Bruce Guthrie, Author at TheTrucker.com

Arizona DPS releases details of fatality that involved 2 semi trucks

By Bruce Guthrie - March 17, 2025

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — More details were released regarding a multi-vehicle, weather-related fatality in Arizona last week. The Arizona Department of Public Safety also identified the two that were killed as a result of the crash. On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams when the roadway was covered in snow and ice as a result of winter storm. Police say the collision initially blocked westbound I-40 in an area with guardrails on both sides and included a jackknifed tractor-trailer, which completely obstructed the interstate. Multiple vehicles, including additional tractor-trailers, failed to properly brake or slow down and collided with the blocking vehicles. Multiple passenger vehicles were rear-ended, pushing them into and, in some cases, underneath crashed tractor-trailers. The collision caused a fire which quickly spread to the other involved vehicles and burned for more than 20 hours. “Firefighters, state troopers, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) personnel, and tow truck operators worked relentlessly during this time to reduce the fire, provide care, and/or clear the scene,” the DPS release stated. The collision involved a total of 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles. A total of 36 drivers and occupants were involved in the incident, including two fatalities, and 16 injured persons were transported for medical care. The two deceased individuals have been identified as Juan Beltran Sanchez of Chino Valley, Ariz., and Evelyn Davis of Ganado, Ariz. AZDPS Highway Patrol state troopers and advanced collision investigators assigned to the Highway Patrol Northern Regional Vehicular Crimes Unit are investigating this incident. They were assisted in the investigation by troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement District. This is an active investigation and will take time to complete due to the number of involved vehicles and people, as well as extensive fire damage. DPS also stated that damage to the roadway and other infrastructure within the incident area as a result of the collision and subsequent fire is currently being evaluated by ADOT engineers.

Arizona crash involving 18 vehicles kills 2 people

By Bruce Guthrie - March 15, 2025

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — According to a news report in Arizona, two people died in a crash involving 18 vehicles on Interstate 40 near Williams on Thursday. A fire caused by the crash burned for more than 12 hours, the report stated citing officials from the Arizona Department of Transportation. The news report from KPNX in Phoenix stated that 13 passenger cars, five commercial vehicles and five “unattached trailers” were involved in the fiery crash. The cause of the crash was determined that a commercial tractor-trailer jackknifed in the road, blocking the right side of the highway, according to KPNX. While other vehicles slowed to pass the tractor-trailer on the left, another tractor-trailer “failed to reduce speed” and jackknifed, officials said. That second tractor-trailer pushed several vehicles into or underneath the commercial trucks, ADOT officials said. The crash caused one of the commercial vehicles to catch on fire and the flames quickly spread to the other vehicles. “Due to severe weather, traffic congestion, and other ongoing incidents, emergency response was delayed,” ADOT officials said. “The fire burned for more than 12 hours, destroying all vehicles.” Two people who died in the crash were both passengers in separate vehicles, ADOT officials said. Department of Public Safety official originally said three people died in the crash but confirmed Friday that two people died. “Motorists are reminded to delay travel during storms,” DPS officials said on social media. “If you must drive, do so with extreme caution, prep your vehicle & expect delays.” The Arizona Department of Public Safety also stated another crash on Interstate 40 occurred on Friday near Holbrook.

