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Texas Trucker Admits to Killing Flatbed Driver Fixing Load Straps on I-78 Shoulder in Pennsylvania — Caught in Louisiana a Week Later Still Driving the Same Truck, Piece of Victim’s Volvo Still Attached

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Kristina
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tractor-trailer driver who struck and killed a flatbed truck driver

BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA — A Texas tractor-trailer driver who allegedly struck and killed a flatbed truck driver who had pulled to the shoulder of Interstate 78 to fix his load straps, then fled the scene, was arrested in Louisiana a week later — still driving the same truck he used to kill the victim — after admitting to the crash when pulled over by sheriff’s deputies.

Ameer Nassar, 25, of Houston, Texas, was pulled over at approximately 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday by the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was driving the same box truck involved in the fatal crash. According to charging documents, Nassar admitted to being involved in a crash in Pennsylvania and leaving the scene. Pennsylvania State Police investigators traveled to Louisiana, processed the vehicle, and transported Nassar back to Pennsylvania. The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department and Louisiana State Police assisted.

tractor-trailer driver who struck and killed a flatbed truck driver

The Fatal Crash

On April 10, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Phillip Daniel Henderson, 33, of Bessemer, Florida, had pulled his blue Volvo tractor-trailer to the eastbound shoulder of I-78 near mile marker 13.3 in Bethel Township to fix straps on his flatbed. While working along the shoulder and right lane, Nassar’s truck struck Henderson and kept going eastbound without stopping. Henderson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police described the striking vehicle as a white tractor-trailer with heavy to moderate damage on the passenger side, a missing passenger side mirror, and possibly a piece of Henderson’s blue Volvo flatbed tractor-trailer stuck to it.

tractor-trailer driver who struck and killed a flatbed truck driver

How Investigators Found Him

Investigators used videos of Nassar’s truck and the crash scene, U.S. Department of Transportation records to identify the vehicle, and license plate readers to track its movements. The last location captured by plate readers placed the truck in Forrest County, Mississippi, on Tuesday at 1:51 a.m. — before West Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputies pulled him over hours later. It was also discovered that Nassar had been cited by Maryland State Police in October 2025 for not displaying a carrier name or DOT number on the passenger side of the truck — the same vehicle with the same registration as the striking vehicle.

Charges and Bond

Nassar was arraigned Thursday afternoon by Magisterial District Judge Andrea Book and placed in Berks County Prison with bail set at $30,000. He faces charges of accidents involving death or personal injury, accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle, failure to stop and give information or render aid, and failure to notify police of an accident involving injury or death. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 22.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Two Semis Flipped by Tornadoes in Minnesota on Same Day — Driver on I-90 Near Rochester Survives With Seat Belt On, Second Truck Overturned Near Elgin With Unknown Injuries

By
Kristina
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A tornado flipped a semi-truck on Interstate 90

OLMSTED COUNTY, MINNESOTA — A tornado flipped a semi-truck on Interstate 90 near Rochester Thursday afternoon, injuring the driver and sending him to the hospital.

The crash occurred at 2:26 p.m. on April 17 near mile marker 212 in High Forest Township, about a mile and a half east of the Rochester airport. Abdirashid Ahmed Keynan, 55, of Bloomington, Minnesota, was driving a 2021 Kenworth tractor-trailer westbound on I-90 when an approaching tornado caused the semi to turn over onto its side. The road was wet at the time. The airbag did not deploy. Alcohol was not suspected.

Keynan was wearing a seat belt. He was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service to St. Mary’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Stewartville Fire Department also responded to the scene.

The National Weather Service also reported a separate tornado flipped a semi-truck near Elgin and caused damage to farms in that area. It is unknown whether the driver of that truck was injured.

Anyone seeking information about this incident can contact Sgt. Troy Christianson at (507) 923-2050 or the case information line at (507) 923-2040.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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19 Non-Domiciled CDL Drivers Sue FMCSA and Florida, Claim Licensing Crackdown Cost Them Jobs and Caused ‘Irreparable’ Harm

By
Kristina
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19 Non-Domiciled CDL Drivers Sue FMCSA and Florida

FLORIDA — Nineteen non-domiciled commercial truck drivers have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that recent licensing restrictions stripped them of their ability to work, cutting off income and violating their constitutional rights.

The lawsuit was filed April 15, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), and the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with multiple agency officials.

Drivers Challenge Federal Rule and State Enforcement

The lawsuit targets FMCSA’s interim final rule titled “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses,” which restricts how states issue and renew non-domiciled CDLs and learner’s permits.

According to the filing, federal regulators pushed the rule forward without a proper notice-and-comment period and failed to provide sufficient data showing that non-domiciled CDL holders posed a safety risk.

