Stay Up to Date on Trucking Industry Laws & Regulations
Trucking regulations are determined by several government agencies in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the lead agency responsible for trucking laws, regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (including over 500,000 commercial trucking companies. The FMCSA’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
There’s also the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which supports state and local governments in the design, construction and maintenance of the country’s highway system. FHWA programs include the Federal-Aid Highway Program and the Federal Lands Highway Program.
Other agencies involved in transportation regulations include the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Find more news and information on our Trucking Industry page.
NHTSA and FMCSA are proposing that all new trucks over 10,000 pounds be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems.
California has made its case in the latest round of AB5 legal proceedings, and it can cite the past trucking year in its arguments.
Hair testing finds significantly more opioid, cocaine and meth use by truck drivers versus testing for those drugs using urinalysis, a recently updated study finds.
Move by federal regulators to crack down on broker scofflaws gets mixed reviews from broker and carrier groups.
A request by the Department of Labor in an ongoing legal appeal suggests its independent contractor rule won’t be made until August or September.
A 14-year-old petition filed by a truck safety group to strengthen new-entrant requirements has finally been greenlighted for public scrutiny.
FMCSA puts unfair burdens on truck drivers and carriers in accident reporting, the agency is told.
The Biden administration is using a flawed analysis to inform a potential rule mandating lifesaving equipment on truck trailers, according to safety and insurance groups.
Nineteen states want an appellate court review of an EPA waiver that allows California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule to proceed.
The latest federal data reveals that 64% of large-truck drivers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
Regulators explain the rationale behind an upcoming rulemaking for third-party CDL knowledge testers versus issuing a permanent waiver.
There may be plenty of hand-wringing about California’s Clean Fleets rule, but fleets are advised to start getting ready for it.
A project sponsored by West Coast states is seeking the entire first round of federal funding set aside for zero-emission charging and fueling networks.
An all-electric truck future by 2045 could face serious roadblocks.
A truck broker lobby plans to regroup after losing momentum for a bill requiring interim standards for brokers.
Legislation to increase truck parking advanced in Congress during the markup of 16 supply chain-related bills.
President Biden plans to veto a resolution passed by Congress on Tuesday to overturn the EPA’s rule on nitrogen oxide emissions from trucks.
The Trucking Alliance has long stood out for its unique structure and its departure from what might be thought of as trade group consensus.
A bill seeking to simplify eligibility for truck driver apprenticeships is part of a legislative package addressing supply chain shortfalls.
Opposition is growing against a bill that would prevent the FMCSA from issuing a regulation mandating maximum speeds for trucks.
Truckers, brokers and fuel retailers told Congress where they believe regulators are overstepping their authority — and where they need to step in.
A report to Congress shows that truck safety may have gotten worse since regulators loosened hours-of-service rules in 2020.
Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen calls FMCSA’s speed limiter proposal an “overreach” and introduces legislation aimed at heading it off.
Truck manufacturers told EPA that a zero-emission mandate without charging infrastructure to support it would fundamentally change trucking.
Trucking industry representatives and others have been tasked with evaluating unfair leasing practices by carriers against owner-operators.
Carriers and drivers will not be able to take advantage of a new drug testing rule due to a lack of certified testing facilities.
Federal regulators have told Congress that assessing the safety impacts of ELDs has become a challenge.
Biden’s labor secretary pick says she’s ready to step in if West Coast dockworkers and their employers cannot resolve their remaining issues.
Propane haulers were unable to convince federal officials that a work-rule exemption could be provided without boosting crash risks.
Federal regulators are rolling out a rule proposal as a first step to potential new and costly requirements aimed at reducing truck crash fatalities.
Crash data for carriers entering the industry before the pandemic suggests a gradual deterioration in safety, according to a sample of federal data.
EPA is proposing stricter standards and revisions to move heavy trucks to zero-carbon beginning in model year 2027.
Truck safety advocates and labor are at odds with big business over a request to loosen regulations for driverless trucks.
The White House is evaluating a proposal that may require new trucks be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems.
Truckers Integral to our Economy starts with handful of members but very clear target.
A five-year conspiracy to disable emission-control devices installed in trucks has ended in a federal guilty plea for a Rhode Island trucking company owner.
The White House is reviewing a proposal setting mandatory hair-test guidelines that would be used to screen truck drivers for illegal drugs.
The EPA granted California a waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which puts zero-emission-vehicle mandates on OEMs.
A bicameral effort to expand parking for truckers builds on progress made in the previous session of Congress.
The California Air Resources Board is welcoming comments on its proposed Advanced Clean Fleet rule, which would move up the ZEV mandate from 2040 to 2036.
Federal guidance from 2019 suggested driverless trucks could skip electronic logging devices. Will that hold up?
The NTSB found that an exemption allowing drivers potentially to use “unlimited” work hours was partially to blame for a 2021 truck crash that killed four people.
Trucking’s top safety enforcer is considering changes to work rule recording devices with the goal of making them easier to use.
Truck broker lobby group asserts FMCSA is being negligent on safety while entertaining private contract issues that should be decided in the marketplace.
Daimler Trucks will likely have to issue an equipment recall for over 24,000 trucks after a federal regulator denies the company’s exemption request.
Motor carriers can anticipate a registration fee increase in 2025 as the collection agency adjusts how it reconciles with mandated entitlements.
Among the coming truck regulations in California is one that targets refrigerated trailers, and Ndustrial is preparing for that shift.
Regulators will hold a listening session at the Mid America Trucking Show to help fine-tune proposed rules and guidance governing truck brokers and dispatchers.
