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Top Trucking Industry Rulemakings Scheduled for 2025

⏳ 4 min
Updated on January 17th, 2025

The trucking industry is entering a transformative phase with significant new trucking laws and regulations on the horizon. As new rules aim to enhance road safety, environmental stability, and operational efficiency, motor carriers, fleet operators, and truck drivers should be prepared for changes. Key updates, like the speed limiter mandate or stricter fuel standards, are set to redefine the way commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operate across the industry.

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Understanding these regulatory changes is essential for staying compliant and competitive in an evolving industry.

The article outlines the most critical updates, from the federal motor carrier safety regulations to new environmental policies.

Key Regulations to Look Out For

As the regulations governing the trucking industry continue to evolve, trucking companies, motor carriers, and truck drivers face a range of new rules. These rules aim to improve safety on the road, compliance, and environmental stability. New trucking laws are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the way commercial vehicles are operated, managed, and inspected.

From updates on electronic logging devices (ELDs) to the potential mandate for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, drivers and other industry professionals must stay updated about new regulatory changes to remain compliant and competitive.

As the industry prepares for these regulatory changes, trucking companies must stay ahead of the curve. By understanding and complying with these upcoming changes, carriers can maintain a competitive edge while prioritizing safety and operational efficiency.

Speed Limiters for Heavy Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule to oblige commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 pounds to be equipped with electronic control units (ECUs). They will restrict the maximum speed of trucks. The aim is to enhance safety on the road, reducing high-speed crashes. For now, the due date of the regulation is May 2025. However, the final decision and maximum speed limit are still pending.

Opinions on the issue are mixed. For example, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) opposes the regulations because they may disrupt traffic and increase crashes. At the same time, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) suggests flexibility and recommends speed limits between 65 and 70 mph.

Despite the uncertain results, the proposed rule is on the horizon. Thus, truck drivers must be prepared to face new regulations.

Heavy Vehicle Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

One of the upcoming trucking regulations is a proposal to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on new heavy commercial vehicles. The rule defines heavy trucks as those with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds.

AEB system uses sensor technologies to detect impending crashes. In this case, the system automatically applies the brakes if the driver has not.

This update can be crucial for the trucking industry’s safety by reducing incidents on the nation’s roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heavy vehicles are involved in around 60,000 rear-end crashes yearly. The estimates forecast the prevention of 19,118 crashes in case of the rule implementation.

The AEB system update was proposed last year, and the final rule is expected in January 2025.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) Expansion

The FMCSA is expanding its oversight of electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track drivers’ service hours. ELD requirements are part of a Hous of Service (HOS) rules that aim to enforce safe driving limits and improve compliance with trucking regulations.

The expansion aims to include more vehicles, particularly vehicles weighing over a specified threshold. In particular, there are five areas where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration considers changes:

  • Applicability to pre-2000 engines.

  • Addressing ELD malfunctions.

  • The process for removing ELD products from FMCSA’s list of registered devices.

  • Technical specifications.

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  • ELD certification.

These systems will facilitate the collection of roadside inspection data and provide a real-time view of compliance with safety and operational standards as part of the new trucking laws.

The latest regulatory agenda is projected for June 2025.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Updates

The drug and alcohol clearinghouse is essential for ensuring truck drivers comply with drug and alcohol regulations. New rules are expected to tighten requirements. The goal is to strengthen monitoring and support safety data tracking to prevent unsafe drivers from returning to the road, protecting drivers and the public.

In particular, the FMCSA will revoke the CDL of commercial drivers with the prohibited status amid their past drug or alcohol violations. These drivers will be required to complete the federal return-to-duty process for further operations. This involves an interview with a DOT-Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), completion of an education or treatment program, and a return-to-duty drug and alcohol test. Then, the follow-up program must include a minimum of six unannounced drug and alcohol tests over the next 12 months.

The rule demands that states comply with the new system from November 2024, while the full extent of the rule will take effect in 2025.

In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) proposes to launch scientific and technical guidelines for including hair specimens in drug testing programs. The SAMHSA is currently seeking public comments on the rule.

Fuel Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Fuel standards for medium—and heavy-duty vehicles are also tightening. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed rulemaking to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve truck fuel efficiency.

New regulations will affect motor carriers’ and fleet operators’ operations. They must comply with stricter technical specifications for vehicle performance, emissions systems, and equipment.

New regulations will cover heavy-duty trucks from 2014 models, requiring an increase in fuel efficiency from the current average of 6 to 8 miles per gallon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projects a 250-ton reduction in carbon emissions within the first five years. In addition, the new rule will reduce fuel costs for small businesses that depend on pickups and heavy-duty vehicles.

The regulation is expected to take into force in June 2025.

Adapting to New Trucking Regulations with Logity Dispatch

Navigating the regulatory landscape of the trucking sector can be challenging, especially with constant new trucking rules and regulations. Partnering with a trusted provider can help you stay compliant and thrive in a competitive environment with a growing emphasis on safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Logity Dispatch is your reliable partner!

We propose customized solutions to ensure adherence to key regulations and new rules. By providing proactive monitoring of inspection data and tracking changes in the federal motor carrier safety guidelines, Logity Dispatch simplifies compliance for busy fleet managers.

Whether you must prepare to implement new regulations, comply with enhanced FMCSA’s safety measurement systems, or navigate updates to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, Logity Dispatch is your partner in staying ahead.

Contact us today to reduce your burden and focus on driving!

Conclusion

Adapting to these new regulations is necessary to comply with them and launch more efficient and competitive trucking operations. Being well-prepared can ease the burden of meeting complex regulatory requirements as the rulemaking process unfolds. 

Staying ahead of trucking regulations, such as the speed limiter mandate, enhanced safety measurement systems (SMS), and updates to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, ensures that your business can focus on what matters most—delivering excellence on the nation’s roadways. By preparing today, trucking companies and motor carriers can confidently navigate the challenges of tomorrow.

However, you aren’t obliged to handle these challenges alone. Logity Dispatch offers expert support in managing regulatory compliance, streamlining logistics, and ensuring your business operates smoothly amid evolving industry standards. With our comprehensive services and dedicated approach, we can handle the complexities for you, letting you focus on driving success. Contact Logity Dispatch today to explore the difference and simplify an ever-changing regulatory landscape of the trucking industry!