The FMCSA extends truck drivers’ paper medical card use
FMCSA has extended its waiver allowing CDL and CLP holders to use a paper copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate for up to 60 days after an exam. The previous extension was set to expire January 10; the new deadline now runs through April 10, 2026.
The extension comes as several states continue working through issues with the new National Registry II electronic medical certification system. Eight states, AK, CA, KY, LA, NH, NJ, NY, and OK, still haven’t fully implemented the required electronic process, meaning drivers there must continue submitting their MEC directly to their state licensing agency and ensure they receive an original paper certificate from their examiner.
The waiver applies to interstate CDL and CLP holders and motor carriers, but only if both the driver and carrier have a valid MEC issued within the last 60 days.
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FMCSA Random Drug Testing Rates Hold Steady for 2026
The U.S. Department of Transportation has confirmed that FMCSA’s random drug and alcohol testing rates will remain unchanged for 2026, marking the sixth consecutive year with no adjustments.
For FMCSA‑regulated drivers, the random drug testing rate stays at 50%, while the random alcohol testing rate remains at 10%. Motor carriers must ensure these percentages of their driver pool are randomly tested throughout the year, and drug‑testing consortia must apply the same rates to the operators they serve.
The last time FMCSA modified its random testing rates was in 2020.
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Health in the New Year: Why Small Habits Matter for Truckers
Getting healthier tops many New Year’s resolution lists, yet only 9% of people stick with their goals. For truck drivers, the stakes are even higher: 70% of drivers are obese, the average life expectancy is just 61, and rates of heart disease, depression, and diabetes are roughly double the national average.
In this week’s 10‑44, Project‑61’s Jeremy Reymer and Dr. Mark Manera share practical, realistic strategies to help drivers break the cycle of failed resolutions. Their core message: health isn’t a 30‑day sprint, it’s a long‑term mindset shift.
Simple habits they recommend:
– Start tiny, not extreme; choose one or two easy daily swaps to build momentum.
– Hydrate first; drink 12–32 oz of water before coffee or energy drinks.
– Move before driving; even a 10‑minute walk helps wake up your body.
– Eat real food; prioritize whole foods over processed snacks; pair fruit with nuts for a filling, nutrient‑dense option.
– Drop the “perfect or nothing” mindset; one slice of pizza won’t derail a lifelong habit.
– Know your “why”; long‑term motivation comes from understanding who you’re doing this for.
Their reminder hits home: many drivers would “die for their family,” but the real challenge is choosing to live healthier for them, one small habit at a time.
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2026 Outlook: AI Matures and Consumer Behavior Drives Volatility
Industry experts expect limited freight growth in 2026, with weak manufacturing, construction, and agriculture continuing to drag down demand. Capacity is projected to dip slightly (3–5%), and while some drivers may return to the market, freight rates are likely to remain volatile, influenced by seasonal peaks, consumer spending, and shifting tax policies.
Key Themes for 2026:
– AI moves from chat to operations
After years of hype, AI is expected to shift from conversational tools to automating core business processes like accounting and customer requests. Leaders predict companies will begin training AI agents to handle real‑world tasks, but with careful oversight due to high hallucination rates.
– Accountability replaces AI optimism
Executives are now evaluating AI with the same scrutiny as revenue systems and operating costs. The focus is shifting from “AI potential” to AI performance and ROI.
– Demand remains sluggish
With major freight‑producing sectors still soft, a major rebound isn’t expected. However, consumer spending could get a temporary lift from tax refunds or stimulus activity.
– Rates stay choppy
Stable capacity and uncertain economic signals, including last year’s unpredictable tariff swings, mean 2026 may bring more of the same: uncertainty, seasonal spikes, and reactive pricing behavior.