Arkansas Governor declares state of emergency

By Bruce Guthrie - March 15, 2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an executive order on Saturday declaring a state of emergency after tornados hit the state on Friday. Sanders said in a release Saturday morning that “severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck Arkansas and continue to cause dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state, which in turn, warrants this executive action.” The governor’s order states in part that a motor carrier or driver operating a commercial motor vehicle will be exempt from federal regulations limiting the maximum driving time for property and passenger carrying vehicles for up to 14 days as long as the motor carrier or driver is providing direct assistance in response to the emergency. “Great hardship has fallen upon citizens and properties throughout the State of Arkansas as a result of these storms,” Sanders said. Storms cause extensive damage Residents in the state of Arkansas woke up on Saturday morning looking at storm damage throughout the state. According to the Department of Emergency Management, three fatalities have been confirmed in Independence County, and 29 people were reported injured in eight counties in connection to a storm system that moved through the state overnight. As recovery from the storms moves forward, officials warn that the numbers are preliminary and subject to change. “Staff from the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) have been called to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) due to extensive storm damage across the state,” a press release stated. Arkansas OEM reports that currently, sixteen (16) counties in Arkansas have reported damage to ADEM. These counties include: Baxter, Clark, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Nevada, Phillips, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, and Woodruff. “Most counties are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but reports indicate impacts to homes, businesses, and downed power lines and trees,” OEM stated. Many of the counties listed are in the northern part of the state and are in proximity of Butler County, Missouri which saw one death caused by a tornado according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Cave City which straddles the Sharp and Independence County line in Arkansas was hit hard prompting its mayor Jonas Anderson to issue an emergency declaration “until further notice.” Anderson also put a curfew in place from dusk until dawn. “I have already been in touch with the governor’s office, state department of emergency management, and numerous other agencies,” Anderson said via social media. “The Arkansas State Police, Game and Fish, and many others from surrounding cities and agencies are standing with us and helping.” Anderson added that electricity infrastructure has been decimated and will remain off for an unknown period of time. “We need your absolute cooperation and your prayers,” Anderson said. “There is a lot to wrap our heads around and lots to do. Let’s care for each other. Let’s speak and act in ways that will confound those watching, and show what the people of this community are made of.”

Truck driver arrested after massive Texas fatality

By Bruce Guthrie - March 14, 2025

AUSTIN, Texas — According to an Austin television station, Austin police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night. Citing police sources, KXAN in Austin reported that the driver of an Amazon truck was arrested in connection with a crash that killed five people including a child and an infant, which was near Parmer and Howard Lane. According to sources, the person arrested was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault with vehicle involving serious bodily injury. A spokesperson for Amazon stated that the driver of the truck did not work directly for the company, but did haul for Amazon. “This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved,” Amber Plunkett, Amazon Spokesperson stated. “We’re looking into this further and will cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate.” One of those believed to be involved is a driver from ZBN Transport LLC. The company told media outlets that as of late Friday morning there’s been no contact with the semi truck driver, who they did not name. Edgar Viera, who was at a nearby store and heard the crash, told KXAN that an 18-wheeler was going 80 mph and did not stop for half a mile as it hit other vehicles. The exact speed of the 18-wheeler is not yet known. Viera said traffic was already completely stopped when the 18-wheeler crashed into another truck, which slowed it down. The television station reported that first responders counted that the five people who died included three adults, one child and one infant. The other 11 people who were injured included four adults with critical, life-threatening injuries, four adults with minor injuries, one child with potentially life-threatening injuries, and two children with minor injuries. Austin police posted at 11:58 p.m. that all southbound lanes of I-35 were closed in the area between Parmer and Howard Lanes. The southbound service road near the crash has since been reopened. TxDOT said law enforcement expected the main lanes to remain closed for several more hours Friday. The department said drivers should find an alternate route if possible. TxDOT said drivers could use State Highway 130 as an alternate route. “Tolls are being waived from SH 45 to US 290 East. I-35 mainlanes are expected to remain closed for several more hours as law enforcement continues to investigate,” TxDOT said. ATCEMS reported that the scene spread across about 1/10 of a mile. The Austin Fire Department said the extensive closure was partially due to a diesel spill on the road, as well as time mitigated for cleanup to clear the road of other debris.

CBP gets more than $2.4 Million in meth in Texas

By Bruce Guthrie - March 13, 2025

PHARR, Texas — Drug seizures in Texas continue. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported on Wednesday that officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $2,404,300 of methamphetamine in a shipment of Persian limes. “Our CBP officers continue to safeguard America’s border by keeping harmful narcotics off our streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. The total weight of the packages totaled nearly 269 pounds of methamphetamine, according to the release. The incident occurred on March 7. That is when CBP officers encountered a commercial tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the vehicle for inspection which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and screening by a canine team. Physical inspection of the conveyance resulted in officers extracting a total of 960 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 268.96 pounds (122 kg) concealed within the shipment. CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation.

