It’s a new year and with it comes trucking industry policy changes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is focusing on new mandates aimed at improving safety and streamlining processes within the industry. These changes are expected to come into effect as early as the spring of 2025. Let’s dig into these policy changes further and how they might impact the trucking industry this year and into the future.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Mandate
Automatic Emergency Braking is a safety feature in vehicles that utilizes cameras and sensors to automatically apply the brakes when the driver does not to prevent or reduce a collision. The cameras and sensors detect when the vehicle is approaching a pedestrian or another vehicle that may result in a collision. The goal of AEB is to make the road safer and mitigate collisions as much as possible though it is important to note the system is not 100% effective and should not be relied on completely.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have proposed a new safety standard that would require AEB systems in heavy vehicles. It is projected this rule could prevent more than 19,000 crashes, save 155 lives, and prevent thousands of injuries every year.
FMCSA is expected to finalize a rule requiring AEB systems on new heavy-duty trucks.
Motor Carrier (MC) Number Elimination
FMCSA is in the process of eliminating Motor Carrier (MC) numbers and will instead rely solely on the USDOT number as the primary identifier for all carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. The goal is to streamline the registration process and improve data accuracy by using a single identifier for all within the trucking industry.
The FMCSA plans to phase out MC numbers and use USDOT numbers as the primary carrier identifier by October 2025.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Expansion
A notice of proposed rulemaking is expected in June of 2025 from the FMCSA regarding its ELD rule. Revisions to its rule may include:
- Expanding requirements to include trucks with pre-2000 engines
- Addressing issues related to malfunctions, device removals, and technical specifications
- Enhancing oversight of compliance and HOS processes within fleets
Safety Measurement System (SMS) Updates
FMCSA may implement changes to its safety rating system. Changes that are in discussion include:
- Moving from a three-tier rating system to a single-tier “Unfit” classification
- Giving more weight to behavioral violations in categories such as “Unsafe Driving”
- Using roadside inspection data or CSA SMS as the foundation for new ratings
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Enforcement
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about CDL driver drug and alcohol program violations, thereby enhancing safety on our Nation’s roadways.
FMCSA is planning a series of changes to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to address operational challenges, improve data accessibility, and ensure stricter compliance.
Takeaway
In 2025, policy changes in the trucking industry will significantly impact safety, efficiency, and compliance. The FMCSA’s push for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on new trucks aims to reduce collisions, while replacing MC numbers with USDOT identifiers will simplify carrier registration. Expanding ELD requirements and updating the Safety Measurement System (SMS) will improve oversight and safety, and stricter drug and alcohol enforcement through the Clearinghouse will promote accountability. These changes demonstrate the FMCSA’s commitment to enhancing road safety and operational efficiency.
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