The lawsuit further alleges the rule disproportionately impacts individuals domiciled in foreign jurisdictions and was driven by factors unrelated to commercial vehicle safety.

Plaintiffs also point to a previous court action in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that placed a stay on the rule. The lawsuit claims FMCSA bypassed that stay by issuing a final rule in February 2026 that largely reaffirmed the same restrictions.

Florida CDL Pause Under Scrutiny

The case also challenges Florida’s decision to pause the issuance, renewal, and extension of non-domiciled CDLs and commercial learner’s permits.

According to the lawsuit, FMCSA pressured Florida into adopting the pause through a corrective action plan tied to compliance requirements. Plaintiffs argue that the action plan exceeds federal authority and is tied to what they describe as an unlawful rule.

The lawsuit states that Florida’s continued pause is not required under valid federal law and that prior regulations allowing issuance of non-domiciled CDLs should still apply.

Drivers Claim Severe Financial Impact

The drivers involved in the lawsuit say the combined federal and state actions have had a devastating impact on their livelihoods.

According to the filing, plaintiffs have lost jobs, fallen behind on mortgages and financial obligations, and have been unable to support their families. The lawsuit describes the harm as “ongoing and irreparable.”

The group is seeking a court declaration that the policies are unconstitutional and is asking for Florida to immediately resume processing and issuing non-domiciled CDLs and permits.

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USPS to Ban Unvetted Non-Domiciled CDL Drivers From Hauling Mail Starting May 1 Under New Screening Rules

By
Kristina
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USPS to Ban Unvetted Non-Domiciled CDL Drivers

UNITED STATES — The U.S. Postal Service will begin restricting who can haul mail under its contracts, with new rules targeting non-domiciled CDL drivers set to take effect May 1, 2026.

Under the updated policy, non-domiciled commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders will no longer be allowed to transport mail unless they have been properly screened and badged by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

New Screening Requirements for Contract Drivers

In an April 16 letter to suppliers, USPS leadership instructed contractors to ensure all drivers assigned to postal work meet federal screening and clearance requirements before operating.

The directive states that any non-domiciled CDL driver must complete USPIS vetting before hauling mail. Responsibility for submitting documentation and ensuring compliance falls on the contracted carrier or supplier.

Postal officials also advised contractors to work directly with designated administrative officials to verify driver eligibility and complete the clearance process.

Policy Tied to Federal CDL Crackdown

The move follows earlier USPS guidance issued in January 2026, when officials announced plans to phase out the use of non-domiciled CDL drivers who had not been thoroughly vetted.

USPS said the policy aligns with stricter U.S. Department of Transportation rules aimed at tightening oversight of non-domiciled CDLs under the interim rule “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled CDLs.”

Officials said the changes are intended to improve transportation safety, accountability, and oversight within the agency’s contracted trucking network.

Major Impact on Mail Transportation Network

The Postal Service relies heavily on trucking operations, moving approximately 55,000 loads daily and covering nearly 2 billion miles each year.

Officials said the added screening requirements are part of broader efforts to strengthen safety protocols and reduce risks involving both employee and contract drivers.

The policy will apply to all Postal Service contracts and ordering agreements beginning May 1.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Truck Carrying 1 Million Bees Crashes on I-40 Ramp in Knoxville, Swarm Floods Area as Beekeepers Drivers Race to Contain It

By
Kristina
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Truck Carrying 1 Million Bees Crashes on I-40

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — A truck carrying approximately 1 million bees crashed on the ramp from I-40 East to Henley Street in Knoxville Friday morning, sending a massive swarm into the area and temporarily closing the ramp while the beekeeper drivers worked to corral their cargo.

TDOT

 

Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Mark Nagi confirmed the driver and passenger were both beekeepers transporting the bees. The pair got to work corralling the insects after the crash. The ramp reopened at approximately 11:34 a.m., though TDOT warned motorists to stay in their vehicles in the area unless properly suited up.

Truck Carrying 1 Million Bees Crashes on I-40
TDOT

 

The truck was destroyed in the crash. At 12:21 p.m., TDOT said the truck needed to be unloaded and removed from the area before towing could take place — requiring the bees to be cleared from traffic first. By 12:47 p.m., all bees had been removed from the area.

TDOT

Nagi summed it up simply: the truck is destroyed and the bees are “buzzing.”

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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21-Year-Old Texas Lineman Apprentice Who Gave Up Scholarships to Support His Mother Killed by Arc Flash in Bucket Truck

By
Kristina
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HILLSBORO, TEXAS — A 21-year-old lineman apprentice from Texas who gave up college scholarships to stay home and support his family after losing his father at 16 was killed last Friday when an electrical arc flash occurred while he was working on power lines in a bucket truck. More than $40,000 has been raised for his mother since his death.

Fort Worth firefighters responded that afternoon to a report of a possible electrocution involving two linemen. Ryan Vargas and his co-worker were both transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Vargas did not survive his injuries.

