The Changing Landscape of Trucking Regulations in 2023
From coast to coast, the trucking industry is a vital component of the U.S. economy. But with great responsibility comes great regulation. In 2023, new laws and regulations will impact the trucking industry, from federal rules to state-specific requirements. Here’s a look at the changing landscape of trucking regulations for 2023.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the major agency in charge of regulating the trucking sector. It enforces laws across the country pertaining to things like the maximum allowable weight and length of time a truck can be on the road, as well as the labeling and transportation of dangerous goods.
Here are some of the new federal regulations that are in the works for 2023:
Truck Speed Limit
The federal government is currently considering a plan to implement a speed restriction for trucks using electronic engine devices. The regulatory change is anticipated to be made public in 2023. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is opposed to required devices to control speed, despite the support of some industry authorities.
The federal government is currently considering a plan to implement a speed restriction for trucks using electronic engine devices. The regulatory change is anticipated to be made public in 2023. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is opposed to required devices to control speed, despite the support of some industry authorities.
FMCSA reduces carriers’ 2023 UCR fees
Fees paid by states from motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing firms have been reduced as part of the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration beginning with the 2023 registration year. The revised rates are around 31% cheaper across the board, saving businesses anywhere from $18 to $17,689 annually depending on their fleet size.
Fees paid by states from motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing firms have been reduced as part of the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration beginning with the 2023 registration year. The revised rates are around 31% cheaper across the board, saving businesses anywhere from $18 to $17,689 annually depending on their fleet size.
Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act
In order to regulate truck speeds, this law proposes installing 65 mph speed limiters. These safety-enhancing gadgets would have to be worn constantly while driving.
NHTSA Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic emergency braking may be the first of several accident avoidance technologies for large vehicles that Congress has selected for development. In any case, it’s important to keep an eye out since you never know when these systems could be made essential.
Automatic emergency braking may be the first of several accident avoidance technologies for large vehicles that Congress has selected for development. In any case, it’s important to keep an eye out since you never know when these systems could be made essential.
Hours of Service (HOS) Changes
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the supply chain, the FMCSA revised its hours-of-service standards to permit some increases to the workweek. Since no end date was established for these measures, it is possible that HOS laws may alter again after the epidemic has passed.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the supply chain, the FMCSA revised its hours-of-service standards to permit some increases to the workweek. Since no end date was established for these measures, it is possible that HOS laws may alter again after the epidemic has passed.
Driver Safety-Fitness Rulemaking
The focus here is on outlining a process that may be followed to confirm that a truck driver is in good health. It is yet unknown what the processes will be or how often drivers would have to go through them.
The focus here is on outlining a process that may be followed to confirm that a truck driver is in good health. It is yet unknown what the processes will be or how often drivers would have to go through them.
State-Specific Regulations
States may also impose specific regulations on vehicles traveling within their borders. Here are some of the state-specific regulations to look out for in 2023:
California
On January 1, 2023, your legal right to operate in California will be in peril if you are one of the projected 76,000 owners still using an engine that predates 2010 emissions standards. All trucks with emissions standards predating 2006 were outlawed in California as of the Truck and Bus Regulation, with a few exceptions. The law goes farther than previous vehicle restrictions in effect as of the year 2023, joining the Drayage law for dray operators in doing so. All engines manufactured between 2007 and 2009 that do not meet current emissions standards will be banned if the deadline is not extended.
On January 1, 2023, your legal right to operate in California will be in peril if you are one of the projected 76,000 owners still using an engine that predates 2010 emissions standards. All trucks with emissions standards predating 2006 were outlawed in California as of the Truck and Bus Regulation, with a few exceptions. The law goes farther than previous vehicle restrictions in effect as of the year 2023, joining the Drayage law for dray operators in doing so. All engines manufactured between 2007 and 2009 that do not meet current emissions standards will be banned if the deadline is not extended.
Colorado
After hearing from several stakeholders, the Polis administration has completed its strategy to promote the use of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The plan is a part of a larger effort to lower emissions, increase air quality, and save money for individuals and small companies.
After hearing from several stakeholders, the Polis administration has completed its strategy to promote the use of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The plan is a part of a larger effort to lower emissions, increase air quality, and save money for individuals and small companies.
New York
New York’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, approved a bill reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles in 2021. Starting with the 2025 model year, the new law mandates that all commercial vehicles sold in New York must be emission-free by the year 2045. The measure also mandates that all newly sold vehicles and light trucks in the state must be emission-free by the year 2035.
New York’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, approved a bill reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles in 2021. Starting with the 2025 model year, the new law mandates that all commercial vehicles sold in New York must be emission-free by the year 2045. The measure also mandates that all newly sold vehicles and light trucks in the state must be emission-free by the year 2035.
Conclusion
The trucking business plays an important role in the American economy, but with that comes strict regulations. The business will be affected by both federal and state-level legislation in 2023. Truck drivers must be informed of all applicable laws and ordinances, whether they are operating inside a single city or across many states. Successfully navigating the ever-evolving environment of transportation rules will need firms to be abreast of the newest regulatory changes and engage closely with authorities.
