Trucking Regulations Targeted in Push for Deregulation

Federal Push to Ease Burdensome Trucking Regulations

Federal officials are reviewing trucking regulations that may be putting too much pressure on small businesses. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently asked for ideas on which rules should be changed or removed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy responded with a list of concerns. Many of these concerns came directly from small businesses in the trucking industry.

This review is part of a larger plan by President Trump’s administration. The goal is to reduce government red tape. Supporters of the plan say it will help small businesses grow by removing outdated or overly complex rules.

Trucking regulations were a key focus in the comments submitted by the Office of Advocacy.

Paperwork Still a Heavy Burden Under Trucking Regulations

Trucking companies face a major paperwork load. Much of this comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

According to the Office of Advocacy, the Department of Transportation (DOT) imposes about $2.4 billion in paperwork-related costs every year. Of that amount, $2.1 billion is tied directly to motor carriers.

That paperwork adds up to more than 178 million hours of work each year. For small carriers, especially owner-operators, this is a huge strain. They often do not have staff to handle these tasks.

Advocacy is urging the DOT and FMCSA to simplify forms. They are also asking the agencies to cut out duplicate paperwork and make rules easier to follow. These steps could free up both time and money for small trucking businesses.

Nine Trucking Regulations Criticized by Small Businesses

The Office of Advocacy highlighted nine trucking regulations that are causing problems for small carriers. These rules are seen as outdated, too strict, or harmful to day-to-day operations.

1. Trucking Regulations on Hours of Service Need Flexibility

Hours of Service (HOS) rules are meant to keep drivers from getting too tired. But small carriers say the current rules are too rigid. They can even make driving more dangerous. Drivers may have to stay on the road during heavy traffic, bad weather, or when they are not well rested.

FMCSA made some changes to the HOS rules in 2020. However, small carriers say those changes didn’t go far enough.

Advocacy suggests pilot programs that allow more flexibility. Some of these ideas include split-duty periods and separate rules for short-haul drivers. There is also support for exemptions for owner-operators and certain haulers, such as those who transport fuel or livestock.

2. Entry-Level Driver Training Rules Add High Costs

Trucking regulations now require new CDL drivers to take courses from federally approved providers. These courses can be expensive. Some cost up to $8,000 per driver.

Small carriers say these rules make it harder to hire new drivers. They want more flexibility. For example, they would like to train drivers themselves or use online training programs.

Advocacy supports changes to reduce costs. They suggest relaxing the training requirements for drivers who don’t haul hazardous materials or drive long distances.

3. Speed Limiter Trucking Regulations Raise Safety Risks

A proposed rule would require speed limiters on all heavy-duty trucks. The limit could be set as low as 60 mph.

Small carriers argue that this creates unsafe driving conditions. Trucks moving much slower than surrounding traffic could increase crash risks. It could also hurt business by slowing down deliveries.

Advocacy is asking FMCSA to withdraw the proposal. They say a one-size-fits-all rule does not make sense. Safety should remain a top priority, but with more flexibility for different driving conditions.

4. Broker Transparency Rule Divides the Industry

New trucking regulations could require freight brokers to share transaction details with carriers. Small carriers support the idea. They say it will promote fairness and stop fraud.

But small freight brokers are pushing back. They say the rule would hurt their ability to compete. They also worry that sharing financial information could put their businesses at risk.

Advocacy suggests that FMCSA gather more input. They recommend working with both carriers and brokers to find a balanced solution.

5. Minor Violations Can Damage CSA Scores

Small carriers are often penalized for issues that don’t affect safety. These include worn mud flaps or faded reflective tape. Yet, these minor violations can hurt a carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score.

Lower CSA scores can lead to higher insurance premiums. This is a big problem for small companies.

Advocacy is asking for a grace period for fixing minor problems on the spot. This would protect a carrier’s safety score without compromising real safety.

6. English Proficiency Trucking Regulations Need Consistent Enforcement

Truck drivers must speak and understand English. That’s part of federal safety regulations. But the rule is not always enforced the same way across the country.

Some drivers do not understand how to use electronic logging devices. Others may struggle to follow safety instructions. These issues can lead to accidents or compliance problems.

Small carriers want the rule enforced fairly and equally. Advocacy agrees. They say consistent enforcement will improve safety and level the playing field.

7. Fire Extinguisher Rules Are Out of Date

FMCSA still uses fire extinguisher standards from the 1990s. Small carriers say this leads to unfair citations. In some areas, drivers are getting fined for using equipment that meets modern safety standards but doesn’t match old rules.

Advocacy wants FMCSA to update the rules to match current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. They also want FMCSA and OSHA to work together to avoid confusion.

8. HazMat Testing Should Match the Job

Drivers who haul hazardous materials must pass a special test. But many small carriers say the test covers topics that don’t apply to their work.

For example, drivers who haul fuel may still be asked about transporting radioactive materials. This creates high failure rates and hiring problems.

Advocacy recommends tailoring the test based on the type of job. That way, drivers are tested on what they actually do.

9. Emergency Waivers Should Be Easier to Predict

During natural disasters, FMCSA can issue emergency waivers. These allow haulers of fuel, food, or livestock to continue working under special rules.

But small carriers say these waivers often come too late. That makes it hard to plan ahead.

Advocacy recommends creating a standard process. If a disaster is expected, they say FMCSA should issue waivers at least five days in advance.

Looking Ahead

The SBA Office of Advocacy held a roundtable in April 2025. Many trucking companies attended and shared their experiences. They explained how certain trucking regulations are hurting their business.

Now, the DOT and OMB will review the feedback. They will decide which rules to change or remove. It is not yet clear which changes will be approved. But the concerns of small carriers are now on the record.

If changes are made, they could cut costs, improve safety, and help small trucking companies stay competitive.