Transforming trucking: USDOT and FMCSA roll out major industry updates

The USDOT and FMCSA have started to implement a series of key reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and improving working conditions for truck drivers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), under the leadership of Sean Duffy, has begun implementing new measures aimed at improving the transportation industry and addressing the recurring issues that affect the sector. In collaboration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the USDOT has released a fact sheet outlining upcoming changes planned for the industry.

These changes were announced recently, complementing the BUILD program grants presented by Duffy on July 15. Among the most notable updates are adjustments to speed limiters, electronic logging devices (ELDs), hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, and funding to expand truck parking availability.

Below, we take a closer look at what the USDOT and FMCSA have planned for the trucking industry.

USDOT and FMCSA: improving the transportation industry

One of the most significant decisions is the removal of the regulation requiring speed limiters on heavy-duty vehicles—a rule widely opposed by drivers and organizations such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). The agency acknowledged that the regulation lacked a clear and compelling safety justification.

Another important change concerns electronic logging devices (ELDs). The FMCSA has decided not to extend the ELD mandate to trucks manufactured before the year 2000, as these vehicles were not designed to integrate with modern technology. As a result, drivers of older trucks will continue using paper logs to meet hours-of-service requirements—an adjustment that addresses both technical and operational concerns.

In addition, the FMCSA aims to eliminate unnecessary regulations, which led to nearly 25,000 non-critical violations in 2024 alone. Although the specific rules to be eliminated have not been disclosed, a significant reduction in bureaucratic red tape is expected. At the same time, the agency has reaffirmed its commitment to combat illegal double brokering practices, which directly impact drivers’ earnings.

Regarding driver welfare, more than $275 million will be invested to expand truck parking infrastructure—an issue widely acknowledged across the industry.

Finally, the FMCSA has launched two pilot programs related to hours-of-service (HOS) rules, which could offer drivers greater flexibility to rest according to their actual needs. Additionally, improvements will be made to the DataQ system to simplify the correction of inaccurate records related to inspections or accidents, thus strengthening fairness and accuracy in drivers’ professional histories.

USDOT and FMCSA on major industry updates

The FMCSA and USDOT have started to implement a series of key reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and improving working conditions for truck drivers. Among the initiatives proposed by Duffy are:

Improving transportation safety
Accelerating the execution of transportation projects
Investing in infrastructure that promotes economic growth
Strengthening partnerships with states and other stakeholders

These goals reflect a commitment to the transportation industry that many in the sector have long awaited. The only thing left is to ensure these promises are fulfilled in a timely and effective manner.