Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a new set of initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory changes aimed at the long-haul trucking sector. Companies in Wisconsin have expressed relief, viewing these updates as a positive response to the challenges the industry has faced recently.
The initiatives feature funding for enhanced truck parking, the withdrawal of a proposed rule to limit truck speeds, and measures to combat illegal double-brokering. This announcement coincides with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order emphasizing stricter adherence to the requirement for truck drivers to be proficient in reading and speaking English.
Dan Johnson, the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association—which represents around 900 companies—shared with WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” that these changes come at a crucial time as the industry is beginning to recover from a freight recession following the pandemic, characterized by high shipping capacity but low freight volume.
“The past few years have been tough for many Wisconsin trucking businesses,” Johnson noted. “However, we remain hopeful for improvement in the near future.”
Pam Polyak, owner of Polyak Trucking, expressed her enthusiasm about the federal government’s newfound attention to truck drivers’ concerns. “I’m thrilled about the new initiatives Sean Duffy is suggesting and hints at more to come,” she stated.
Eliminating Restrictions on Trucks and Drivers
The new package includes modifications that shift away from the “one-size-fits-all” mandates introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. One of the changes involves withdrawing a requirement for speed limiters on vehicles. Johnson supports this move, stating, “It doesn’t necessarily solve the issue, and driving too slowly can lead to congestion, especially if trucks cannot safely pass each other.”
Expansion of Truck Parking with Federal Funding
Johnson highlighted that truck parking remains a pressing issue and that plans involve an investment of $275 million to tackle this concern. Finding safe stopping locations during mandated breaks has proven challenging for drivers. “The shortage of truck parking forces drivers to stop in unsafe locations, which can jeopardize their safety,” he explained.
In Wisconsin, the state is upgrading a rest stop along I-90 to expand its truck parking from 16 to 70 spaces. Additionally, a federal grant has allowed the state Department of Transportation to increase parking at two I-43 rest stops. A significant portion of the allocated funds—$180 million—will be directed to Florida, with additional grants available to other states.
Commitment to Addressing Freight Fraud
Pam Polyak recounted her experience with “ghost carriers,” who, despite having a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registration, do not own trucks or drivers. These entities can accept jobs and then disappear, often resulting in stolen loads. Polyak has noted a rise in fraud in recent years and is optimistic that the new initiatives will provide meaningful improvements. The package promises to focus on eliminating “bad actors” and addresses double brokering, although the specifics of this crackdown remain undefined.
