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Updates on the U.S. trucking industry: extreme weather, autonomous trucking legislation and a trucker battle against the FMCSA.
State of Emergency Due to Winter Storms and Wildfires in the U.S.
Vermont and Iowa are under emergency declarations due to the Blair winter storm. In Vermont, the emergency, valid until February 5, has been declared due to a shortage of residential and commercial heating fuel, allowing propane and heating oil suppliers to operate with fewer restrictions. However, those with out-of-service orders are not eligible for this relief. In Iowa, high demand for petroleum products has created difficulties in supplying propane and other fuels, leading to the exemption of hours-of-service requirements for drivers delivering heating fuels until February 6.
Other states, such as Kentucky, Missouri, and New York, have also relaxed some regulations for commercial vehicles due to the storm. Meanwhile, in Southern California, wildfires have prompted evacuations in Los Angeles County, but no emergency orders have been issued related to commercial vehicles.
The emergency measures in Iowa also include exceptions related to agriculture and avian flu, and stipulate that drivers must rest for 34 consecutive hours after their workday to restart their hours of service.
Indiana and Montana: Regulations for Autonomous Trucks
The use of autonomous trucks has once again become a topic of debate in the legislatures of various U.S. states, highlighting concerns about road safety and employment impacts. States like Indiana and Montana are continuing to evaluate legislation for these vehicles, with some doubts and many opinions.
In Indiana, lawmakers are reviewing legislation that would establish guidelines for the use of autonomous trucks on state roads. The proposal aims to require that autonomous trucks transporting goods or passengers have a human operator present in the vehicle, imposing a $500 fine for non-compliance. This proposal stems from a lack of regulation regarding autonomous truck technology, which could increase the risk of accidents due to technological failures. Additionally, there are fears that the advancement of these vehicles could negatively impact employment in the state.
In Montana, the Legislative Assembly is also considering a bill to regulate autonomous trucks, focusing on allowing the use of truck platooning. The bill, HB97, specifies that the driver of the lead vehicle in a platoon must have a CDL and be prepared to take control of the truck in case of an emergency. This bill focuses on partially or fully autonomous vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, and tractor heads, and requires the Montana Department of Transportation to adopt rules to regulate platooning, especially in hazardous road conditions.
The Montana Department of Transportation has warned that testing and deploying these technologies in a state like Montana could be more complicated than in other states. This type of legislation reflects growing interest in autonomous vehicle technology, although it also highlights concerns about its impact on safety and the local economy.
Truckers Demand Justice from FMCSA Regarding Transparency Proposal for Brokers
Truckers are demanding justice from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), with over 2,000 comments submitted regarding its proposal for transparency for brokers. Many truckers are reporting practices such as double brokering and scams, where intermediaries fail to pay carriers. Additionally, they are asking the FMCSA to enforce transparency regulations that have been in place since 1980 but, according to the truckers, have not been respected by brokers.
The president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) highlights that the main issue is the lack of transparency in the agreements between truckers and brokers. OOIDA is organizing efforts to ensure the FMCSA receives a wide range of comments before making any decisions.
The proposal aims to address these concerns without the need for new regulations, as transparency rules have been in place for decades, but brokers have not complied, according to the truckers. The FMCSA will accept comments on the broker transparency proposal until January 21.
Fuel tax cuts gain momentum across U.S. states
In response to recent increases in fuel prices, lawmakers in several states have been working to adopt measures that temporarily suspend fuel taxes.
Maintenance practices commonly overlooked in fleets
These overlooked maintenance tasks can cost a fleet an average of $12,000 to $18,000 per truck annually.
U.S. Economy 2026: Accelerating vs. Stalling Sectors
Technology, renewable energy and domestic tourism drove production during the first quarter of the year. The residential real estate, agriculture and textile sectors lagged behind. What happened to transportation? Special report.
10 Things Truck Drivers Are Not Allowed to Do (And Many Don’t Know It)
Fines up to $16,000, CDL suspension, and accident risk: these are the DOT and FMCSA rules every truck driver must know today.
Do you want to be a truck driver? Here’s what you need to know
Being a truck driver in the United States represents an attractive professional option due to the sustained demand in the logistics industry, but it comes with certain challenges.
$12.5 billion saved by the impact of weigh station bypass technology
The 2026 National Bypass Impact Index reveals significant operational benefits accumulated over nearly three decades.
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