Trucking is an integral part of the supply chain, linking up businesses and employing millions nationally.
Figures by the American Trucking Association (ATA) indicate that in 2023, the trucking industry employed over 8.5 million people throughout the United States. That was slightly over half the total number working in the transportation industry as a whole, underscoring the significant contribution of truckers to the national economy.
Since millions of people benefit directly from the trucking industry, it’s understandable why regulatory agencies have been keen on enforcing key safety protocols.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently introduced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to transform the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program with a view to enhancing safety and flexibility in the CDL process. However, the proposed upgrades to the CDL program are only part of a long list of new trucking safety standards, some of which have already taken effect while others are set to be piloted soon.
Read on as we unpack the latest safety standards that every trucking company ought to know.
1. Restructured Skills Requirements for Entry-Level Drivers
Inadequate driver skills accounts for a worrying portion of trucking accidents. To address these challenges, the FMCSA proposed radical reforms on mandatory entry-level driver training (ELDT).
According to trucking news, aspiring commercial truck drivers will be obligated undergo standardized ELDT training with an emphasis on equipping them with key competencies or safe truck operation. These regulations, which went into operation in 2020, will reduce costly vehicle breakdowns, driver injuries, and operational downtimes caused by trucking accidents.
2. Ongoing CDL Training
Merely possessing a Commercial Driver’s License offered solid insurance for truckers, cushioning them from citation for certain traffic violations.
However, truck drivers will now undergo continuous CDL training to refine their expertise and keep them abreast of emerging industry trends. This move aligns with the FMCSA’s broader mission of nurturing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce within the trucking sector.
3. Extended Privileges for CLP Holders
Section 383.25(a)(1) considers Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) valid CDLs to the extent that they’re used to facilitate behind-the-wheel (BTW) training on public roads, and strictly under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.
However, an FMCSA suggestion aims to allow CLP holders to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) for other legal purposes. CMV operators only need to show proof of passing the CDL skills test.
Besides, the FMCSA is proposing the removal of a 14-day waiting period that CLP holders must currently fulfill before they can take the CDL skills test.
4. CDL Skills Testing for Out-of-State Applicants
Section 383.79(a) (1) allows states to administer CDL skills tests to out-of-state applicants only if such individuals receive relevant training in the testing state. The testing results are then transmitted electronically to the applicant’s home state for authentication and filing.
The FMCSA now proposes eliminating this requirement to enhance efficiency of the testing process and accelerate the often-lengthy CDL acquisition process.
5. Enforcement of Mandatory Speed Limiters
As part of the FMCSA’s initiative to minimize trucking accidents, the agency proposes introducing mandatory 68 mph speed limiters for CMVs with a gross weight over 26,001 pounds. The speed governors would be installed as part of electronic control units (ECUs).
Initially set to roll out by mid-2023, the proposal was pushed to late-December 2023 due to backlash from industry stakeholders. It was redacted again pending evaluations by the Department of Transportation (DOT), with the next roll-out date set around mid-2025.
6. Exemptions for Empty Passenger CMVs
Current FMCSA regulations exempt CMV drivers operating empty school buses from having a school bus (S) endorsement. Under a new framework, such drivers will be further exempted from having a passenger (P) endorsement.
P endorsements will be particularly excluded for drivers moving vehicles from manufacturers to distributors, or during driveaway-towaway operations.
7. Critical Changes in Drug Testing
Previously, regulations required truck drivers to undergo scheduled drug tests. But while routine tests streamlined trucking operations by letting truckers prepare adequately for the screenings, they were less effective in identifying drug use among drivers. It’s in that light that the FMCSA introduced random drug testing.
The unannounced screening will provide a more robust deterrence against drug use by stripping drivers of any foreknowledge of upcoming tests. Moreover, truckers will undergo a broader spectrum of tests encompassing both narcotics and prescription drugs.
8. Updates on Cross-Border Regulations
Plans to revamp cross-border shipping operations are in the offing, with CDL holders being the primary target group.
Notably, trucking companies will need to learn and adhere to regulations touching on specific data elements required by the customs officials of different countries. The idea is to streamline border crossings by complying with international trade laws.
9. Reducing Carbon Emissions
The trucking industry has played a pivotal role in aiding the government’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as is evidenced by its renewed commitment to environmental preservation.
In 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the Clean Diesel Program to minimize the emission of greenhouse gasses. The agency later released a ruling in December 2022, which mandates stricter carbon emission for trucks of 2017 model year and later. These new standards will exceed previous emission limits by 80% while enhancing vehicular durability.
Various states have embraced additional eco-friendly solutions, signaling a widespread adoption of sustainability in the trucking industry.
Summary
The trucking industry has undergone sweeping regulatory changes affecting various facets; from driver eligibility criteria to acceptable speed limits, minimum carbon emissions and everything in between.
Embracing these changes is a significant step towards achieving regulatory compliance and maintaining a competitive edge in the highly dynamic industry.