Those who worked alongside him described a young man who was as dedicated as he was kind. Co-workers Chris Ritzer and Trey Lopez said Vargas was a close friend and a standout in the industry.

“We were just bragging about him. The day that it happened, we were talking to somebody else in the industry,” Ritzer said. “I was just bragging about him and what a quality individual and worker he was.”

Lopez added: “He was a good person, a good friend, and he was going to be a great lineman. He was smart and he got it.”

Vargas was an only child. In high school, he earned scholarships that could have taken him anywhere. But after his father died, he chose a different path. “He chose to stay home and go to work so he could take care of his family,” Ritzer said. His mother, now without her son, told Ritzer after the tragedy: “That’s my baby.”

Friends say they want Vargas remembered for his humor, his kindness, and the future he was building. “He built his own legacy. Nobody is going to forget him and nobody has anything ill to say about him,” Ritzer said.

Since Vargas’ death, Ritzer created a GoFundMe to help support his mother and cover funeral costs. The page has raised more than $40,000, with donations coming in from across the country and support from other line industry foundations.

“It’s really nice to see the community and everybody come together. We’ve got donations from all over the place. It’s a blessing,” Ritzer said.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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New York Loses $73.5 Million in Federal Funding After Refusing to Revoke 33,000 Questionable Non-Domiciled CDLs — “I Will Hold Any State Accountable,” Duffy Says; Governor Hochul Vows to Fight: “We Will Win”

By
Kristina
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NEW YORK — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday it is withholding more than $73.5 million in federal funding from New York after the state refused to revoke nearly 33,000 questionable commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants following a federal audit that uncovered widespread problems.

The audit reviewed 200 non-domiciled CDLs and found that more than half had significant issues — including licenses that remained valid long after an immigrant’s authorization to be in the country had expired. The federal government ordered New York to review all such licenses and revoke illegal ones. The state has not complied. New York issued 32,606 non-domiciled CDLs in total.

“I promised the American people I would hold any state leader accountable for failing to keep them safe from unvetted, unqualified foreign drivers. I’m delivering on that promise today,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

National Context

The federal government has reviewed non-domiciled CDL records in every state since Duffy put a spotlight on the issue following an August crash in Florida that killed three people. Most states have complied or are in negotiations with FMCSA. California has already lost $200 million. Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and North Carolina have been warned they are at risk of losing funding.

Duffy noted that immigrants account for approximately 20% of all truck drivers nationwide but that non-domiciled CDLs represent only about 5% of all commercial driver’s licenses — approximately 200,000 drivers total. New rules announced by the Transportation Department will prevent 97% of those foreign drivers from obtaining a commercial license again.

New York’s Response

New York officials have defended their licensing practices, saying they comply with federal law and pointing to audits during the first Trump administration that supported that position. Governor Kathy Hochul’s spokesman Sean Butler called the action part of a broader pattern. “This continues a yearlong pattern of Secretary Duffy threatening to withhold money that keeps our roads, subways, and other infrastructure safe for New Yorkers. We will fight back, and once again we will win,” Butler said.

This is not the first time DOT has withheld or threatened to withhold funding from New York under the Trump administration. Duffy previously put a hold on $18 billion for a Manhattan subway extension and Hudson River tunnel project. The Trump administration agreed Thursday to restore funding for the subway project. A judge ordered the tunnel funding to continue in February. Duffy also threatened to pull funding over congestion pricing and subway crime — both of which New York fought in court and won.

Industry and Advocacy Response

Trucking industry groups praised the enforcement action. “These enforcement actions will remove bad actors from the road and restore accountability to the system. Today’s action is an important step toward safer highways and a stronger, more professional trucking industry,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.

Immigrant advocacy groups, however, say some drivers are being unfairly targeted. The spotlight has fallen heavily on Sikh truckers — the driver in the Florida crash and the driver in a separate fatal crash in California in October are both Sikhs.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Massachusetts State Police and Avon PD Issue $26,000 in Fines During Four-Hour CMV Detail — Truck Found 27,000 Pounds Overweight, 1 Unlicensed Driver Had Marijuana, 9 Out of Service

By
Kristina
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AVON, MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts State Police and the Avon Police Department issued more than $26,000 in fines and removed nine commercial vehicles and drivers from the road during a four-hour joint enforcement operation on April 14, 2026, targeting a heavy commercial vehicle exclusion area in the Avon area.

The operation produced the following results:

• 75 Commercial Vehicles Engaged
• 12 Federal CMV Inspections Conducted
• 5 Drivers Placed Out of Service
• 4 Commercial Vehicles Placed Out of Service
• Nearly 60 Violations Issued
• $26,000+ in Fines

Among the most serious violations uncovered were a vehicle found to be 27,000 pounds over its weight allowance, an unlicensed commercial operator found in possession of marijuana, and carriers attempting to move freight in violation of active out-of-service orders or without proper operating authority, liability, or insurance.

