The freight transportation industry is poised for substantial changes in trucking regulations during 2025. Some rule shifts could have far-reaching implications for U.S. supply chains.
The trucking regulations focus on areas such as sustainability initiatives, enhanced safety protocols, and the integration of advanced technologies. These impending regulations require businesses to stay vigilant and ensure compliance to avoid costly penalties and disruptions.
Key Trucking Regulations on the Horizon
Staying compliant in 2025 will require understanding the new regulations and anticipating potential policy changes based on the political outcome.
1. Speed Limiter Mandate
Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) delayed a potential rule on speed limiters for heavy-duty trucks until May 2025, the rulemaking will still need a final decision, and the exact speed limit remains uncertain. For now, there are mixed opinions on the issue.
For instance:
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) opposes it because of the potential for disrupted traffic and increased crashes.
- Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) suggests flexibility and recommends speed limits between 65 and 70 mph. They also want regular policy reviews.
2. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems
In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an FMCSA rule seeks to standardize equipment performance and test procedures for AEB systems (Class 3 and larger). Expect a final outcome in early 2025.
3. Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) Expansion
This has been met with opposition from stakeholders like trucking firms and OOIDA.
4. Safety Measurement System (SMS) Revisions
The session focused on:
- Preserving or replacing the current three-tier safety rating system.
- Exploring a potential single-rating system where only “Unfit” carriers are rated.
- Weighing behavioral violations, such as those in the “Unsafe Driving” category of the CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS), more heavily.
- Considering roadside inspection data or the CSA SMS as the basis for a new safety rating methodology.
5. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Updates
FMCSA established a new regulation to revoke commercial driving privileges for truckers with drug and alcohol violations in the Clearinghouse. The rule demands that states comply with the new system by Nov. 18, 2024.
With this rule, drivers with a prohibited status in the Clearinghouse must complete the return-to-duty process to regain their CDL.
The Role of the Administration in Shaping Trucking Regulations
Calculate your potential Saving While Using an enterprise TMS
Preparing for New Trucking Laws With MercuryGate
One such solution is MercuryGate’s enterprise TMS. This robust system is designed to enhance any logistics operation, enabling all parties to enjoy seamless throughputs. Request a demo to get started.
