Trucking Regulation

Trucking groups clash over logging driver work hours

WASHINGTON — Large truck carriers and small-business owner-operators are seizing an opportunity opened by the Trump administration to argue their case for keeping or repealing the electronic logging device mandate that has been in force since 2017.

In comments filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation and posted by DOT on Tuesday, the American Trucking Associations highlighted ELDs as an important means of improving compliance with the underlying driver hours-of-service regulations.

“Since...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucking-groups-clash-over-logging-driver-work-hours

New Jersey, feds take opposite paths on independent contractor rules

The past week saw two developments in the battle over defining independent contractor (IC) status: One would likely tighten the definition of what jobs hold IC status in a state that is a key transportation hub; the other would work to loosen the standards.

In New Jersey, the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development last week said it had filed a notice of proposal for new rules with the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law that would codify a definition of the ABC test throughout...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/new-jersey-feds-take-opposite-paths-on-independent-contractor-rules

Carriers with mainly medium-size trucks want out from under FMCSA oversight

WASHINGTON — Small businesses are unfairly burdened by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration due to the agency’s oversight of medium-size trucks, a group representing such carriers has told the agency.

In comments filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a nonprofit group that advocates for policies supporting small companies, asserted that FMCSA specializes in regulating long-distance trucking, a sector in which...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/carriers-with-mainly-medium-size-trucks-want-out-from-under-fmcsa-oversight

CVSA votes to put truck drivers with limited English out of service

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance board of directors voted on Thursday to make English proficiency violations grounds for truck drivers to be placed out of service, a decision that could significantly reduce trucking capacity.

The vote, held under an emergency provision in CVSA’s bylaws, came just days after President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing that the federal out-of-service criteria be revised to reflect the policy change, reversing a less stringent policy that has...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/cvsa-votes-to-put-truck-drivers-with-limited-english-out-of-service

House votes to revoke California’s trucking-related EPA waivers

A congressional push to end two California trucking-related emissions waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, though California is expected to challenge Congress’ authority to take that step.

The vote in the House was 231-191 to revoke a waiver that permitted California to implement the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. The ACT rule would have mandated a road to increasing use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), among other...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/house-votes-to-revoke-californias-trucking-related-epa-waivers

Report finds repeal of truck tax would mean fewer crashes

WASHINGTON — New research by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has linked repealing the 12% federal excise tax (FET) on new trucks and truck equipment to a significant reduction in crashes and, as a result, significant cost savings.

In its report released on Wednesday, ATRI, the research arm of the American Trucking Associations, found that the accelerated replacement of old trucks with new ones spurred by repealing the tax would reduce the cost of advanced driver assistance...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/report-finds-repeal-of-truck-tax-would-mean-fewer-crashes

Trucking, rail implore Washington to help fight cargo theft

WASHINGTON — As monetary costs and safety risks rise in proportion to the increase in cargo theft, freight carriers are upping the pressure on lawmakers for a more coordinated government response to combat the problem.

For the second time in two months, representatives from the trucking and railroad industries participated in hearings on Capitol Hill focused on the problem, which shows no signs of going away.

“Trucking companies are either victims of cargo theft or they’re spending so much money...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucking-rail-implore-washington-to-help-fight-cargo-theft

Trump to require that truckers speak and read English

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order on Monday requiring that truck drivers be able to speak English or be placed out of service.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed via social media a Breitbart report on the anticipated order.

“Today @POTUS and I will be making a big announcement to make our roadways safer and put American truckers first,” Duffy posted, linking to the report.

Stay tuned! Today @POTUS and I will be making a big announcement to make our...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trump-to-require-that-truckers-speak-and-read-english

FMCSA denies truck driver learner’s permits for 17-year-olds

WASHINGTON — Regulators have ruled that 17 is too young – at least as far as federal regulations go – to get a commercial learner’s permit.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a notice on Friday blocking Connell High School (CHS), a school in eastern Washington, from allowing students participating in the school’s CDL training program to get a CLP at age 17.

“CHS believes that granting the exemption will allow students to obtain a CDL at 18 years of age and, upon graduation...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fmcsa-denies-truck-driver-learners-permits-for-17-year-olds

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