“Law enforcement organizations work most effectively when they cooperate across municipal borders,” said Avon Police Chief Jeffrey J. Bukunt. “This joint operation between Avon Police and the Massachusetts State Police was highly successful and quite possibly proactively saved lives.”

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble praised the cooperation. “While our economy depends on the transportation services of these commercial vehicles, they have a responsibility to operate safely on Massachusetts roadways. I commend the Troopers working on our Truck Team and the Avon Police Officers who contributed to this operation and performed their work with diligence and skill,” Noble said.

Anyone with information about improper or dangerous commercial vehicle activity is encouraged to report highway activity to State Police and other road activity to local police.

Video by Massachusetts State Police

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“We Just Need to Make Sure They Can Read the Signs”: Missouri House Passes English Proficiency Bill for Semi-Truck, School Bus, and CMV Drivers — $1,000 Fine for Drivers, $3,000 for Carriers

By
Kristina
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JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI — The Missouri House advanced legislation Thursday requiring commercial motor vehicle drivers — including semi-truck and school bus operators — to pass English language proficiency tests, with fines for both drivers and carriers who violate the requirement.

HB 2741 passed 104-22 on April 16 and now heads to the Missouri Senate. The bill applies to anyone driving a commercial vehicle designed to carry freight or transport more than eight passengers. Farmers, first responders, and people moving personal belongings are exempt.

What the Bill Requires

Under the bill, drivers must demonstrate the ability to understand highway traffic signs and converse in English with law enforcement and the general public. Non-citizen CDL holders must also carry proof of legal status — documentation already required to obtain a non-domiciled CDL.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol already has an existing protocol for examining English proficiency during traffic stops and at weigh stations. At the request of MSHP, a specific protocol was not written into the bill to allow for easier updates in the future.

Drivers found in violation face misdemeanor charges and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. Their carrier faces a $3,000 fine.

What Lawmakers Said

Bill sponsor Rep. Carolyn Caton, R-Blue Springs, said the legislation mirrors existing federal law that Missouri began enforcing more heavily under the second Trump administration. “We need CDL drivers. We just need to make sure that they can understand the road signs and what they’re actually hauling,” Caton said. She pointed to a February incident in which a semi-truck driver went the wrong way on Highway 61 near Troy and could not pass an English proficiency test — a case that drew national attention after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted about it.

Rep. Steve Butz, D-St. Louis, was one of the few Democrats to vote in favor. “There are some jobs that to be truly proficient enough in English to accomplish that job is critical. I do think becoming a heavy equipment operator, driving an over-the-road truck, is certainly one of those,” Butz said. He noted that many of his Bosnian-immigrant constituents are truck drivers and said drivers in that community told him it would be difficult to obtain a proper license without already being proficient in English.

Opposition came from several Democrats. Rep. Eric Woods, D-Kansas City, raised concerns about subjectivity. “What is to stop someone from saying that a person can’t properly converse with the general public in English because they have a strong accent?” he asked. Caton responded: “It’s pretty obvious if someone can read and understand the signs versus if they can’t, so in their mind, it’s really not subjective.” Other Democrats warned the legislation could push trucking companies out of Missouri. An equal number of Democratic representatives — 22 — voted present as those who voted against the bill.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Aluminum Coil Shifts Forward Into Semi Cab on Alcoa Highway, Crushing Rear of Cab; Driver Survives Without Injury

By
Kristina
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Aluminum Coil Shifts Forward Into Semi Cab o

ALCOA, TENNESSEE — A truck driver hauling aluminum coils survived a dangerous load shift after a coil slammed into the back of the cab on Alcoa Highway, causing heavy damage but no reported injuries.

The incident occurred during the afternoon of April 15, 2026, near the intersection of Alcoa Highway and North Wright Road. Reports indicate the aluminum coil shifted forward inside the trailer and struck the rear of the tractor cab.

Aluminum Coil Shifts Forward Into Semi Cab o

Aluminum Coil Shift Causes Major Cab Damage

The impact caused significant damage to the cab of the semi-truck. Despite the force of the strike, the driver was not injured.

The incident highlights the risks associated with improperly secured or shifting loads, especially when hauling heavy materials like coils.

Lane Closure and Traffic Impact

The northbound right lane of Alcoa Highway was shut down as Alcoa Police and Fire Department crews worked the scene and began recovery operations. Officials initially reported no estimated time for reopening while the scene remained active.

As of 6:41 p.m., both northbound lanes had reopened. Authorities cleared the scene and restored normal traffic flow.

Officials said additional updates will be provided if more information becomes available.

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