Author: Trucker Talk Radio
Dive Brief: A federal judge dismissed a New Mexico trucking company’s request on Thursday to block the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) independent contractor final rule for 2024. This decision represents a significant regulatory win for the Biden administration as it nears the end of its term. In the case Colt & Joe Trucking, LLC v. U.S. Department of Labor, the plaintiffs claimed that the DOL’s new rule forced them to terminate one of their four independent owner-operator drivers, leaving them unable to find a replacement. In their complaint filed in May 2024, they also contended that the DOL lacked…
The trucking industry is preparing for a significantly different regulatory landscape under a potential second term for Donald Trump compared to the recent four years of President Joe Biden’s leadership. Industry stakeholders, including carriers, are diligently watching and advocating for changes in regulations concerning safety, labor, and emissions as the Republican president-elect settles back into office. “I wouldn’t expect this administration to aggressively pursue increased regulations impacting our industry or others,” stated Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), in an interview with Trucking Dive. 1. ‘Speed Limiter Regulations Are Unlikely’ The ATA favors the implementation…
On Wednesday, California’s trucking sector engaged in discussions about the future of its vehicle lineup after the demise of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which eliminated any state requirement to purchase zero-emission vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) effectively ended the ACF when it chose to withdraw its Clean Air Act waiver request to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If approved, this waiver would have allowed the regulation to progress. However, the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule remains active and has received an EPA waiver. As a result, there is considerable uncertainty, with one certainty being the immediate…
David Heller, VP of government affairs for TCA, expressed curiosity about the relevance of past practices, noting to FleetOwner, “It may not be tied to a specific agency. For instance, two DOT regulations could be revoked even if they don’t impact trucking, to make way for a new regulation that does.” The “two-for-one” regulatory order had limited effects on new regulatory expenses, and Trump might consider a bolder approach in his next term. In December, he hinted at a “ten-for-one” order for future regulations. Transportation agencies will not pause in their regulatory efforts, even amid a slow period. Significant new…