Roses and Razzberries – October 2025
ROSES for initiatives aimed at improving the truck driving profession. The “Pro-Trucker Package” aims to address truck parking, hours of service, unlawful brokering, “needless” regulations and more. Providing drivers easy access to information they need is also a priority, the U.S. Department of Transportation said. To that end, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has updated its Driver Resource Hub. The redesign includes a more user-friendly website with information on how to get a CDL, entry-level driver training, emergency declarations and more. The latest fraud alerts have also been integrated.
ROSES to on Ross of Newport, Tenn., who was recently named a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel. According to a WHNT-TV report, Ross noticed a young woman running while parked at a rest area along Interstate 40 in Tennessee. “I thought in my head, ‘Something’s not right about that,’” Ross told the Huntsville, Ala., television outlet. Ross, a driver for MCK Trucking Inc., followed his instinct and called 911. Law enforcement responded to the call and rescued the young woman, who had been abducted in California. Footage from Ross’ windshield camera was used in the prosecution of the abductor. “MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” said David Wheeler, MCK Transportation safety director.
RAZZBERRIES to a former Massachusetts state trooper, Calvin Butner, and five other individuals charged in a CDL scheme. A 74-count indictment alleged that those charged produced false records and passing CDL scores in exchange for bribes, including free inventory from a water company, a granite post and mailbox, a new driveway and a snow blower. Gary Cederquist, Perry Mendes, Joel Rogers, Scott Camara and Eric Mathison were also charged in the indictment. Twenty-six CDLs have been revoked as a result of this scheme. Butner pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months in prison and one year of supervised release.
ROSES for the end of tolls in Virginia and as much as a 50% drop of toll rates in Texas. The Virginia DOT announced in August the end of tolls on the George P. Coleman Bridge along U.S. Route 17. “By removing this toll, we are putting nearly $60 million back into the pockets of hardworking Virginians,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said. Elimination of these tolls came nearly five months ahead of schedule, state officials added. In other toll news: On state Highway 288 in south Houston, tolls were scheduled to be reduced beginning Sept. 1. “Not only will this help people now, but we’re planning more free lanes in the next few years for faster and easier commutes between downtown Houston and Brazoria County,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Steven Alvis said. The Texas DOT noted toll revenue on state Highway 288 will fund new general-purpose lanes between Interstate 610 and Beltway 8.
RAZZBERRIES to a Colorado trucking company owner sentenced to two years in prison as part of a million-dollar fraud and bribery scheme. Court documents said Henry Lozano conspired with Edward Joseph Chmiel and Sabino Loera, contractors for an electrical company, providing hauling services in exchange for kickback payments. After the invoices were paid to the trucking company, Lozano would issue checks to 15 other individuals, who would in turn cash the checks and give the money to Chmiel and Loera. The scheme generated approximately $1.5 million in a two-year span. Lozano was sentenced to 23 months in prison, while Chmiel received a 30-month prison sentence and Loera will serve 25 months. LL