Most businesses must comply with federal and/or state regulations, and the trucking sector is no exception.
Given the potential risk to public health and safety, it’s crucial for truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators to adhere to laws designed to protect the public.
The trucking industry is primarily governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FMCSA enforces national rules regarding vehicle size and weight limits, driving hour restrictions for truckers, and proper handling of hazardous materials.
All commercial truck drivers are legally required to observe federal laws on highways, but states can impose additional regulations within their jurisdictions. Non-compliance with these regulations typically qualifies as truck negligence, which can lead to substantial fines and legal repercussions, especially if it results in an accident.
Truck drivers operating across state lines or in local areas must be aware of the relevant rules and regulations affecting them.
Federal Updates
Truck Speed Limit: Federal officials are considering a new proposal to establish speed limits for trucks using electronic devices, anticipated to be introduced in 2023. While many industry leaders support this initiative, the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA) has consistently opposed mandatory speed limiters, arguing it could result in more interactions between trucks and passenger vehicles, potentially compromising safety.
However, industry insiders suggest OOIDA’s stance may be more financially motivated, as many long-haul truck drivers are compensated per mile. Any reduction in miles directly impacts their earnings.
The FMCSA has also announced an approximate 31% decrease in Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) fees for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders, effective immediately. This reduction will lower fees between $18 and $17,688, based on the number of vehicles operated.
State-Level Developments
California: Starting January 1, 2023, approximately 76,000 truck owners with pre-2010 emissions engines will face restrictions on their operation in California. Years earlier, a regulation by the California Air Resources Board prohibited trucks with 2006 and older emissions engines, and from 2023, this will extend to 2007-2009 emissions engines.
Colorado: The state has finalized a strategy to encourage the use of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks, targeting a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles by 2050, as part of Governor Jared Polis’s initiatives to enhance air quality and reduce emissions.
New York: Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles, mandating that only zero-emission commercial vehicles can be sold in New York by 2045, starting with the 2025 model year. Additionally, 100% of new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in-state must be zero-emission by 2035.
As we look ahead, the production of goods and local shipping will be essential for invigorating the U.S. economy. With projections showing over 70 million new residents and a 40% increase in freight volume by 2045, the trucking industry is poised to become an increasingly vital service sector. The forthcoming regulations aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of its operations.
