Top 10 Trucking Policies Likely to be Affected by Trump’s Return
As the 2024 election season heats up, one question on the minds of many in the trucking industry is how former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office might affect key trucking policies. Trump’s first term saw several shifts in trucking regulations, and with a second term on the horizon, the industry could once again face significant changes. From hours of service adjustments to greenhouse gas regulations, here’s a look at the top 10 trucking policies that are likely to be impacted if Trump returns to the White House. 1. Hours of Service Changes One of the most discussed trucking industry regulations during Trump’s first term was the adjustment to Hours of Service (HOS) rules. In 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced changes aimed at providing more flexibility to truck drivers. These changes included allowing an additional 2 hours of driving time in adverse conditions and eliminating the requirement to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. If Trump returns to office, it’s likely that we’ll see further changes aimed at reducing administrative burdens on drivers, potentially increasing allowable driving hours, and expanding flexibility in HOS regulations. 2. Trucking Safety Policies Under Trump’s administration, the focus on trucking safety policies shifted towards reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining a commitment to safety. If Trump returns to office, we may see a continued emphasis on reducing unnecessary safety regulations while enhancing the use of technology to improve road safety. This could include updates to collision mitigation technology mandates and requirements for truck fleet monitoring systems, all while maintaining a balance between safety and operational flexibility for trucking companies. 3. Greenhouse Gas Regulations for Trucks The trucking industry is facing increasing pressure to address its environmental impact, with new regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Trump administration, the pushback against stringent environmental policies seen during the Obama era could re-emerge. Trump may revisit the rollbacks of the EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations for trucks, which were a key policy during his first term. This could potentially delay or reduce the implementation of tougher emissions standards that have been proposed under the Biden administration. 4. Impact of Tariffs on Trucking Trade policies, especially tariffs, have a profound impact on the trucking industry, affecting both freight costs and the cost of materials needed for truck production. During Trump’s first term, tariffs on steel and aluminum imports increased the cost of manufacturing trucks and trailers. If he returns to office, we may see a continuation of protectionist trade policies, including the possibility of new or increased tariffs that could drive up operating costs for trucking companies, especially those that rely on imported goods or materials. 5. Truck Driver Compliance Rules During his tenure, Trump emphasized reducing red tape and making compliance easier for industries across the board. In the trucking sector, this meant loosening some driver compliance rules, including the 30-minute rest break rule and the increase in flexibility for truckers’ driving hours. A second Trump term could further relax compliance requirements, reducing restrictions on truck drivers’ work hours, and making it easier for drivers to meet deadlines and regulations. 6. Zero Emissions Trucks Legislation While the Biden administration has aggressively pursued zero-emissions vehicle mandates, Trump’s stance on emissions regulations was to limit federal interference in favor of state-led solutions. Under a second Trump term, it’s likely that the federal push for zero-emissions trucks would slow, and instead, trucking companies may see more lenient requirements for the adoption of zero-emissions technology, particularly in regions like California, where aggressive emissions standards currently apply. 7. Truck Fleet Electrification Alongside zero-emissions truck legislation, the electrification of truck fleets has been a major trend in recent years. While the Biden administration has placed a significant emphasis on promoting electric trucks, particularly through subsidies and incentives for manufacturers and fleet owners, Trump’s return could shift the focus away from mandates and towards market-driven solutions. This could lead to a reduction in federal funding for electric truck initiatives, slowing down the pace of fleet electrification for trucking companies. 8. California Clean Trucks Rule California’s Clean Trucks Rule is one of the most aggressive state-level efforts to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. This rule mandates the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles for certain sectors of the trucking industry, which has led to concerns among operators who face high costs for compliance. Trump’s administration previously took legal action against California’s clean truck regulations, and a second term could see further efforts to limit the state’s authority to impose such stringent regulations, potentially protecting truckers from costly compliance measures. 9. Federal Trucking Policy on Autonomous Trucks The future of autonomous trucks has been a key area of interest in trucking industry regulations. During Trump’s first term, his administration supported the development of autonomous vehicle technology but left much of the regulatory framework up to states. If Trump returns, we may see a continued hands-off approach at the federal level, with an emphasis on allowing innovation and technology to progress without heavy federal regulation. This could result in fewer restrictions on autonomous truck trials and implementation, potentially accelerating the integration of self-driving trucks into the fleet. 10. Federal Trucking Policy and Infrastructure Investment Finally, infrastructure spending has been a hot topic in trucking policy. Trump’s first term saw the implementation of the “America First” approach, focusing on rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure without the heavy environmental regulations that have characterized some of the more recent infrastructure bills. A return to office for Trump could mean a re-prioritization of infrastructure investment, with a stronger focus on road repairs and highway development, as well as continued pushback on environmentally motivated restrictions that might delay new infrastructure projects crucial for the trucking industry. Conclusion: The Future of Trucking Under Trump If Donald Trump returns to the White House in 2024, the trucking industry can expect significant changes in key regulations. From hours of service adjustments and trucking safety policies to a reduction in the push for zero-emission mandates, Trump’s policies will likely focus on deregulation, cost-cutting measures, and a more business-friendly environment for