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


Trucking in Alaska and Hawaii: How America’s Non‑Contiguous States Break the Mold
When you step outside the contiguous U.S. and look at Alaska and Hawaii, the trucking industry becomes a very different story

FMCSA updates its coercion rule for drivers facing HOS and ELD pressure
The FMCSA’s updated guidance explains that the “coercion rule” is intended to protect commercial motor vehicle drivers.

New York Can Suspend Driver’s Licenses Over Tax Debt
New York has once again put the spotlight on driver’s license suspensions tied to unpaid state taxes, a situation that could affect thousands of transportation, delivery, and logistics workers who depend on driving to earn a living. For commercial drivers and CDL operators, the consequences can go far beyond a simple fine.

What you need to know about CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026
The first annual inspection, as every year, kicks off with the International Roadcheck, also known as DOT Blitz Week. Here’s what you need to know.

Tariff Shock: Why U.S. Freight Demand Is Suddenly Surging
Companies are cutting inventories to avoid rising tariff-related and storage costs, forcing goods to move faster and in smaller batches. The unexpected result: stronger trucking demand

Bot Auto completes its first driverless commercial highway shipment
Bot Auto has completed its first long-distance commercial shipment without a driver in the cab or a remote operator.
