonated employees to book or intercept freight. Overhaul’s law enforcement partners recovered more than $670,000 in stolen electronics shipments in the past month alone, all tied to fraudulent pickups.

Industry guidance and enforcement activity

Security guidance highlighted by cargo risk specialists for the holiday period includes the use of high-security locks, strategic parking, staying close to the trailer during stops, and maintaining awareness of higher-risk commodities and corridors.

Separately, prosecutors on Long Island recently announced the takedown of a “sophisticated criminal organization” alleged to have targeted FedEx parcels containing electronics and cellphones, citing a two-year investigation that uncovered 48 alleged pattern acts of theft. While distinct from long-haul cargo theft, the case underscores the broader surge in organized theft against high-value goods in the holiday season.

Outlook

With theft volumes rising in 2025 and the Thanksgiving window historically attracting organized groups, CargoNet is urging heightened vigilance across food-and-beverage, electronics, and other in-demand categories—particularly in California and Texas and along major retail replenishment lanes.

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a weather-related travel ban on the Ohio Turnpike ahead of forecast high winds, rain, and snow, potentially impacting freight movement across northern Ohio.

What’s been announced

The Commission announced a travel ban for the Ohio Turnpike in advance of the incoming storm system. The initial notice did not specify which vehicle classes are affected or the exact timing and duration of the restriction.

• Notice: Travel ban issued for the Ohio Turnpike due to approaching high winds, rain, and snow.
• Details: Vehicle categories and end time were not provided in the initial announcement.

Why it matters for trucking

The Ohio Turnpike (primarily I-80/I-90) is a key east–west freight corridor linking Indiana and Pennsylvania across northern Ohio. Weather-related restrictions on this route can disrupt long-haul schedules and regional distribution, affecting transit times for carriers moving through the Great Lakes region.

Background and next steps

Turnpike authorities and state agencies routinely implement targeted travel restrictions during severe weather to reduce risk and maintain operations. Such measures can include limits on certain vehicle types during high wind events, speed restrictions, or temporary closures of affected segments.

Operators planning to traverse the corridor should monitor official updates from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation for any changes to restrictions, timing, and affected segments.

Verisk CargoNet is warning the trucking and logistics sector to brace for elevated cargo theft over the Thanksgiving period and into the holidays, citing organized groups targeting high-demand goods and increased activity in key freight corridors.

Holiday Outlook: Theft Risk Ramps Up

Verisk CargoNet anticipates this activity will continue throughout the holiday season and is urging carriers, brokers, and shippers to exercise heightened vigilance as travel and shipping volumes surge. The firm notes that cargo theft activity traditionally intensifies during this time, with Black Friday kicking off a season when organized groups seek out high-value consumer shipments.

Commonly targeted commodities include:

• Electronics
• Apparel
• Home goods

Hotspots and Cross-Border Context

California and Texas were the nation’s top hotspots for cargo theft in the third quarter, a trend tied to heavy freight flows through major corridors and distribution hubs. While cargo theft has been trending downward in Ontario’s Peel Region, the area remains the No. 3 cargo crime hotbed in North America.

Evolving Methods and Sophistication

Analysts report that criminal organizations are employing more complex fraud techniques to steal loaded conveyances, with a level of planning that signals a shift in how these crimes are carried out. Tactics increasingly include the repurposing of legitimate remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools—software commonly used by IT departments—that are digitally signed and less likely to trigger antivirus alerts, allowing criminals to hide in plain sight.

In a recent discussion, Verisk CargoNet Vice President of Operations Keith Lewis and retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department cargo theft detective Gerardo Pachuca described the drivers behind this change and why California has become a focal point for organized theft operations.

Seasonal Freight Backdrop

The trucking industry expects a more subdued bump in freight activity this holiday shipping season amid ongoing headwinds and uncertainties. Even so, the sector acknowledges that with the increase in loads on the road comes an increase in freight theft, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance through year-end.

Protest convoys and new technology deployments are affecting road and port operations across several regions, with farmer-led motorcades reported in Canada and the United Kingdom, and Britain’s Port of Felixstowe receiving another convoy of autonomous electric trucks. Separate organizers in New Zealand outlined routes for a planned convoy near Auckland. Industry technology integrations also continue to expand shipper access to carrier capacity through leading transportation management systems (TMS).

Farmer-led convoys reported in Canada

Multiple Canadian cities saw farmer-organized convoys, according to local reports. In Ontario, one group departed the Crown Hill carpool lot near Barrie, drawing comparisons from observers to previous large-scale demonstrations. Authorities and organizers did not immediately publish comprehensive route or timing details. Motorists in affected corridors reported slower traffic where the convoys moved through urban areas.

Tractor convoy slows traffic in Newcastle, UK

In northeastern England, traffic was reduced to a crawl as a convoy of tractors traveled from the Newburn Riverside Industrial Estate into Newcastle city centre. Localized delays were reported along the route while the motorcade passed through.

Felixstowe adds autonomous electric truck units

At the Port of Felixstowe, a new convoy of autonomous electric trucks from China’s Westwell moved through the North Rail Terminal, marking the arrival of a second batch of driverless units at Britain’s largest container port. The vehicles are part of an ongoing automation initiative aimed at improving terminal efficiency and reducing emissions during container transfers on port property.

Convoy route advisory near Auckland, New Zealand

Event organizers in Auckland said a planned convoy will use the Oteha Valley Road on-ramp and the State Highway 16 Port off-ramp, with participants meeting at the Albany Park and Ride. Drivers traveling in the area should anticipate intermittent delays while the convoy is underway.

TMS integrations expand access to carrier capacity

Many leading TMS platforms, including McLeod, 3PL Systems, Port TMS, and LoadStop, offer integrations with digital freight networks, enabling shippers and brokers to connect with vetted carrier capacity through existing workflows. Users should confirm current connectivity and capabilities with their respective TMS providers.

Ontario is preparing a broad road safety package that would sharply increase penalties for commercial vehicle offences, including distracted driving and speed limiter violations, under proposed legislation introduced in 2024.

What the province is proposing

• Higher penalties for distracted driving by commercial drivers: The government has signaled plans to double current fines and impose longer licence suspensions. Proposals under consideration include a seven-day suspension and a $1,000–$2,000 fine for a first distracted driving offence while operating a commercial vehicle, with escalating penalties for repeat offences.
• Speed limiter enforcement: The package would increase penalties for speed limiter violations on commercial motor vehicles, reinforcing Ontario’s existing requirement that limiters be set at 105 km/h.
• Roadside licence suspensions: New and expanded roadside suspensions would apply to specific high-risk behaviours, complementing existing enforcement tools.
• Careless and dangerous driving: The legislation would raise roadside suspension periods and fines for careless driving and careless driving causing death.
• Lifetime licence suspensions for fatal offences: The Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 would authorize a lifetime driver’s licence suspension for anyone convicted under the Criminal Code of impaired driving causing death, and would impose a lifetime ban for dangerous driving causing death.
• Focus on safety and technology: The changes emphasize accountability, appropriate use of in-cab technology, and stricter penalties for behaviours linked to serious collisions.

Impact on commercial carriers and drivers

The proposals target high-risk conduct among commercial motor vehicle operators, with particular emphasis on handheld device use and speed compliance. Higher fines, longer suspensions, and more robust roadside enforcement are intended to deter dangerous driving behaviours and align penalties with the severity of outcomes in serious and fatal crashes.

Status and next steps

The measures are part of Ontario’s Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024. They are not in force unless and until the legislation passes and related regulations are finalized. The province has not announced an implementation date for the proposed changes.