A more rigorous federal oversight to protect both the safety of autonomous vehicles and personal and vehicle information is part of a recent proposal.
The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have decided to prioritize the safety and cybersecurity of autonomous vehicles in the country. The Department of Commerce is working to address the risks associated with connected vehicle technology, while OOIDA supports the department’s proposal.
A more rigorous federal oversight to protect both the safety of autonomous vehicles and personal and vehicle information is part of a recent proposal from the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. This regulatory proposal establishes a ban on transactions related to connected vehicle technology from China and other “foreign adversaries.” According to the Department of Commerce, the goal is to mitigate national security risks related to the communication and technology of these vehicles.

Details of the proposal to safeguard national security
The proposal from the Bureau of Industry and Security includes several key restrictions:
- A ban on importers of vehicle connectivity hardware from knowingly importing technology from certain jurisdictions.
- A ban on manufacturers of connected vehicles from selling vehicles that incorporate covered software from these countries.
- Limitations on companies under Chinese or Russian control regarding the sale of vehicles in the U.S. that contain restricted technological components.
OOIDA has stated that these regulations are essential for reducing the risks posed to national security and professional drivers by technological components designed and manufactured by adversaries.

Lack of transparency and external links: OOIDA’s comments
OOIDA has denounced the lack of transparency in the autonomous vehicle sector, citing cases such as TuSimple, whose former executive did not disclose ties to a Chinese company. The Association also questioned whether electronic logging devices (ELDs), mandatory in most commercial vehicles, fall under the new regulation, arguing that their self-certification has created vulnerabilities in cybersecurity.
Additionally, OOIDA emphasized the need for the Bureau of Industry and Security to clarify the application of the regulations to ELDs, stressing that the goal is to mitigate risks to national and public safety. In this way, OOIDA also seeks to promote the transparent and safe development of connected and autonomous vehicle technology.

What Are the 5 Most Expensive Highways for Trucks in the U.S.?
These five U.S. highways have some of the highest toll costs for trucks, adding hundreds of dollars to a single trip.

Truckers in Washington: How to adapt to the new economy and come out ahead
The transportation market in Washington state is transforming. This article outlines the key factors and best strategies for optimizing routes, reducing costs, and capturing the most profitable loads.

Florida Raises Crash Reporting Threshold to $2,000
Starting October 1, Florida will quadruple the property-damage threshold that triggers the requirement to immediately report a crash. For truck drivers, however, the dollar value of the damage is not the only factor that matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Washington
100 questions and answers for truck drivers operating in the state of Washington.

Washington updates its freight corridors: how truck navigation will change on I-5, I-90, and other key routes.
The State of Washington is updating its planning for the state’s most important freight corridors with a clear goal: improving commercial truck traffic, strengthening supply

Washington speeds up new logistics hub development to strengthen freight transportation and trade with Canada
Washington is expanding its network of logistics hubs through investments in ports, highways, and distribution centers to streamline freight transportation.
