The trucking industry remains one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the United States. However, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) emphasizes that compliance with these extensive rules doesn’t necessarily improve highway safety.
OOIDA is now backing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) ongoing initiative to identify and eliminate excessive and costly regulations. This effort aims to streamline processes and enhance safety without imposing unnecessary burdens on truck drivers.
DOT’s Deregulatory Process
The DOT opened a 30-day public comment period in April, inviting feedback on regulations that can be modified, repealed, or amended. Nearly 900 responses poured in, with truck drivers voicing their concerns and calling for more operational freedom to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.
“These ineffective rules have driven up costs for small-business truckers, pushing many safe and experienced operators out of the industry,” wrote OOIDA President Todd Spencer in the Association’s 17-page official response.
The submission outlined several changes aimed at reducing regulatory overreach. Topics included speed limiters, hours of service, English proficiency, and broker transparency.
Key Issues OOIDA Addressed
Speed Limiter Mandate Concerns
OOIDA strongly opposes a potential federal speed-limiter mandate for commercial vehicles. Although speed limiter proposals were introduced in 2016 and again in 2022, the regulation has yet to be finalized.
“Professional truck drivers strongly object to any speed limiter mandate,” OOIDA wrote. Association leaders argue that speed limiters increase stress, fatigue, and safety risks by creating dangerous speed differentials. They also highlight concerns about limiting drivers’ ability to maneuver safely in emergencies.
OOIDA believes states should retain authority over speed regulations, as Congress deliberately handed these responsibilities to states in 1995. The Association urges DOT to withdraw the rulemaking effort entirely.
Reforming Hours of Service Rules
OOIDA’s advocacy led to some flexibility improvements in hours-of-service (HOS) regulations in 2020, but the group continues to push for further changes to account for driver needs and safety.
“HOS rules are overly complex and fail to align with the physical capabilities of individual drivers,” OOIDA explained. The Association suggests allowing drivers to “pause” their clock and adopt expanded sleeper-berth options, such as 6/4 or 5/5 splits, to support rest and alertness better. Operators argue such flexibility would enable safer and more practical scheduling.
Ensuring English Proficiency for Drivers
OOIDA is calling for stricter enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. The Association says that understanding signage, communicating with law enforcement, and managing emergencies are critical for safety.
“The ability to understand and react to road signs is critical for public and operational safety,” OOIDA emphasized. The Association welcomed President Donald Trump’s executive order to resume enforcement of English proficiency regulations and urged more industry attention to this area.
Increasing Broker Transparency
Broker transparency has long been a concern in the trucking community. Current regulations require brokers to provide carrier transaction records, but enforcement is inconsistent.
OOIDA petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for stricter transparency measures, proposing a rule that obligates brokers to share transaction records electronically within 48 hours.
“If implemented properly, this rulemaking will contribute to a more ethical, fair, and efficient freight brokerage marketplace,” OOIDA wrote.
Other Recommendations for Reform
Beyond the highlighted issues, OOIDA made additional calls for action, including repealing the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and phasing out the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) system.
The ELD rule, which took effect in 2017, costs an estimated $1.8 billion annually. OOIDA contends it has shown no measurable impact on highway safety. Similarly, the Association criticized the UCR system as an unnecessary and wasteful expense.
Looking Ahead
While the official public comment period closed on May 5, the DOT continues to accept comments via email at Transportation.RegulatoryInfo@dot.gov under the subject line “Regulatory Reform RFI.”
OOIDA remains hopeful that this movement reflects a broader commitment by the DOT to actively engage with truck drivers and prioritize their expertise and feedback.
“Moving forward, DOT can best identify meaningful regulatory reforms by listening to America’s truckers, attending industry events, and holding public discussions on vital safety issues,” OOIDA wrote.
The DOT could significantly enhance safety, working conditions, and operational efficiency for the nation’s truckers by pursuing these recommended regulatory changes.
Source: Land Line
