As the New Year sets into full swing, feel free to breeze through the most relevant freight industry news to stay in the loop with all things trucking.
Let’s jump right into the action this week with plenty to learn!
First, an article from Dakota Group , that explains the mandatory biennial update for MCS-150 filings. Additionally, we are sharing a government threat of the loss of $50M in federal funds in North Carolina if the state does not ensure that CDL holders are safe and compliant. Furthermore, an article with the latest news on California’s revocation of 17,000 non-domiciled CDLS, and the withholding of $160 million as a penalty. Next, we have an article regarding Tennessee’s latest regulations for requiring proof of citizenship for all CDL holders. Lastly, a podcast that examines the broker and carrier relationship and how carriers can ensure trust is built with clients.
Sincerely,
Founder & CEO @ Dakota Group
Filing an MCS-150 for Mandatory Biennial Update (Dakota Group)
To stay compliant with trucking regulations, any company with a truck on its balance sheet must file an MCS-150 every two years. Failure to file accurately and timely can result in your operations being put on hold by the FMCSA.
North Carolina May Lose $50M in Federal Funds Over Flawed Immigrant Trucker Licenses (The Trucker)
The FMCSA reviewed 50 commercial driver’s licenses that North Carolina had issued to immigrants, and found that over half of them were issued illegally. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened that they would withhold $50 million in transportation funding for 2027 if North Carolina does not remove these drivers and clean up their systems.
DOT Strips California of $160M Over Foreign Truckers (Freight Waves)
After Governor Gavin Newsom missed the deadline to revoke 17,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it will withhold $160 million in safety program money from California.
Tennessee Tells 8,800 CDL Holders to Provide Proof of Citizenship or Face License Downgrade (CDL Life)
8,800 of Tennessee’s 150,000 CDL holders will receive a letter stating that they must provide proof of documentation of their citizenship status to comply with USDOT safety requirements. If a CDL holder fails to provide the required documents by April 6, 2026, they will be downgraded to a non-commercial driver license until the proof is provided.
Busy on the road driving and don’t have time to read the latest updates? Play a podcast on your drive, and experts will share their insights in an easy-to-understand, convenient way.
WHAT THE TRUCK?!? The Broker Blueprint (Freight Waves)
In this podcast episode, host Malcom Harris explains how relationships shape the future of brokerage, how to accomplish trust between carriers and shippers, and the mistakes brokers are making and how they can fix them.
Thank you so much for supporting Dakota Group US. We are pleased to meet all your compliance trucking needs and provide a convenient way to access relevant freight news.
We will be in touch weekly to always keep you in the loop on the most prevalent industry news.
From our team to yours,
Sincerely,
Founder & CEO @ Dakota Group
For any instant filing needs, go to FMCSA.COM and use our 2026 UCR Registration Tool to file in less than 10 minutes. To book a call with our Director of Sales, Canaan Cossu-Frederic, use his calendar link here. All companies with trucks on the balance sheet must file their UCR to ensure their registration remains active and in service
At Dakota Group, we offer end-to-end solutions to each and every logistics need you have. We complete all of our filings 100% in-house with our expert US-based team, transforming your relationship with DOT regulations & driver compliance. No AI, no portals, just you and your dedicated industry specialist. Delivering for those who deliver.
We’re a team of compliance specialists and industry experts headed by a former trucker who understands the realities of running an owner-operator business. We’ve built our practice around real-world experience and a deep care to help professionals who deserve it.
