Speed Limiter Proposal: Trucking Groups' Official Letter to Trump

Trucking Coalition Pushes Trump to Stop Speed Limiter Rule

A group of trucking and business organizations is asking President-Elect Donald Trump to stop a proposed rule. The rule would require speed-limiting devices on large trucks. This regulation, known as the speed limiter mandate, is being developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The agency plans to publish the rule in the spring of 2025.

The proposed rule would apply to commercial vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds. These trucks would need electronic engine control units (ECUs) to cap their top speeds. The exact speed limit would be decided during the rulemaking process.

Industry Groups Speak Out Against Speed Limiter Proposal

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is leading a coalition opposing the rule. They argue the mandate would harm safety on highways. It could also make it harder to hire and keep drivers. Additionally, they believe it would slow down freight movement and increase traffic congestion.

The coalition sent a letter to Trump on January 16. In the letter, they urged him to halt the FMCSA’s efforts. They also highlighted how the mandate would affect trucking companies and other industries, such as agriculture and construction.

Why the Speed Limiter Rule Faces Opposition

The coalition’s letter outlined several problems with the proposed rule. These concerns focus on safety, driver retention, and the economy.

1. Safety Issues

The coalition argues the rule would create speed differences between trucks and passenger vehicles. Research shows that larger speed differences lead to more vehicle interactions. This increases the risk of crashes.

2. Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Drivers

Many truck drivers oppose speed limiters. The FMCSA received nearly 16,000 public comments on the issue, and most drivers spoke out against the rule. They feel that limiting truck speeds makes it harder to control their vehicles. It also increases their stress and fatigue. Drivers need to work longer hours to cover the same distances, which adds to their burden.

3. Freight Delays and Economic Impacts

The proposed rule would slow the movement of goods across the country. Slower trucks mean more vehicles would be needed to move the same amount of freight. This would cause more congestion on the roads. It could also increase costs for businesses and consumers, hurting the economy.

Call for Deregulatory Action

The coalition is asking Trump to return to the deregulatory approach from his first term. They want him to stop the speed limiter mandate and remove it from the regulatory agenda. In their view, the rule would harm the trucking industry, small businesses, and the economy.

The letter states, “This mandate will be bad for road safety, driver retention, and supply chain performance. While a speed limiter mandate may be thought as something affecting only the ‘trucking’ industry, FMCSA’s proposal would apply to every commercial truck weighing over 26,000 pounds.”

It also recalls how the rule was first introduced in 2016 under the Obama Administration. Trump removed it from the regulatory agenda during his presidency. However, the FMCSA revived it in 2022, renewing concerns from the trucking industry.

Broad Industry Support Against Speed Limiter Mandate

The coalition represents a wide range of industries affected by the mandate. These include agriculture, construction, and materials. Groups like the Agricultural Retailers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Western States Trucking Association are among the supporters.

In the letter, the coalition warns of the potential consequences. They say, “This mandate will also literally slow freight movement across the country. To account for this, more trucks will be needed to carry the same amount of freight in the same amount of time, which would increase road congestion.”

Looking Ahead

The FMCSA is moving forward with plans to publish the proposed rule. Meanwhile, the trucking industry is pushing back strongly. With Trump set to take office, the coalition hopes he will take swift action to stop the mandate. The outcome could have a significant impact on trucking regulations and freight movement across the United States.