Key takeaways:
- The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new package aiming to improve the lives of truckers as part of Trump's executive order on “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.”
- The package includes benefits such as expanding parking, removing one-size-fits-all mandates, modernizing driver resources, and removing red tape and bad actors.
- The industry praised the announcement.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new package that is specifically aimed at improving the lives of truck drivers.
“For too long, Washington, D.C., has made work harder for truckers,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “That ends today.”
Duffy’s statement aligned with the announcement of a new package of initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory updates that are designed to improve the lives of America’s truck drivers, a press release from the U.S. DOT stated.
The package is part of President Trump’s executive order on “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.” There are multiple benefits in the package for truckers, including funding to expand truck parking, modernize driver resources, “slash” red tape, “crack down” on bad actors,” and initiatives to remove mandates.
“Thanks to President Trump, we’re getting Washington out of your trucks and your business,” Duffy said.
Key actions in the Pro-Trucker Package:
Expand truck parking
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DOT is advancing more than $275 million in funding to expand truck parking availability and opening up additional grant programs and discretionary grants for truck parking projects.
Remove certain mandates
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DOT is withdrawing the proposed rulemaking to mandate speed limiters so professional drivers can operate their vehicles safely.
Modernize driver resources
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is launching new digital assets that are more user-friendly, modernizing the Consumer Complaint database, and updating the DataQ system so it is more transparent.
Remove red tape and bad actors
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FMCSA is proposing to eliminate 1,800 words from federal regulations, which will save truckers time and money. Concurrently, the agency has renewed its focus on unlawful double brokering, a practice that directly harms drivers.
See also: Indiana authorizes interstate highway tolling
Industry reactions to the Pro-Trucker Package
The American Trucking Associations praised the decision.
“We thank the Trump Administration and Secretary Duffy for their continued focus on the issues impacting America's trucking industry,” President and CEO of American Trucking Associations Chris Spear said. “A safe and strong trucking industry is critical to America's economic growth and security, and data-driven measures like these that reduce regulatory burdens are important steps toward that end.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association also praised the announcement.
“OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent welcome these transformational actions from President Trump and Secretary Duffy,” OOIDA President and CEO Todd Spencer said. “These steps not only improve the daily lives of truckers across America but also enhance safety for everyone on the road. For years, truckers have urged Washington to address the severe shortage of truck parking, eliminate the dangers posed by a national speed limiter mandate, and give drivers greater control over their hours of service. We thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for listening to the men and women behind the wheel who keep America’s economy moving."
This package follows the recent order requiring new guidance to enforce English proficiency for truckers.
