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Trucks.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently introduced a series of new initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory modifications aimed at the long-haul trucking sector. Wisconsin trucking businesses view these changes as a much-needed relief from the difficulties faced in recent years.
The initiatives include funding for expanded truck parking, the withdrawal of a proposed speed limit regulation, and a crackdown on illegal double brokering. These updates are part of the response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order emphasizing tighter enforcement of the English proficiency requirement for truck drivers.
Dan Johnson, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association—which represents around 900 companies—shared with WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” that these changes arrive as Wisconsin trucking firms gradually recover from a post-pandemic freight recession marked by high shipping capacity but low freight volume.
Moving Away from Restrictions on Trucks and Drivers
Included in the package are revisions that eliminate blanket mandates often imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This includes the withdrawal of a proposed requirement for speed limiters on trucks — a change Johnson supports.
Driving too slowly can also lead to issues, according to Johnson. He notes that if trucks cannot pass each other due to speed limiters, it may cause congestion.
Expansion of Truck Parking with Federal Funding
Johnson emphasized that truck parking is a critical concern, with plans allocating $275 million to improve this issue. Many drivers struggle to find safe locations to rest during mandated breaks.
Wisconsin is upgrading a rest area on I-90, increasing truck parking from 16 to 70 spots. Additionally, a federal grant was granted to enhance truck parking facilities along I-43. The majority of the funding—$180 million—targets parking in Florida, with additional funds available to other states through grants.
Pledge to Tackle Freight Fraud
Pam Polyak from Polyak Trucking highlighted issues with “ghost carriers,” who, despite being registered, fail to show up to collect loads, often leading to stolen freight.
With a rise in fraudulent activities in recent years, Polyak is optimistic about Duffy’s measures, which aim to eliminate “bad actors” and double brokering. New requirements for registration with the Department of Transportation will include identity verification, potentially reducing the prevalence of ghost carriers.
Wisconsin trucking firms expressed strong support for Duffy’s ‘pro-trucker package,’ originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.