Peterbilt moves forward with Bendix partnership

By Bruce Guthrie - March 11, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Peterbilt hit the exhibition floor at the the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) 2025 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting, it did so with an offering of new technology in its model 579. That technology comes from a lasting partnership with Bendix. In an interview with thetrucker.com, Peterbilt’s Director of Product Marketing Jacob White gave some brief details on not only the truck itself, but why the features provided by Bendix are important. Lasting Partnership “We have been standard with the fusion system with Bendix for a very long time,” White said of the relationship between Peterbilt and Bendix that dates back to 2012. “We have got a long history of developing these systems and putting them into market and giving fleets what they need.” Peterbilt announced the availability of Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced on the 579 earlier this week. Exclusive Features The new system uses a new forward-facing camera and upgraded software to enhance collision mitigation for both moving and stationary vehicles. It includes two new features: Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) and High Beam Assist. This Fusion system includes previously available technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Active Cruise with Braking (ACB), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The system also prioritizes alerts to help minimize driver distraction. Available Models The Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced is available with the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines paired with the TX-12 transmission or with the Cummins X15 engine paired with the Eaton Endurant 12-speed transmission. “The Model 579 is the most advanced Peterbilt on-highway tractor we’ve ever produced. Drivers prefer the 579 because of its driver comfort and safety features,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, Sales and Marketing for Peterbilt. “With the addition of the Fusion™ Stop & Auto-Go Advanced system, the 579 becomes an even more compelling value proposition for our customers, delivering exceptional levels of safety, efficiency and performance.” The technology research does not stop. White hinted that more Artificial Intelligence should be on the way soon. “Our goal is to equip the driver with all the safety systems and information that they need, when they need it to pilot these rigs,” White said.

New safety, fuel efficiency drive launch of new Volvo VNR

By Bruce Guthrie - March 11, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new Volvo VNR made a splash during the kickoff to the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) 2025 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting. As the curtain dropped to reveal the new model, the news was broadcast loudly from Volvo’s multimedia monitors at the OEM’s booth in the exhibition hall. Volvo Trucks North America’s President Peter Voorhoeve announced the unveiling — an encore to last year’s launch of the VNL — as what he dubbed “a new standard for the industry.” Safety First While the presentation began by contrasting the differences between the new VNR and last year’s VNL, the core features of both trucks revolve around safety. “Our cabs are made from high-strength steel,” Voorhoeve said. “These cabs are made to respond to the Swedish high-impact tests.” Another safety measure: In addition to the standard driver-side air bag, the VNR features a left-side air bag curtain to help protect drivers in rollover crashes. “It is very important to protect the driver,” Voorhoeve said. In the event of a crash or rollover, the VNR is equipped to immediately notify emergency services. “We want zero fatalities with our trucks,” he said. In addition, Voorhoeve pointed out that accident fatalities can also mean the death of someone outside the truck, as drivers share the road with cyclists and pedestrians. Volvo has implemented some safety features for outside the truck which include long-range radar that will detect vulnerable road users. The VNR also features road sign recognition technology that’s displayed inside the cab to help alert the driver to possible hazards. The truck can display as many as three road signs in a row. Traditional side mirrors can be replaced with a camera monitoring system that shows the entire truck and trailer. The system is equipped with infrared capability for night driving, and there is also a de-icing option. Lane-assist technology provides audible warnings to improve safety, and adaptive cruise control helps reduce risks. In addition, the truck can alert the driver to objects on the road ahead and can go as far as applying emergency braking. “We see a combination of humans and technology working together to drive our zero-accident environment,” Voorhoeve said. What is the Difference between the New VNR and the VNL? For one thing, the VNR is shorter in length, which makes it easier to maneuver, and it’s equipped with a three-piece steel bumper. As a crowd gathered around Volvo’s booth, Voorhoeve stated that the new vehicle, which is available in different cab variations, is designed for versatility and efficiency. Cab Configurations VNR 300: According to Volvo, this is the top choice for customers who need a regional haul tractor, and it’s perfectly suited for the demands of urban delivery. Volvo says the all-new VNR 300 offers an “amazingly tight” wall-to-wall turning radius, making it one of the most maneuverable Class 8 trucks on the road. VNR 440: This compact, highly maneuverable mid-roof 42-inch sleeper provides a comfortable place to rest when a driver has reached a mandatory break period or must stay an extra night on the road. VNR 640: This mid-roof 62-inch sleeper is designed for drivers who spend multiple days in bulk haul or flatbed deliveries that can be weight sensitive. VNR 660: Featuring a 62-inch high-roof sleeper, This is the premium, most spacious option in the new lineup. According to Volvo, this configuration is well suited for both regional deliveries and long-haul trips, combining aerodynamics for highway driving with the tight turning radius and maneuverability of the other VNR cab configurations. The all-new Volvo VNR 660 could also be a good choice for fleets needing a sleeper truck while operating in areas with stringent length restrictions. VNR straight truck: This adaptable configuration is available in any cab size, from day cab to sleeper options in the 300, 440, 640 and 660 models. Volvo says the customizable configurations are designed to meet the demands of diverse applications whether outfitted as a box van, flatbed, roll back, expeditor or tanker application and provide unmatched versatility and performance. While the VNR is designed for regional and local distribution, “it will also do pretty good highway applications,” the company noted. Fuel Efficiency According to Volvo, the all-new VNR series delivers up to 7.5% improved fuel efficiency compared to the legacy VNR. This is achieved through enhanced aerodynamics, powertrain innovations and idle reduction technologies that can reduce fuel costs and emissions for fleets. In addition, eco-roll technology can disengage the driveline on a downhill grade, allowing the truck to roll for an optimal amount of time to help save fuel. Another feature of the all-new VNR is the wedge-shaped cab, which Volvo says is designed to guide airflow to balance aerodynamics and cooling. The sleek design eliminates the need for an exterior sun visor, further optimizing airflow over the roof of the cab. The aerodynamic windshield has an aggressive curvature that reduces drag and is bonded to the steel cab for improved airflow over and around the cab. According to Volvo, all of these features reduce air turbulence, driving greater fuel efficiency. A fully customizable idle shutdown feature helps fleets to reduce fuel consumption, especially helpful for local delivery routes. According to Voorhoeve, the ultimate goal of the Volvo team is to provide trucking fleets with the tools they need. “We want our customers to be successful,” Voorhoeve said.

