The trucking industry is about to go through a big change because there are many new laws and rules coming up. Motor carriers, fleet operators, and truck drivers should be ready for changes as new rules try to make roads safer, the environment more stable, and operations more efficient. Important changes, such as the requirement for speed limiters or stricter fuel standards, are going to change the way commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) work in the whole industry.
To stay compliant and competitive in an industry that is constantly changing, you need to know about these changes to the rules.
The article talks about the most important changes, such as new environmental rules and the federal motor carrier safety rules.
Key Regulations to Look Out For
Trucking companies, motor carriers, and truck drivers must deal with a variety of new regulations as the laws governing the trucking sector continue to change. The aim of these regulations is to enhance environmental stability, compliance, and road safety. We anticipate that new trucking regulations will significantly alter the management, operation, and inspection of commercial vehicles.
To stay compliant and competitive, drivers and other industry professionals need to stay informed about new regulatory changes, from updates on electronic logging devices (ELDs) to the possible requirement for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems.
Trucking companies must stay proactive as the industry prepares for these regulatory changes. Carriers can prioritise operational efficiency and safety while maintaining a competitive edge by understanding and adhering to these impending changes.
Speed Limiters for Heavy Trucks
A rule requiring commercial motor vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds to have electronic control units (ECUs) installed was proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They will limit trucks’ top speed. The goal is to decrease high-speed collisions and improve road safety. The regulation’s current deadline is May 2025. However, the ultimate decision and speed limit remain uncertain.
There are differing views on the matter. For instance, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) opposes the rules due to their potential to create traffic congestion and increase the number of accidents. Concurrently, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) advocates for flexibility and suggests speed limits of 65 to 70 mph.
The suggested rule is on the horizon despite the ambiguous outcomes. As a result, truck drivers need to be ready for new rules.
Heavy Vehicle Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
A proposal to mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on new heavy commercial vehicles is one of the upcoming trucking regulations. The regulation classifies a truck as heavy if its gross vehicle weight surpasses 10,000 pounds.
The AEB system uses sensor technologies to identify approaching crashes. In this scenario, the system automatically applies the brakes if the driver hasn’t done so.
This update could significantly improve the safety of the trucking industry by reducing incidents on the country’s roads. Every year, about 60,000 rear-end collisions involve heavy vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the estimates, if the rule is implemented, 19,118 crashes would be prevented.
The final rule is anticipated in January 2025. The AEB system update was proposed last year.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) Expansion
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) that monitor drivers’ service hours are coming under more FMCSA regulation. The Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which include ELD requirements, are designed to improve compliance with trucking regulations and enforce safe driving limits.
More cars are intended to be included in the expansion, especially those that weigh more than a certain amount. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration specifically considers modifications in five areas:
- The modifications must be relevant to engines built before 2000.
- resolving ELD issues.
- The procedure for removing ELD products from the FMCSA’s registered device list is outlined.
- technical details.
- ELD certification.
As part of the new trucking laws, these systems will make it easier to gather data from roadside inspections and offer a real-time view of compliance with operational and safety standards.
June 2025 is when the most recent regulatory agenda is anticipated.
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Updates
For truck drivers to abide by drug and alcohol laws, the drug and alcohol clearinghouse is crucial. Requirements are anticipated to be tightened by new regulations. In order to keep dangerous drivers off the road and safeguard both drivers and the general public, monitoring will be strengthened and safety data tracking will be supported.
Specifically, commercial drivers with the prohibited status will have their CDL revoked by the FMCSA due to prior drug or alcohol violations. In order to continue operating, these drivers must finish the federal return-to-duty procedure. This entails a return-to-duty drug and alcohol test, completion of an education or treatment program, and an interview with a DOT-Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). The next 12 months must then see at least six surprise drug and alcohol tests as part of the follow-up program.
The full scope of the rule will go into effect in 2025, but states must start adhering to the new system in November 2024.
Furthermore, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) intends to establish technical and scientific guidelines for the use of hair samples in drug testing initiatives. Public feedback on the rule is currently being sought by the SAMHSA.
Fuel Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Standards for fuel for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are also getting stricter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggested making rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions and make trucks use less fuel.
New rules will change how motor carriers and fleet operators do business. They must adhere to stricter vehicle performance, pollution, and equipment standards.
New rules will apply to heavy-duty trucks starting with 2014 models. These trucks will need to get better gas mileage, going from the current average of 6 to 8 miles per gallon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that carbon emissions will go down by 250 tonnes in the first five years. The new rule will also lower the cost of fuel for small businesses that rely on pickups and heavy-duty vehicles.
The rule should go into effect in June 2025.
Adapting to New Trucking Regulations with Dexter Dispatch Services
It can be difficult to navigate the trucking industry’s regulatory environment, particularly given the frequent changes to trucking laws. In a competitive environment where safety, compliance, and operational efficiency are becoming increasingly important, working with a reliable provider can help you stay compliant and prosper.
Your dependable partner is Dexter Dispatch Services!
To guarantee compliance with important laws and new regulations, we suggest tailored solutions. Dexter Dispatch Services makes compliance easier for time-pressed fleet managers by offering proactive monitoring of inspection data and tracking modifications to federal motor carrier safety regulations.
Dexter Dispatch Services is your partner in staying ahead, whether you need to get ready to implement new regulations, adhere to improved FMCSA safety measurement systems, or handle updates to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse.
To ease your load and concentrate on driving, get in touch with us right now!
Conclusion
To comply with these new rules and start more effective and competitive trucking operations, one must adjust to them. As the rulemaking process pdon’t have to faceepared can lessen the burden of fulfilling intricate regulatory requirements.
Keeping up with trucking regulations, such as the requirement for speed limiters, improved safety measurement systems (SMS), and updates to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, guarantees that your company can concentrate on what really matters—providing excellence on the country’s roads. Trucking companies and motor carriers can confidently handle the challenges of the future if they prepare today.
You are not required to face these difficulties on your own, though. Dexter Dispatch Services provides professional assistance in handling regulatory compliance, optimising logistics, and guaranteeing your company runs smoothly in the face of changing industry standards. We can manage the complexities for you with our all-inclusive services and committed approach, freeing you up to concentrate on achieving success. Get in touch with Dexter Dispatch Services right now to discover the differences and make sense of the constantly shifting trucking industry regulations!
👉 Contact Dexter Dispatch Services today to join the next generation of successful owner-operators.