Phuzion: Your Thursday rear-view — 9/25/25
This week, a significant legislative step forward on the truck parking crisis offered a ray of hope for drivers across the country. As lawmakers looked to solve future challenges, they also focused on the past, with former Yellow executives testifying before Congress on the carrier's historic collapse.
From the hard numbers on brake safety violations to a major strategy shift in the world of autonomous trucks, this week was packed with impactful news. Read on to get caught up on the essential stories with our full digest.
Government and Legislation
Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act Advances to Senate Floor
In a significant move for driver welfare, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act has passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill, which aims to allocate federal funding to expand the availability of safe truck parking, will now proceed to the full Senate for a vote. This represents a major legislative step forward in addressing a critical, long-standing issue for OTR drivers.
Former Yellow Executives Testify Before Congress on Company's Collapse
Top former executives of the bankrupt carrier Yellow Corp., including former CEO Darren Hawkins (no relation), faced questioning from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure this week. Lawmakers scrutinized the company's management decisions and its use of a $700 million federal COVID-19 relief loan prior to its collapse, seeking answers for the loss of 30,000 jobs.
Safety and Compliance
CVSA Brake Safety Week Results Are In: 13% of Inspected Trucks Placed Out of Service
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the results from its annual Brake Safety Week, which took place in late August. Inspectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico conducted nearly 30,000 commercial vehicle inspections, placing 13.3% of them out of service specifically for brake-related violations. The data underscores the critical importance of proper brake maintenance for fleet safety and compliance.
Technology and Equipment
Navistar and TuSimple Officially End Autonomous Truck Partnership
Truck manufacturer Navistar has formally terminated its years-long partnership with autonomous driving technology firm TuSimple. The agreement, which aimed to co-develop and produce purpose-built Level 4 autonomous trucks, has been dissolved, marking a significant shift in the landscape for self-driving truck development and a setback for TuSimple's go-to-market strategy.
Volvo Trucks Recalls Over 20,000 VNL and VNR Models
Volvo Trucks North America has issued a recall for more than 20,000 of its VNL and VNR models from the 2024-2025 model years. The recall addresses a potential defect in the steering shaft assembly that could cause it to detach, resulting in a complete loss of steering control. Owners will be notified, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the assembly free of charge.
Market Analysis
Economic Outlook: Is the Freight Market Nearing a Turning Point?
Industry analysts are closely watching market indicators for signs that the prolonged freight recession may be nearing its end. While spot rates remain low and capacity is loose, some experts see potential for a gradual recovery beginning in early 2026. This analysis explores the current economic pressures and what carriers can expect as the market slowly seeks a new equilibrium.