TMC opens 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition

By Bruce Guthrie - March 10, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tech and the trucking industry will be on display this week. The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council opened on Monday TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville at the Music City Center. The Trucker Media Group will be on hand for the event. “The TMC Annual Meeting is among our most important of the year,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “From the sold-out exhibit hall to the scores of educational sessions and industry standard-setting task forces, this year’s gathering promises to be a major opportunity for industry leaders to chart a course to address critical issues like reducing emissions, deploying automation, and improving safety.” This year’s theme is “Advancing Technology Through Industry Engagement” and will feature TMC’s customary slate of educational sessions, task force meetings, technical sessions, and management sessions. Additionally, the Council’s Transportation Technology Exhibition trade show will showcase leading-edge technologies for fleet maintenance management. This year’s exhibit is sold-out, featuring 371 vendors—including 45 first-time exhibitors—spanning a 353,000 square-foot exhibit hall. “For nearly 70 years, TMC has worked to raise professional and technical standards for the trucking industry,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “This annual meeting is an important part of that – not just to see what is available in the field on the exhibit hall floor – but to have the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest advances in truck technology in our myriad of task forces and educational sessions. TMC leadership is committed to providing this experience for our members in a safe and responsible way.” This year TMC is holding sessions with a special emphasis in two special tracks: Back to Basics and Advanced Technology. Technical Sessions include: Regulatory Compliance Review: Catching Up with CARB; Effective Strategies for Presenting Maintenance Perspectives to the C-Suite; How Data Science Is Defining Today’s Software-defined Vehicles; TMC 101: Everything You Wanted to Know About How ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council Works; and A special edition of TMC’s popular Shop Talk, focused on the need for standardizing the next generation tractor-trailer electrical interface. The event also features ride-along demonstrations by Stoneridge, Inc., and static displays by Aperia Technologies, Range Energy, Samsara, Tesla, and Terberg Taylor Americas. Also Volvo Trucks North America will unveil the all-new Volvo VNR “Building on the success of the Council’s 2024 Fall Meeting in Raleigh, N.C., last September, Council members are excited to gather for our largest event venue, and we’re pleased by the response to our 2025 Annual Meeting agenda,” said TMC General Chairman and Treasurer Amanda Schuier, maintenance director for Jetco Delivery. “We’re all very excited to collaborate in Nashville to help solve the pressing technical issues of the day and view the latest in truck technology.”

