Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announces a massive $275 million investment to transform the trucking industry, withdrawing controversial speed limiter regulations that would have forced trucks to operate at dangerous speeds below normal traffic flow.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Transportation has withdrawn a proposed rule mandating speed limiters for heavy-duty vehicles, citing lack of safety justification.
- A $275 million investment will expand truck parking capacity nationwide, addressing a critical safety concern for drivers.
- New initiatives include increasing hours-of-service flexibility with pilot programs for pausing the clock and additional split sleeper berth options.
- The reforms target unlawful brokering practices and aim to modernize digital tools while removing “needless” regulations from federal safety standards.
- Both major trucking organizations – OOIDA and ATA – have praised the changes as significant wins for driver safety and working conditions.
Trump Administration Eliminates Burdensome Trucking Regulations
The U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of trucking industry regulations, backed by a substantial $275 million investment to expand truck parking facilities nationwide. The announcement marks a significant shift in federal transportation policy, prioritizing trucker needs while eliminating what the administration describes as unnecessary regulatory burdens. The centerpiece of the reform package is the withdrawal of a controversial proposal that would have mandated speed limiters on heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
“For too long Washington, DC has made work harder for truckers. That ends today,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Speed Limiter Mandate Rejected on Safety Grounds
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration jointly withdrew the proposed speed limiter rule after determining it lacked sufficient safety justification. While the American Trucking Associations had supported limiters set at 70 mph for trucks with certain safety features, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) strongly opposed the mandate, arguing it would create dangerous speed differentials on highways.
“Forcing trucks to operate below the speed of traffic makes roads less safe by creating speed differences and more risky interactions,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.
“Studies and research have already proven what we were all taught long ago in driver’s ed classes – that traffic is safest when vehicles all travel at the same relative speed,” Spencer added.
$275 Million Investment Targets Critical Truck Parking Shortage
The $275 million funding package represents one of the largest federal investments in truck parking infrastructure in recent years. The shortage of safe, adequate parking for commercial vehicles has long been identified as a critical safety issue, forcing drivers to either park in unsafe locations or violate hours-of-service regulations when they cannot find appropriate rest areas. The DOT will advance these funds through existing grant programs while opening additional funding opportunities.
“Truckers keep America running. While the country sleeps, truckers grind through the night to help keep shelves stocked, families fed and businesses humming. It’s a job that requires grit and dedication. But for too long, Washington, D.C., has made work harder for truckers. That ends today. Thanks to President Trump, we’re getting Washington out of your trucks and your business,” said Secretary Sean Duffy.
Additional Reforms Aim to Modernize Trucking Operations
Beyond the speed limiter withdrawal and parking investment, the DOT announced several additional reforms. These include increasing hours-of-service flexibility through pilot programs that would allow drivers to pause their drive time clock and explore additional split sleeper berth options. The department is also reforming the DataQ process to ensure fairness and modernizing the National Consumer Complaint Database to improve usability for drivers reporting issues.
“These steps not only improve the daily lives of truckers across America, but also enhance safety for everyone on the road,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA’s president and CEO, said in a release. “For years, truckers have urged Washington to address the severe shortage of truck parking, eliminate the dangers posed by a national speed limiter mandate, and give drivers greater control over their hours-of-service. We thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for listening to the men and women behind the wheel who keep America’s economy moving.”
Industry Leaders Praise Trump Administration’s Actions
The DOT’s comprehensive reforms have received strong support from both major trucking industry organizations. OOIDA, which represents over 150,000 members who own and operate more than 240,000 heavy-duty trucks, praised the changes as transformational. Similarly, the American Trucking Associations welcomed the policy shift, emphasizing its positive impact on the nation’s supply chain and workforce of 8.5 million Americans working throughout the trucking industry.
“As the leading mover of the nation’s freight, the concerns of our industry not only impact the 8.5 million Americans who work throughout trucking, but they also affect the countless businesses and families we serve across the country. A safe and strong trucking industry is critical to America’s economic growth and security, and data-driven measures like these that reduce regulatory burdens are important steps toward that end,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said in a statement.
Addressing Fraudulent Practices in the Industry
The reform package also includes measures to combat unlawful double brokering practices that have plagued the industry. Double brokering occurs when freight is re-brokered without proper authorization, often resulting in delayed payments to drivers and creating financial instability. The DOT will maintain the electronic logging device exemption for pre-2000 engines while focusing on removing unnecessary regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
“OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent welcome these transformational actions from President Donald Trump and Secretary Sean Duffy,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.
