With President Donald Trump re-elected, the U.S. trucking industry is preparing for what’s next. Leading trucking groups like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) see the Trump re-election as a chance to improve trucking rules. In Canada, officials are also watching closely, as this could affect trade between the two countries.

ATA’s Main Goals: Better Emission Standards and Tax Cuts

The ATA congratulated Trump on his win and says it looks forward to working with him. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear praised Trump’s first term, highlighting his efforts to improve the supply chain and economy.

A key goal for the ATA is to change the current EPA emission rules for trucks. The group wants more realistic standards that work for the industry. Spear said these standards should be “technologically achievable and account for the operational realities of our essential industry.”

The ATA also wants to work with Congress on tax changes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire, and ATA sees this as a chance to cut taxes. They are focused on removing the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers, a tax that they say makes it harder for trucking companies to buy safer, cleaner trucks.

The ATA also wants to support independent truckers and reduce lawsuit abuse, which it sees as an issue for the industry. These steps, the ATA says, will create a fair and balanced system for everyone involved.

OOIDA’s Goals: More Parking and No Speed Limiters

OOIDA, a group representing small trucking businesses, also congratulated Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. OOIDA President Todd Spencer hopes that Trump’s new term will support a “pro-trucker agenda” that improves safety and job conditions for truckers.

One big issue for OOIDA is stopping a rule that would require speed limiters on large trucks. OOIDA argues that these devices make driving more dangerous because they create big speed differences between vehicles on the road. Spencer noted that Vance co-sponsored the DRIVE Act, a bill that would stop speed limiters from being required.

OOIDA is also pushing for more parking options for truckers. The group supports the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a bill to create more parking spaces and improve current ones. Finding safe parking is a major challenge for drivers, and OOIDA believes that more parking is crucial for their safety.

Canada’s Concerns: Keeping Trade Smooth

In Canada, officials are also paying close attention to Trump’s re-election. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Trump and spoke about the strong trade ties between the U.S. and Canada. In 2023, trade between the two countries was worth $1.3 trillion, with $3.5 billion moving across the border every day.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also urged the two nations to continue working together. The Chamber is concerned about some of Trump’s proposed policies, like new tariffs, which they believe could hurt Canada’s economy. They want both countries to avoid trade barriers and keep goods moving smoothly. With the 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) coming up, the Chamber sees this as an important time to strengthen trade.

What to Expect: Big Plans for Trucking in the Next Four Years

The next four years bring many possibilities for the trucking industry. The ATA hopes that the Trump administration will bring new emission rules that work for truckers. They also look forward to tax changes, which could help companies buy newer, safer trucks.

For OOIDA, the main priorities are adding more truck parking and stopping the speed limiter mandate. With Vance’s support, OOIDA is optimistic that these changes could happen soon.

Both the ATA and OOIDA are hopeful that Trump’s second term will bring positive changes for truckers. Canada, meanwhile, is focused on keeping its trade relationship with the U.S. strong. As these policies take shape, the trucking industry is ready to adapt and work on issues that impact drivers across North America.