‘Truck Stop Serial Killer’ sentenced to 65 years in third murder conviction

By Bruce Guthrie - March 7, 2025

The man known as the Truck Stop Serial Killer was convicted of another murder in January. This week, he was sentenced for the third murder conviction. Bruce Mendenhall was sentenced to an additional 65 years in prison for the July 2007 murder of Carma Purpura of Indianapolis. Mendenhall is already serving two life sentences in Tennessee for a pair of murders, and he is still facing a trial for an Alabama murder. He is also under investigation for murders in Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Authorities say Mendenhall met his Indiana victim at a Flying J truck stop in Marion County in 2007. The woman’s body was discovered four years after she disappeared off the side of the Kentucky highway in a ravine with evidence of a lethal bullet wound to her head. Evidence against Mendenhall included a .22 caliber rifle and a collection of the victim’s bloody clothes.

CBP arrests Canadian citizen after finding pills in cab of commercial vehicle

By Bruce Guthrie - March 6, 2025

OGDENSBURG, N.Y. – Law enforcement near the Canadian border made an arrest of a Canadian citizen with a large amount of narcotics in the cab of a commercial vehicle. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Ogdensburg encountered the suspect entering the United States in a commercial vehicle with narcotics. CBP officers say on February 28, they encountered Raphael Leblond-Lacroix, 32, operating a commercial vehicle. He was referred to cargo secondary for additional inspection and to process his commercial entry. CBP officers say they conducted a search of the truck cab and discovered a large bag with approximately 130 pills. Upon further inspection, CBP officers discovered multiple containers and bags of marijuana, weighing approximately one pound. Leblond-Lacroix was taken into custody while the suspected narcotics were seized for further identification. The narcotics tested positive for the properties of marijuana and methamphetamine. “I am proud of the commitment and dedication of our officers as they continue to keep our country and communities safe from these dangerous drugs,” said Ogdensburg Port Director Tom Trimboli. Leblond-Lacroix was processed by CBP officers and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. Leblond-Lacroix is currently being prosecuted for felony Importation of Controlled Substances, 21 USC 952 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York.

First alternate: What’s the most viable replacement for traditional diesel fuel?

By Bruce Guthrie - March 11, 2025

The long-term future of emission standards is still up in the air after President Donald Trump’s election to the Oval Office, but the trucking industry continues to work toward better efficiency and lower emissions. And while the emissions mandates that were looming over the entire vehicle industry have been stopped — at least for now — there’s no denying that viable, more eco-friendly alternatives are needed. While battery electric motors have been the primary focus of manufacturers and government agencies, renewable diesel, hydrogen and natural gas are also on the radar. With that in mind, it’s a great time to check out alternatives to traditional diesel fuel. ICE technology evolving Strides are being made in the field of internal combustion engines (ICEs) powered by alternative fuels. In an unveiling by Cummins executives in August 2024, the Cummins X15 engine was touted as a platform that would be a force for alternative fuels. The X15 series has three models — including one for advanced diesel, natural gas and hydrogen. The goal is to achieve peak performance over the long haul, which includes increased fuel economy, lower emissions and more time on the road. “I think a lot of what we are trying to do … is improve the overall CO2 performance of the engine, make the engine lighter,” said Tom Marsh, who serves as Cummins VPI leader for the X15. “Improve in all of those areas, but at the same time, maintain the robustness of the product, but also adopt the global platforms.” Field testing shows promising results In July 2024, Allison Transmission announced a partnership with Cummins to test and validate the new Cummins X15N 15-liter natural gas engine paired with the Allison 4000 Series fully automatic transmission. Sandman, a bulk-cement hauling fleet based in San Jose, California, successfully completed over 50,000 miles of vehicle testing in the field and reported significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance. According to press reports, the test vehicle — a Peterbilt tractor equipped with the X15N engine and Allison 4000 series transmission — demonstrated “impressive” performance and productivity. Victor Landaverde, fleet manager for Sandman, describes the 50,000-mile field testing of the natural gas-powered tractors as “flawless,” noting that the company’s drivers haul 80,000-pound loads through stop-and-go traffic between San Jose and San Francisco multiple times each day. He also says the fleet of more than 100 trucks achieved “excellent” fuel efficiency. “As the industry continues to evaluate electric vehicle technology and works to overcome the hurdles facing this technology adoption, more customers are expected to adopt alternative fuel engines as a solution to meet increasing emissions stringencies,” Landaverde said. Alternative fuel infrastructure progresses Infrastructure for natural gas is also starting to emerge with Clean Energy as its leader. In 2024, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced a significant increase in its renewable natural gas (RNG) footprint as it opened two additional stations in San Bernadino and Perris, both in Southern California. “There’s a growing realization that the other much-hyped technologies aren’t living up to their promises of availability, fueling infrastructure or cost of ownership,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy. “The RNG solution is here and now, providing fleets with incredible emissions reductions affordably.” Clean Energy manages more than 600 stations throughout the U.S. and Canada, 200 of which provide tractor-trailer access. In addition, travel stops — including Loves, Travel Centers of America, Pilot and others — are working to integrate alternative fuels into their sites. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell to provide electricity, is a zero tailpipe emissions alternative fuel produced from diverse energy sources. Currently, drivers of light-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can fuel up at retail stations in less than five minutes and obtain a driving range of more than 300 miles. Research and commercial efforts are under way to expand the limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure and increase the production of FCEVs in the freight industry. While battery-electric fuel cells may be the future of freight, that future is not now, say most stakeholders in the trucking industry. The tried-and-true ICE remains king, and innovations in fuel and engine production are making it more eco-friendly as well. This story was published in the March/April 2025 edition of Truckload Authority magazine, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).

