Emerging trends in trucking regulations: what you need to know
A guide to the importance of staying current on trucking regulations and the emerging trends to enable you to stay compliant and one step ahead.
While regulations are commonplace across most verticals, the trucking industry seems particularly fond of regulations. Its primary workers, the truck drivers, are constantly under surveillance thanks to the ELDs in their cab that record their time behind the wheel. ELDs aside, dozens of emerging trucking regulations tightly govern operations, both at the local and federal levels.
Regulations help create a safe, level playing field for all participants. However, regulatory trends change as the industry evolves. This article examines some of the latest trends in trucking regulations.
Why it is important to know emerging trucking regulations
As the industry continues to evolve, government officials will continue to attempt to modify regulations to meet real-life needs. Sometimes these regulations, such as the new Department of Labor classification rule, may be rejected or seem premature and beyond their time. However, most regulations do not get overturned, and staying up to date with them will help you keep your business compliant with minimal hassle.
Knowing the emerging trends in trucking regulations ensures you stay fully compliant as a carrier. The push for driver safety is a great example. If you know ahead of time what agencies will expect of you, you can adjust staffing and company protocols and avoid a temporary shutdown. Staying compliant can be tedious, but getting ahead of it early will often save headaches later on.
Trends in trucking regulations to be in the know
Here are some of the trends in trucking regulations you should know:
Driver safety
Drivers remain the most critical component of the trucking industry. The truck could be great and the operations seamless, but if owner-operators or hired drivers are ill-prepared to drive, it can lead to all sorts of problems.
Agencies like the FMCSA and DOT constantly work to ensure drivers are qualified, safety-conscious, and well-equipped to drive. In many cases, keeping the driver safe also entails recurring training. New emerging truck regulations, such as speed limiters and the updated SMS policy, are beginning to demand that each driver undergo periodic training. Regulations also ensure that each driver is certified to drive in all road conditions.
Technology considerations
Tools like GPS and telematics have helped simplify trucking operations and enhance greater control in the transportation process. Regulatory bodies are adjusting or making new regulations to leverage these tech tools. For example, the FMCSA and DOT seek to limit the speed of vehicles made after 2003.
Data is another critical part of technology and vital to running trucking operations. While the FMCSA and DOT have made the electronic data transfer (EDT) system mandatory for trucking companies, they also have established regulations that help owner-operators and trucking companies access and protect their data.
Sustainability
There is a strong global push for sustainability, and the trucking industry is under close scrutiny due to the nature of its work. Emissions regulations are progressively stricter, like the ones set by the EPA and California’s Air Resource Board, which are among the most stringent policies. For example, in 2023, it passed one of the most stringent diesel emission rules.
How TrueNorth can help
Staying up-to-date on regulatory trends is a great strategy for ensuring compliance and reducing the cost of your operations. The trends in emerging trucking regulations mentioned in this article are the most important to note if you want to have a seamless operation.
TrueNorth helps owner-operators and bigger trucking companies stay current with industry regulations. Our app provides easy access to the latest rules and regulations governing the trucking industry. Download the app to get started.