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Trucksafe's President Brandon Wiseman and Vice President Jerad Childress are transportation attorneys who have represented and advised hundreds of motor carriers (both large and small) on DOT regulatory compliance. Brandon and Jerad are regular speakers at industry events and routinely contribute to industry publications. They are devoted to helping carriers develop state-of-the-art safety programs, through personalized consulting services and relevant training resources. 

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Writer's pictureBrandon Wiseman

Year in Review: 2024 Regulatory Highlights and 2025 Outlook for Fleets




As 2024 winds down, the trucking industry finds itself reflecting on a transformative year while preparing for potential regulatory shifts in 2025. Episode 44 of Trucksafe LIVE! tackled key regulatory milestones, upcoming challenges, and industry-shaping court cases. Here's a comprehensive look back at 2024’s top trucking regulations and a forward-looking perspective on what fleets might expect in 2025. Catch the replay of the episode below!



Key Regulatory Developments in 2024


1. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Phase 2 Implementation

Likely the most impactful regulatory change came on November 18, 2024, when Phase 2 of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse took effect. We discussed this in-depth in a prior article. This policy requires state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs) to automatically downgrade the commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) of drivers with unresolved drug or alcohol violations. In other words, those in "prohibited" status in the Clearinghouse.


Before this update, such drivers often retained valid CDLs due to administrative gaps. Now, fleets can expect more immediate action, ensuring drivers with active violations are promptly removed from the road. While some states have already begun downgrading licenses, full implementation will likely continue into 2025.


2. Oral Fluid Drug Testing Approval

The long-awaited introduction of oral fluid drug testing moved forward in 2024, although laboratories capable of processing these tests have yet to be certified. Oral fluid testing is expected to reduce testing fraud and simplify the process by eliminating shy bladder issues. If laboratories gain certification in 2025, fleets may consider integrating oral fluid testing into their DOT drug testing programs, in addition to or in lieu of urinalysis. Check out this prior episode of Trucksafe LIVE! for additional discussion of this topic.


3. Crash Preventability Determination Program Expansion

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) expanded its Crash Preventability Determination Program, effective December 1, 2024. As we discussed in another article, fleets can now challenge the preventability of four additional crash types such as side-impact collisions, vehicles losing control, and crashes where dashcams demonstrate the full sequence of events.


4. ELD Vendor Oversight Intensifies

In 2024, FMCSA ramped up its scrutiny of Electronic Logging Device (ELD) vendors, revoking several devices found non-compliant with technical specifications. Fleets should proactively monitor FMCSA’s revoked ELD list to avoid compliance lapses. Selecting reputable vendors and enabling FMCSA notifications is crucial.


5. Nuclear Verdicts and Industry Litigation

Massive jury verdicts against companies like Werner and Wabash continued to reshape fleet risk management. In one notable case, a multi-million-dollar verdict against Wabash highlighted the industry’s exposure to liability despite regulatory compliance. These verdicts underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous safety programs, monitoring CSA scores, and ensuring comprehensive driver training.


Regulatory Outlook for 2025


1. New U.S. Administration and Policy Shifts

With a Republican administration taking office, fleets can anticipate a regulatory slowdown. If past patterns hold, the FMCSA may scale back rulemaking efforts, possibly reinstating policies like the “two-for-one” regulation rollback, where two rules must be repealed for each new one implemented. Check out our prior Trucksafe LIVE! episode in which we were joined by the former Chief Safety Officer for the FMCSA to discuss this topic in detail.


2. Updated CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS)

FMCSA is expected to implement long-awaited changes to its CSA SMS in 2025. These updates could significantly impact how fleets' safety records are evaluated, emphasizing transparency and accuracy in compliance efforts. Check out this article for a breakdown of these planned changes.


3. Speed Limiter Rule Reconsideration

Though speed limiter mandates have been on the regulatory agenda for years, implementation remains uncertain. The proposed rule, previously delayed, faces an uphill battle under the incoming administration.


4. Safety Fitness Determinations Overhaul

FMCSA has hinted that it may revisit its approach to safety ratings, possibly tying them to CSA scores. If adopted, more fleets could receive official safety ratings, which could increase compliance risks but also reward well-managed carriers. Check out our past article on this topic here.


5. Autonomous Trucking Regulations

Despite ongoing technological advancements, federal autonomous trucking regulations remain stalled. While industry adoption continues, FMCSA and NHTSA have made little regulatory progress, leaving fleets navigating uncharted legal territory.


Conclusion

Fleets operating in 2025 must remain adaptable amid a changing regulatory environment. By staying informed about upcoming rule changes and enhancing compliance programs, carriers can better navigate evolving challenges while seizing new opportunities for operational efficiency. For continuous updates and in-depth regulatory insights, subscribe to the Trucksafe newsletter, join our Trucksafe Network, and explore our comprehensive DOT compliance resources.


About Trucksafe Consulting, LLC: Trucksafe Consulting is a full-service DOT regulatory compliance consulting and training service. We help carriers develop, implement, and improve their safety programs, through personalized services, industry-leading training, and a library of educational content. Trucksafe also hosts a livestream podcast on its various social media channels called Trucksafe LIVE! to discuss hot-button issues impacting highway transportation. Trucksafe is owned and operated by Brandon Wiseman and Jerad Childress, transportation attorneys who've assisted some of the nation’s leading fleets to develop and maintain cutting-edge safety programs. You can learn more about Trucksafe online at www.trucksafe.com and by following Trucksafe on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Or subscribe to Trucksafe's newsletter for the latest highway transportation news & analysis. Also, be sure to check out eRegs, the first app-based digital version of the federal safety regulations aimed at helping carriers and drivers better understand and comply with the regulations.

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