CBP makes significant drug bust on Interstate 5 in California

By Bruce Guthrie - March 5, 2025

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents have seized a huge stash of narcotics on a major interstate in California. According to a release from the CBP agents from the San Clemente Station stopped a sedan traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton, a Marine base near San Diego. After a brief interview with the man driving the vehicle, the agents requested that a K-9 unit respond to the vehicle stop. Authorities say the K-9 dog registered a positive response compelling officers to conduct a search of the vehicle. That is when agents opened the trunk and discovered two white trash bags filled with cellophane-wrapped packages consistent with drug smuggling. CBP said agents transported the vehicle, the suspected narcotics, the driver and adult male passenger to the nearby Border Patrol station. CBP reported that a total of 19 cellophane-wrapped packages were removed from the car and tested. The packages tested positive for the characteristics of cocaine. The total weight of the cocaine was 47.51 pounds, with an estimated street value of nearly $810,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the cocaine, while the driver and passenger now face narcotics trafficking charges. The vehicle was seized by the Border Patrol. “Rest assured that the agents of San Diego Sector are out there around the clock protecting the American people,” said San Diego Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “We will do everything within our power to stop those who would do us harm, and to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” This seizure is just the most recent in a string of Border Patrol interdictions along the busy interstate highways in San Diego County. With 18 pounds of fentanyl seized along Interstate 15 on Feb. 19 and 143 pounds of cocaine seized along Interstate 5 on Feb. 18.

Diesel prices plummet after rise in previous week

By Bruce Guthrie - March 4, 2025

After two straight weeks of increases in per gallon price, diesel has fallen again. The US Energy Information Administration reports a decrease of approximately six cents to $3.635 from $3.697. All regions reported that their prices fell. The East Coast dropped more than five cents from $3.795 cents to $3.742. The Central Atlantic Region fell four cents from $3.962 to $3.926. But the largest drop on the east came from the lower Atlantic plummeting from $3.708 to $3.643. The Midwest Region also dropped by six cents from $3.615 to $3.551 and the Gulf Coast Region fell by nearly seven cents per gallon from $3.420 to $3.343. The West Coast less California region was the largest drop from $3.908 to $3.829.

