US DOT Needs to Know: Which Regulations are Pointless?

US DOT Seeks Public Input to Cut Costs and Simplify Trucking Rules

New Executive Orders Push US DOT for Deregulation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants help from the public. The agency is asking for ideas on which transportation rules should be removed, changed, or updated. This effort is part of a larger plan from the federal government to reduce red tape and cut down on costs.

Two new executive orders are behind this effort.

The first is Executive Order 14192. It was signed on January 31, 2025. This order requires all federal agencies, including the US DOT, to get rid of at least 10 old rules for every new one they create. It also says the overall cost of regulations for 2025 must be “significantly less than zero.”

The second is Executive Order 14219. It was issued on February 19, 2025. This order calls for the federal government to focus on rules that follow the Constitution. It also targets rules that are no longer useful or place unfair burdens on businesses. The goal is to get rid of rules that slow down progress, hurt innovation, or block economic growth.

US DOT Opens Public Comment Period

To follow the executive orders, the DOT has published a Request for Information (RFI). The department wants comments from the public. They want to hear about specific rules, reports, or guidance documents that could be changed or removed.

The DOT encourages anyone who is affected by transportation rules to speak up. This includes state and local governments, tribal governments, small businesses, truck drivers, transportation companies, and trade groups.

Comments can be submitted online at regulations.gov. Use Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0026. The deadline is May 5th, 2025.

Spotlight on Burdens Affecting Trucking

This review could bring big changes to the trucking industry. The US DOT is looking for rules that fall under seven categories listed in Executive Order 14219. These include:

• Unconstitutional or legally questionable rules.
• Rules that go beyond what Congress allowed.
• Rules that do not match the plain meaning of the law.
• Any rules that affect major economic or social issues but lack clear legal backing.
• Rules that cost more than the benefits they offer.
• Rules that harm national interests by slowing down projects or hurting economic growth.
• Any rules that make life harder for small businesses or stop people from starting new ones.

Truck drivers, fleet managers, and business owners may want to point out rules that fall into one or more of these categories.

US DOT: Focus on Cutting Costs

Another major goal is to reduce how much it costs to follow the rules. The DOT wants to hear from people with real-world data. They want to know how much time and money is spent following certain rules. They also want to know how much could be saved if changes were made.

The RFI includes a list of 12 questions to guide responses. These questions ask about rules that no longer make sense or are not working as expected. They also ask about rules that may conflict with newer government policies. The DOT also wants to hear ideas about how technology could make things easier or less expensive.

For example, the DOT asks:
“Are there regulations, guidance, or reporting requirements that simply make no sense or have become unnecessary, ineffective, or ill-advised?”
They also ask whether “regulations, guidance, or reporting requirements…can be repealed without impairing DOT’s ability to comply with its statutory obligations?”

Ongoing Feedback Welcomed

The DOT has also set up an email for continued suggestions:
Transportation.RegulatoryInfo@dot.gov.

Even after the 30-day comment period ends, people can still use that address to submit ideas about rules they believe should be reviewed.

All feedback submitted through the RFI will be posted publicly at regulations.gov. The DOT says this process is just the start of a wider review. Their goal is to act “in a lawful, prudent, and financially responsible manner” while managing costs for both the government and the public.

Looking Ahead

This is a good chance for the trucking industry to speak up. Rules about hours of service, inspections, emissions, and reporting could all be reviewed. If the rules are outdated or costly, they may be eligible for change or repeal.

By taking part in this process, truckers, carriers, and other groups can help shape future regulations. These changes could ease burdens on truck drivers, make compliance easier, reduce costs, and support long-term growth in the industry.

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