Knight-Swift’s David Jackson and fellow trucking executives sound off on regulations and the economy at TCA’s annual meeting.
HHS is preparing to rollout a proposal that could move the trucking industry a step closer to federal recognition of drug hair tests.
Driverless truck-tech companies say their equipment is as safe — or safer — than traditional devices used to warn the public of trucks stopped on the highway.
The Biden administration’s first take on EV charging standards avoids addressing the heavy truck sector to make room for innovation.
The California Air Resources Board’s update on the Advanced Clean Fleets rule has only minor variations, and the journey to new regulations next year is well on its way.
Lifting a CDL requirement for apprenticeships could get more prospective truck drivers on the road, according to a pilot program supporter.
Michigan truck owner has not provided enough safety evidence in his hours-of-service request to federal regulators.
AskWaves looks into why the trucking industry is resisting a proposal to tighten the scope and duration of temporary federal exemptions for motor carriers.
An upcoming supply chain legislation package will include curbs on Chinese influence over global shipping.
Advantages of hydrogen-electric trucks were touted at Senate hearing while ATA warned against aggressive timelines.
Truck safety regulator will host webinars to discuss revisions aimed at keeping more high-risk violators off the road.
Lawmakers are invoking the Congressional Review Act to overturn an EPA rule they say is too costly for truckers — but chances for success are slim.
Regulators are asking the public to comment on how much more federal oversight will be needed before Level 4 and 5 automation can be safely deployed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined the Volvo Group $130 million for slow reporting of safety recalls.
After three years in operation, FMCSA’s drug clearinghouse is ‘a great source of truth’ despite alarming trends, asserts a trucking regulatory expert.
Bipartisan legislation would provide new funding for truck drivers and truck parking while exempting ag haulers from hours-of-service rules.
White House economic adviser Brian Deese points to supply chain improvements while new pressures loom overseas.
AskWaves checks on the latest FMCSA certification requirements for medical examiners qualified in the trucking industry.
The ever-changing trucking scene in California started off 2023 with a visit from Washington and a removal of some engines from the road.
Legislation aimed at “fixing the supply chain” would allow drivers under age 21 to haul freight to and from ports.
A first-ever strategy aimed specifically at decarbonizing transportation encourages maritime and rail over highway freight.
A new book raises doubts about whether the ELD mandate has boosted truck safety.
Regulators are modifying financial requirements and penalties for brokers, freight forwarders and surety bond issuers.
Liability concerns for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing are unfounded, according to federal regulators.
Congress and the Biden administration will aim to advance trucking policy despite the potential gridlock of divided government.
The nation’s top truck safety regulator argues her hands are tied when it comes to approving a drug-test exemption.
The EPA’s new tailpipe emissions standard raises implementation concerns from engine makers — and cost concerns from truckers.
The spending bill to keep the federal government running through fiscal 2023 includes updated measures for trucking and maritime sectors.
U.S. lawmakers are proposing a requirement that restrooms at commercial buildings and ports be available to truck drivers.
New standards aimed at dramatically reducing pollution from trucks come at the wrong time for the economy, according to carriers and drivers.
As 2022 comes to an end, it is time for trucking carriers to evaluate their driver drug and alcohol testing programs and make necessary improvements for 2023.
Federal regulators are considering changes to a 30-year rule that would affect the type of relief that drivers and carriers receive during highway emergencies.
The approach of Cummins Inc. to hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines is very different from how and when it talks about most of its products.
Federal regulators say livestock drivers have not shown they can maintain safety if given an hours-of-service exemption.
Truck drivers say new technology has made their jobs a “race against the clock.” Technology manufacturers are trying to argue the other side.
FMCSA’s unique ID proposal for trucks has safety group support but overwhelming opposition from the rest of the trucking industry.
Golden State, often a trendsetter in regulation, lags behind on ELD requirement for trucks that stay within state borders; comment period open.
Brake Safety Week in the United States checked out a lot more trucks, but the out-of-service orders stayed flat percentage-wise.
Federal regulators have outlined criteria to help identify dispatching services from authorized truck brokers as part of new interim guidelines.
The Department of Labor is seeking comments on its proposed independent contractor rule, and the trucking world is stepping up.
CVSA is skeptical about whether third-party certification can alleviate delays encountered by roadside inspectors.
The first meeting of federal panel aimed at promoting women in trucking includes shots taken at a study that one member asserted downplays the prevalence of rape.
“If this legislation were to pass, the big carriers would be able to pressure shippers and receivers to load their drivers who are on the clock sitting at the loading dock,” Lewie Pugh, OOIDA executive vice president, said.
Truck driver Leland Schmitt’s bid to be exempt from federal work rules was denied by regulators.
Federal regulators are considering a rule that would give carriers greater access to broker transaction records.
American Truck Associations President Chris Spear lived up to his last name in an annual address excoriating industry foes.
Soaring diesel fuel prices rank as the trucking industry’s most critical issue, knocking the driver shortage from the top spot.
AskWaves checks in with DOT’s latest significant rulemaking schedule.
America’s top truck safety regulator provides insight into what will be important at her federal agency as she closes in on a year in the driver’s seat.
Two key provisions in the Department of Labor’s proposed independent contractor rule could pose problems for transportation companies.
Federal regulators have not renewed a work rule exemption for truck drivers responding to the pandemic, a move supported by ATA and truck safety advocates.
A new proposed independent contractor rule from the Department of Labor could increase costs for trucking as well as for Uber and Lyft.