Semi hauling concrete barriers causes crash on I-35 in Oklahoma

By Bruce Guthrie - March 2, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY Okla. — As first reported by Oklahoma City television station KFOR, a semi truck hauling hauling concrete barriers lost some of those barriers and hit two other vehicle. The crash closed down part of Interstate 35 on Saturday morning in Oklahoma City. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident happened on I-35 near Grand Boulevard. Authorities say a semi-truck hauling concrete barriers hit a stalled vehicle on the roadway, causing three concrete barriers to fall off and hit another vehicle. OHP says there were no major injuries from the crash.

CBP finds over $900K in cocaine aboard semi truck in Texas

By Bruce Guthrie - February 28, 2025

PHARR, Texas – It has been the site for many illegal drug seizures. Earlier in February, the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) got another large shipment of illegal drugs inside a tractor trailer. CBP reported that its officers intercepted $930,400 of cocaine in a shipment of cucumbers and jalapeños. “Our CBP officers used all available tools and resources to thwart this smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez. . The incident occurred on Feb. 22 when CBP officers encountered a commercial tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the vehicle for inspection which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and screening by a canine team.Authorities say the physical inspection of the vehicle resulted in officers extracting a total of 28 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 70.28 pounds (31.88 kg) concealed within the vehicle. Authorities seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation.

Man arrested for theft of big rig and chase on California highways

By Bruce Guthrie - February 27, 2025

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — According to a news report from KABC in California, a suspect who drove a stolen big rig was arrested following a police chase that spanned multiple cities across Southern California. Police say the chase began around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in El Monte. According to the California Highway Patrol, the suspect led authorities on the 210, 60 and 10 freeways, at times swerving across lanes. Police confirm that the big rig chase ended around 3 a.m., when the driver crashed into the 210 Freeway median divider in San Bernardino. The suspect fled on foot after he crashed the rig and was eventually arrested.

Curly Fried: Semi catches fire in Maine, burning potato cargo to a crisp

By Bruce Guthrie - February 26, 2025

YORK, Maine — Monday was a peculiar day for the York, Maine Fire Department who battled a blaze involving an semi truck loaded with frozen curly fries. According to a social media post, at approximately 1:40 p.m., York Police Dispatch began receiving calls for a tractor trailer on fire on I-95SB just south of Beech Ridge Rd. York Police dispatch reported upwards of 30 calls into 911. Authorities say It was quickly determined that the cargo was frozen curly french fries and not a hazardous material. Collectively, approximately 6,000 gallons of water were used according to authorities. The trailer and cargo were a total loss and there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Southbound Interstate was down to one lane for several hours while wreckage was cleaned up and removed. There was significant traffic impact throughout York as a result of the fire.

Diesel prices tick up for the second week in a row

By Bruce Guthrie - February 25, 2025

After consecutive weeks of virtually no movement, the prce of diesel has risen slightly for the second straight week. Diesel prices continued its moderate climb this week rising two cents per gallon as a national average. The average rose from $3.677 to $3.697. The larges increase came from the Gulf Coast Region climbing from $3.382 to $3.420 as well as the West Coast Region jumping from $4.316 to $4.358 as well as the West Coast less California Region’s rise from $3863 to $3.908. Califronia’s price also rose from $4.839 to $4.877. Add in New England’s regional rise from $4021 to $4.043, and the rise in national average price is explained. The reason for just a two-cent increase aa opposed to the four cents these regions show is that some regions actually fell a bit. The Central Atlantic Region was one of those that experienced a decrease in price from $3.980 to $3.962. The Rocky Mountain Region also fell from $3.510 to $3.495.

Trucker survives after ice crashes through windshield in Pennsylvania

By Bruce Guthrie - February 25, 2025

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — A truck driver from Northeast Pennsylvania says he is lucky to be alive after a chunk of ice smashed through his windshield. Dashcam video captured the incident posted by WPVI in Philadelphia shows ice crashing through the windshield while traveling on Route 78 to Allentown, Pennsylvania. The truck driver Josh Keating told ABC affiliate WNEP that it all happened in split second. Keating was able to safely pull over and call for help after the ice crashed through the glass. “I had an angel with me,” he said. “The only thing I got was cuts and bruises basically on my hands because when it came through, I put my hand up to kind of catch the glass.” In Pennsylvania, a driver has 24 hours after snow stops to clean the vehicle of any snow or ice. Officials say if someone is injured or killed because of ice coming loose, fines can range from $200 to $1,500.