Summary of relevant news and issues in the transportation industry.
Proposal for an increase in UCR rates and oppositions
On January 9th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a regulation to increase the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) rates by 25% for the year 2025.
The UCR, an annual permit, is mandatory for most carriers, regardless of whether they use their active USDOT number, according to the Department of Permits and Licenses of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).
The proposal has raised concerns among numerous truckers, arguing that the increase is not sustainable given current economic challenges. The anticipated rate increases vary, ranging from $9 to $9,000, depending on the quantity of commercial motor vehicles owned by a carrier.
Critics of the proposal highlight potential increases in the costs of goods and services, already at elevated levels. The FMCSA has been criticized for not addressing citizens’ concerns, and warnings have been issued about the negative impact on consumers. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has advocated for additional reductions, asserting that the 2023 rates violated existing laws.

FMCSA to release notice on speed limiter regulation
The FMCSA’s proposal to install speed limiters in most commercial vehicles is still in progress. It is expected that the FMCSA will publish a supplementary notice regarding the regulation proposal in May, as per the Significant Regulation Report of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
This proposal, which experienced delays in both June and December of 2023, would affect commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, equipped with a governable electric motor control unit.
In the next stage of the regulation, the FMCSA is expected to disclose the proposed maximum speed for the first time. Despite resistance from many truckers regarding the implementation of speed limiters, understanding this speed is crucial due to concerns about speed differentials between cars and trucks.
The FMCSA must submit the proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review before its publication in the Federal Register and opening for public comments. The administration has faced opposition with over 15,000 comments, contributing to the delay as they require agency review.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, advocating for small business truckers, opposes the imposition of a speed limitation mandate and urges support for the DRIVE Act, which would prevent the FMCSA from advancing speed limiter regulations.

Average diesel prices in the U.S.
Weekly reports on fuel prices have seen fluctuations, but the national averages remain below $4 per gallon. According to ProMiles.com, the national average was $3.834 per gallon, reflecting a decrease of 1.7 cents compared to the previous week.
The average price per gallon of diesel by region is as follows:
- East Coast – $3.859
- Central Atlantic – $4.28
- California – $5.122
- East Coast – $4.031
- West Coast – $4.553
- Gulf Coast – $3.578
- Midwest – $3.639
- Rocky Mountains – $3.599


Truck drivers are at high risk of developing diabetes
About 11% of the adult population meets the criteria for prediabetes, and there is a particular group at high risk: truck drivers. Diabetes rates in

Starting in trucking: required permits, registrations, and compliance
Are you a new carrier? This is what you need to know about permits, registration, and compliance. The trucking industry can be quite challenging for

Alberta Clipper Brings an Early Polar Blast: A Critical Alert for Drivers
The Alberta Clipper is sweeping across the country with fast-moving Arctic air, sharp temperature drops, and dangerous road conditions that demand heightened attention from all professional drivers.

American manufacturers trigger truck “dumping” investigation
Foreign trailer manufacturers under investigation for alleged “dumping” in the U.S. The U.S. truck market is at the center of a trade dispute. After domestic

ATRI Warns: Litigation Is Rising Across the U.S. Trucking Industry
A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reveals how escalating litigation, higher legal costs, and mounting insurance pressures are reshaping the U.S. trucking industry. The findings mark a critical moment for motor carriers, insurers, and logistics stakeholders who must understand the changing legal environment — and the increasingly strategic role of strong insurance partnerships.

FMCSA says no to hours-of-service exemptions
FMCSA rejects two requests for exemptions to hours-of-service rules for commercial drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has denied two exemption requests related