What Does Trump’s Presidency Change About Trucking

Trump has promised big things for transportation during his presidency. Since the start of the Trump Administration, some regulations regarding trucking have changed as some have stayed in place. Below is a guide on what to expect for the future of trucking within the next few years:

Truck Speed Mandate

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the agency enlisted by the government to protect all drivers from the dangers on the road. Last year, the NHTSA along with the FMCSA, issued a proposal that requires trucks over the weight of 26,000 tons to be driving under a certain speed at all times. This requirement has been received negatively by the trucking community as it creates more strain and pressure for drivers while behind the wheel. Since this rule is relatively new, it is most likely that the Trump Administration will reconsider this law and create a new one, as it does not benefit them in any way, shape or form.

Infrastructure

The nations highways, bridges, water pipelines and airports could receive a major makeover with Trump’s $1 trillion plan to update these. An improved system of roads and bridges could be beneficial to trucking industries as they are predicted to grow dramatically within the next 10 years. Ultimately the decision will rest in the hands of Congress, but Trump hopes to get funding for his plan through tolls, private investments and potentially fuel taxes.

Trucking & Training

In December, the FMCSA has created a law stating that all drivers must go through a specific training before being able to sit behind the wheel. This rule was put to a halt by Trump’s regulatory freeze. This new law was pushed the effective date back by one month from February 1st to March 21st. However, other regulations such as the mandate on electronic logging devices (ELDs) is most likely here to stay as it is planned to take effect in December 2017.

Environmental Regulations

As it known, the Trump Administration is opposed to the idea that humans releasing carbon dioxide is one of the main factors in global warming. As a result of this belief,  the trucking community will be greatly affected. The agency who is in charge of the United States environmental department is known as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA attempts to reduce waste and regulate human activities in the environment. The EPA is attempting to pass a law that reduces carbon emissions while using tractor- trailer vehicles by almost one quarter percentage in the next decade. Because Trump’s appointed EPA administrator does not believe carbon dioxide is a primary contributor to global warming, this initiative may be cut as well.

Although it seems as though the trucking community will prosper, it ultimately depends on the President’s administration and their main goals. In the meantime, trucking companies everywhere must abide by the current rules and laws in the country.