Trucker Tales — October 31, 2026

Straight from the cab: what moved the needle for owner-operators, final mile drivers, and dealers. Six stories, all published October 30, 2026.

🕐 Drivers to FMCSA: Let Us Run Our Own Clock

Land Line's Mark Schremmer reports that FMCSA published notices this month for two hours-of-service pilot programs: the Split Duty Period Pilot (Docket FMCSA-2026-2081) and the Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot (Docket FMCSA-2026-2080). Comments are open through December 7, 2026.

The split duty pilot would let drivers pause their 14-hour window for up to three hours a day in a qualifying non-driving status. The sleeper berth pilot would let participants split off-duty time into two periods in any combination, as long as the total is at least 10 hours and one period includes at least five consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. Driver Maie Lee said the 10-hour change would increase efficiency and control over her time, while driver Wade Reeves argued ELD mandates are the real problem.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh said current rules are overly complex and rigid, and that drivers, not motor carriers, should control any new flexibility. Most commenters have supported the pilots.

What it means for you: Owner-operators and final mile drivers have until December 7 to put their view on the record. Dealers: drivers who gain scheduling flexibility will ask more about sleeper comfort.

Source: Truckers to FMCSA: Give me more control over the clock — Land Line, October 30, 2026 — https://landline.media/truckers-to-fmcsa-give-me-more-control-over-the-clock/

🛢️ Red-Dyed Diesel Waiver: 31 States In, 19 to Go

The federal waiver letting red-dyed diesel run on the highway took effect October 5 and suspended the national 24.4-cent-per-gallon fuel tax. Land Line reports that 31 states have issued matching orders waiving penalties the federal order doesn't cover, according to USDA, leaving 19 that haven't acted.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins asked the remaining governors to follow, and on October 29 posted that combined federal and state relief could save more than $640 million. The IRS has published an FAQ covering tax records, filing returns, interstate travel and dyed biodiesel mixtures.

AAA's national diesel average was $6.32 a gallon when the waiver was issued and was still $6.32 on Friday, October 30. KCCI-TV reported delays and some terminal closures in central Iowa.

What it means for you: Check that every state on your route has acted before fueling with dyed diesel, and keep your records straight. Dealers can expect fuel cost to stay the first thing buyers raise.

Source: Red-dyed diesel waiver: 31 states in, 19 to go — Land Line, October 30, 2026 — https://landline.media/red-dyed-diesel-waiver-31-states-in-19-to-go/

🚨 Operation Highway Shield: Arkansas Sidelines Nearly 200 Drivers Over English Proficiency

Land Line reports the latest 48-hour round of Operation Highway Shield, October 27 to 29, put Arkansas Highway Police at select weigh stations for enhanced enforcement. Officers conducted 1,724 inspections and placed 393 drivers and vehicles out of service, and the state DOT says 183 drivers were disqualified for English-language proficiency violations.

Partners included FMCSA, the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations and ICE. Arkansas DOT also cited 74 immigration violations, over 1,000 motor carrier safety violations, 369 traffic citations or warnings and 44 criminal arrests, and a stolen trailer was recovered. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs was on site.

In August FMCSA proposed requiring law enforcement to place ELP violators out of service, and OOIDA filed comments in support earlier this month. FMCSA is reviewing feedback.

What it means for you: Expect focused weigh-station enforcement and be ready to communicate with officers in English. Dealers selling to new drivers should make sure buyers know the standard.

Source: Nearly 200 drivers sidelined for English-language proficiency violations — Land Line, October 30, 2026 — https://landline.media/nearly-200-drivers-sidelined-for-english-language-proficiency-violations/

⚖️ Delaware's New Settlement Law Has Truckers Watching Their Premiums

Delaware SB189, signed by Gov. Matt Meyer, is meant to protect people who settle crash-injury claims without a lawyer, and Land Line reports it covers crashes involving commercial trucks. If a release is signed within 30 days of a crash, the injured person generally gets 15 days to cancel, with written notice and the money returned to the insurer by trackable means.

Insurers that make an offer in the first 30 days must give separate written notice of the right to cancel, or it counts as an unfair insurance practice. The law takes effect March 24, 2027, after a six-month transition.

OOIDA warns the changes could raise insurance rates for truckers and other motorists, though the article gives no figures. Critics say it could disrupt fast settlement of small claims.

What it means for you: If you run through Delaware, ask your agent how your insurer plans to handle the change. Dealers financing owner-operators should expect insurance cost to stay in the buying conversation.

Source: Delaware insurance law raises concerns for truckers — Land Line, October 30, 2026 — https://landline.media/delaware-insurance-law-raises-concerns-for-truckers/

🔧 Great Dane and Wabash Recalls: Landing Gear Could Drop, Wheels Could Lock

Land Line reports Great Dane is recalling nearly 7,000 model-year 2027 Everest and Champion van trailers (NHTSA 26V708) because landing gear k-brace welds could fail and collapse the gear, plus nearly 1,000 landing gear assemblies (26E074). About 10% of the population is estimated to have the defect, with no claims or injuries reported. Owner letters are expected December 22 and assembly letters December 18. Customer service: 877-369-3493.

Wabash is recalling nearly 500 model-year 2027 van trailers (NHTSA 26V683) that may have the wrong wheel bearing lubricant, which can seize the wheel end and lock the wheel. Wabash dealers will replace it at no cost, owner letters mail November 25, and no incidents are reported. Customer service: 765-771-5404.

What it means for you: Check your VIN against both recalls and don't wait for the letter. Dealers should audit 2027 van trailer inventory and call affected buyers.

Source: Great Dane, Wabash recalls target defects that could drop or stop trailers — Land Line, October 30, 2026 — https://landline.media/great-dane-wabash-recalls-target-defects-that-could-drop-or-stop-trailers/

⛽ Hormuz Attacks Push Crude Higher

The Associated Press, via Transport Topics, reports oil prices rose October 30 as attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz intensified. Brent crude gained 2.5% to $113.51 a barrel and U.S. benchmark crude rose 2.1% to $104.13.

The British military said a tanker caught fire after a small boat attached two explosives to its hull, and Iran's Revolutionary Guard said three tankers struck mines on an unauthorized route. UKMTO says October is already the busiest month for reported attacks in the strait since March. The article gives no diesel prices.

What it means for you: Crude is still climbing, so keep fuel surcharges current and rate quotes short-dated. Dealers should expect fuel-efficiency questions to lead every spec conversation.

Source: Oil prices increase as attacks on shipping ramp up — Transport Topics (AP), October 30, 2026 — https://www.ttnews.com/articles/oil-prices-attacks-shipping