Regulatory: Page 2

As EV economics improve, trucking may be the 'next big frontier' for clean transportation

Heavy-duty trucks represent just 5% of vehicles on the road, but experts say they account for more than a quarter of overall U.S. transportation emissions.

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2021

ATRI: A VMT tax faces hurdles to fund infrastructure

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association wrote a letter to the Senate, blasting the fee, not long before ATRI released its report.

By Jim Stinson • March 25, 2021

Help wanted: Transport startups hire for the 'sweet spot' between tech and policy

TuSimple, Locomation and Waymo are preparing for driverless operations to hit the road. And they're recruiting Washington insiders to make it happen.

By S.L. Fuller • March 18, 2021

Congress takes on driver shortage, reboots divisive under-21 interstate bill

Proponents of the DRIVE-Safe Act applaud its ability to bring young drivers into the workforce, but opponents express safety concerns.

By S.L. Fuller • March 15, 2021

12 months of HOS exemptions give trucking firms a safety net

The FMCSA's coronavirus emergency declaration allowed fleets to save hours on essential deliveries.

By Amanda Loudin • March 11, 2021

ATA, OOIDA revive debate over speed limiters with letters to Buttigieg

One of the most divisive aspects of mandated speed limiters is who, and how, they would help.

By S.L. Fuller • March 10, 2021

Lawmakers aim to ease driver shortage with women in trucking workforce bill

The proposed legislation would create an advisory board within the FMCSA to study barriers to entry for women.

By S.L. Fuller • March 01, 2021

The debate over EV charging at interstate rest stops

NATSO said allowing electric chargers is the "wrong signal" from Congress, while advocates tout the need to modernize Eisenhower-era rules and provide parking.

By Jim Stinson • Feb. 26, 2021

Deep Dive

Sleep apnea: A slow killer lurks among OTR truck drivers

Fatigue management and safety programs are taking root in the freight business, as trucking firms address the issue without federal regulators.

By Jim Stinson • Feb. 25, 2021

FMC order a step toward relieving truckers of 'astronomical' detention fees

Ocean carriers failing to follow the agency's interpretive rule on detention and demurrage "might constitute a violation of" the Shipping Act.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 18, 2021

Senate confirms Pete Buttigieg as DOT secretary

Confirmation comes nearly two weeks after senate nomination hearings, during which Buttigieg said the "time is now" for infrastructure investment.

By Chris Teale , S.L. Fuller • UPDATED: Feb. 2, 2021 at 3:45 p.m.

California proposes points system to track zero-emissions trucks at warehouses

Road transport has been at the forefront of Southern California's emissions crackdown.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 21, 2021

FMCSA to gather data for sleeper-berth pilot

The agency's new HOS initiative would have hundreds of drivers test a 6/4 split and a 5/5 split.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 20, 2021

Businesses face challenging labor landscape under Biden

Changes in the treatment of independent contractors and the attractiveness of unions could usher in more complicated — and expensive — workforce policies.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 19, 2021

How cameras change the narrative on truck driver safety

Fleets using in-cab cameras said they pay for themselves within months, as video exonerates drivers in crashes and drops insurance premiums.

By Jim Stinson • Jan. 11, 2021

FedEx to pay $2.4M to settle drivers' misclassification suit

New Jersey's "ABC test" for determining if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor is similar to California's process under AB5.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 08, 2021

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigns following insurrection at Capitol

Chao said the department will help President-elect Joe Biden's pick for transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, assume the post.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 07, 2021

The DOT's to-do list: What trucking can expect from Washington in 2021

Policies rescinded during the Trump administration may resurface with a Democratic majority in the House and Senate.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 07, 2021

Labor Department finalizes worker classification rule

The rule adopts a new test by which employers can determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor, though it is not binding for state governments.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 06, 2021

Regulatory actions that helped shape transport in 2020

The FMCSA and the Department of Health and Human Services made moves that are set to have long-term effects on trucking.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 23, 2020

Trucking accelerates toward 'inevitable future' of EVs

​In 2020, several states set the stage to mandate zero-emissions trucks, but OEMs must bring economically viable options to the market.

By S.L. Fuller • UPDATED: April 21, 2021 at 3:24 p.m.

16 lingering questions fleets have about the FMCSA's final HOS rule

Do roadside inspections count for the 30-minute break? Do truck stop closures qualify as adverse driving conditions? FMCSA officials answer these questions and more. 

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 22, 2020

How a Biden infrastructure deal might fare in a divided Congress

Although the country faces political gridlock, the time may be right for the president-elect to deliver on infrastructure initiatives that his predecessors did not, industry experts and political insiders said.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 18, 2020

EEOC: Employers can require proof of COVID-19 vaccination — with some exceptions

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's guidance comes as the trucking industry pushes for priority access to the vaccine.

By Ryan Golden , S.L. Fuller • Dec. 17, 2020

What Pete Buttigieg would bring to the Transportation Department

A $1 trillion infrastructure plan Buttigieg unveiled in January as part of his presidential campaign hints at what could be the agency's future priorities.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 15, 2020