GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (RFD-TV) — A new federal review has found that nearly half of the nation’s truck driver training schools are not meeting government requirements, raising concerns about what this could mean for the future of agricultural shipping and the broader trucking workforce. Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), joined us on the Market Day Report to share his thoughts on the findings.
The federal review found “nearly 3,000 commercial driver’s license (CDL) training providers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) for failing to equip trainees with the Trump Administration’s standards of readiness.” In addition, another 4,500 training providers were “placed on notice due to potential noncompliance.”
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Pugh reacted to the Transportation Department’s latest effort to ensure drivers are properly qualified and addressed whether he was surprised by the number of schools deemed out of compliance. He also discussed the potential impact on the industry. Pugh spoke about how these issues could affect recently qualified drivers who attended non-compliant schools and what consequences they may face moving forward.
He also shared what he would like to see happen next — outlining ideas for maintaining safety standards while supporting a strong, reliable shipping workforce.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
January 08, 2026 11:51 AM
·
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
January 08, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
January 08, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
January 07, 2026 06:00 PM
·
North Dakota CO₂ Storage Law Struck Down
January 07, 2026 03:03 PM
·
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
January 07, 2026 12:20 PM
·
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
January 07, 2026 08:01 AM
·
