Briefly: Trucker dies in I-70 collision with another tractor-trailer

Updated Jul 9, 2025
Screenshot 2025 07 08 At 8 44 41 Am
Utah Department of Transportation

A trucker died Sunday night, July 6, in a collision involving two tractor-trailers in eastern Utah.

The crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Interstate 70 near mile marker 181 near Crescent Junction about 213 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

KJZZ reports both trucks were eastbound on I-70 when the driver of a 2024 Freightliner exited at a scenic overlook. The driver then attempted to re-enter I-70 eastbound by cutting across the gore area — the section of roadway between the highway and the exit ramp.

As the 2024 Freightliner re-entered the highway, a 2015 Freightliner struck the back of its trailer. The driver of the 2015 Freightliner died in the crash, authorities said.

The trailer of the 2024 Freightliner, which was carrying blueberries, was destroyed in the crash. The front of the 2015 semi sustained significant damage. The driver and a passenger in the 2024 Freightliner were not injured.

Eastbound I-70 traffic was rerouted through a nearby rest area during the closure.

Neither trucker was identified by police. The investigation of the crash continues.

Don Hummer Trucking honored

Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Don Hummer Trucking was recently recognized for outstanding service and performance by three of its key partners: PepsiCo, HON Company, and Pella. The awards recognize the company’s commitment to delivering value to their customers, according to a statement from Hummer.

PepsiCo’s 2024 Central Region Carrier of the Year award recognizes Don Hummer Trucking as a standout high-volume carrier in the central region. Criteria for the award include being among the top volume carriers that sustained a 98%+ on-time delivery rate.

The HNI Corporation, which owns HON, honored Don Hummer Trucking as their 2024 Truckload Carrier of the Year. This award honors carriers who demonstrate exceptional customer service, collaboration, reliability, and responsiveness. 

Pella Corporation named Don Hummer Trucking a Critical Problem-Solving Carrier for 2024, recognizing its reliability, adaptability, and service success. 

Partner Insights
Information to advance your business from industry suppliers

“We deeply appreciate being recognized by these important partners,” said Andrew Hummer, vice president of operations. “We are proud of the work we do, and we’re grateful for the confidence these organizations put in us and our entire team."

ICYMI

Reminder: Annual Safe Driver enforcement blitz is held next week

First episode of trucking documentary series released on YouTube today

Driver Poll: What builds the most trust in a recruiter conversation?