The freight transportation and trucking industry will be dealing with new changes and regulations during 2025 focusing on areas such as sustainability initiatives, enhanced safety protocols, and the integration of advanced technologies. These impending regulations require businesses to stay vigilant and be in compliance to avoid costly penalties and disruptions. By maintaining an awareness of what is coming, you can best position your business for success in the new year. 

Here are some of the trucking laws and regulations to monitor.:

Speed Limiter Mandate

Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) delayed a potential rule on speed limiters for heavy-duty trucks until May 2025, the rulemaking will still need a final decision, and the exact speed limit remains uncertain. For now, there are mixed opinions on the issue.

• Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) opposes it because of the potential for disrupted traffic and increased crashes.
• Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) suggests flexibility and recommends speed limits between 65 and 70 mph. They also want regular policy reviews.

While the outcome remains uncertain, a new rule is on the horizon. Carriers should prepare now.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems

In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an FMCSA rule seeks to standardize equipment performance and test procedures for AEB-systems (Class 3 or larger). A final decision should coming in the next few months.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) Expansion

Another potential trucking law from FMCSA in 2025 revises the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) ruling. Changes could include extending ELD requirements to trucks with pre-2000 engines.  This has been met with opposition from stakeholders like trucking firms and OOIDA. Addressing ELD malfunctions, device removal processes, and technical specifications are also being considered, although specific details remain unclear.

Safety Measurement System (SMS) Revisions

FMCSA recently organized a virtual listening session to gather feedback on potential improvements to its safety rating system. The session focused on:

1. Preserving or replacing the current three-tier safety rating system.
2. Exploring a potential single-rating system where only “Unfit” carriers are rated.
3. Weighing behavioral violations, such as those in the “Unsafe Driving” category of the CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS), more heavily.
4. Considering roadside inspection data or the CSA SMS as the basis for a new safety rating methodology.

There was pushback on using roadside data and the CSA SMS, with concerns raised about violations that may not directly relate to safety and the efficacy of the Crash Preventability Determination Program.

Drug And Alcohol Clearinghouse Updates

FMCSA established a new regulation to revoke commercial driving privileges for truckers with drug and alcohol violations in the Clearinghouse. The full extent of the rule is expected to take effect in 2025. Some states might begin downgrading licenses sooner. 

With this rule, drivers with a prohibited status in the Clearinghouse must complete the return-to-duty process to regain their CDL.

The trucking industry will continue to evolve as safety, technology, and sustainability take center stage this year. Staying informed and prepared is essential for truck drivers and carriers alike.

While the impending regulatory changes may present challenges, they also offer opportunities for fleets to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. SE Smith and Sons is dedicated to helping you stay prepared and operating within regulations and safely. Contact SE Smith and Sons today, we are standing by to support your fleet and trucking needs.