
View from the driver's seat of a truck of the highway
View from the driver's seat of a truck of the highway and a landscape of fields at dawn.
As we prepare to head into 2025, the trucking industry faces a number of potential regulatory changes aimed at making roads safer and fleets more sustainable. These changes present both challenges and opportunities for truck operators. Our goal is to help you stay ahead of these shifts without compromising efficiency or profitability.
This blog will discuss important new regulations and proposals. We will explain their reasons and costs for small fleets. We will also provide steps that fleet owners and owner-operators can take to stay compliant.
Proposed Regulatory Changes
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems
Overview: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is looking to mandate Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in new heavy trucks starting as early as spring 2025. This regulation was set for April 2024 but has experienced delays and is still only a proposed change at this time.
If passed, the regulation will require AEB systems for Class 3 to 6 heavy trucks. These trucks weigh between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. The rule will also apply to Class 7 and 8 vehicles (vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds).
Existing Class 3 to Class 6 trucks would have three years to be retrofitted with AEB systems, and Class 7 and 8 vehicles would have four years to comply. The rule aims to prevent about 19,118 crashes each year and could save 155 lives annually, translating to a net benefit of up to $2.6 billion.
Cost Implications for Small Fleets: Installing AEB systems can add approximately $1,500 to $3,000 per vehicle. For small fleets with few trucks, this cost can strain budgets, especially if they need to buy or upgrade several vehicles.
How to Prepare:
- Fleet Upgrades: Ensure any new trucks purchased are AEB-compliant.
- Driver Training: Incorporate AEB functionality into driver safety training to familiarize drivers with how the system operates.
Speed Limiters
Overview: In May 2025, the FMCSA plans to propose a speed limiter rule for heavy trucks, potentially capping truck speeds. The specifics on maximum speed remain undecided, sparking debate over safety concerns in high-speed zones. The proposal wants to require electronic speed governors in trucks that weigh over 26,000 pounds. However, it does not set a clear upper speed limit.
Cost Implications for Small Fleets: The investment in speed governor technology may require initial fees for installation, potentially ranging from $500 to $1,500 per vehicle. Additionally, adjusting operational schedules may lead to increased costs due to longer transport times.
- How to Prepare:
- Stay Informed: Monitor any FMCSA speed limiter rule updates to stay ahead of any changing requirements.
- Gradual Adoption: Consider testing speed limiters on select vehicles to evaluate the impacts in high-speed areas.
Expanded Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP)
Overview: The FMCSA's CPDP will be expanded to include four new crash categories, allowing fleet owners to contest more types of accidents as non-preventable. This change aims to improve the accuracy of safety data and ensures that carriers are not penalized for incidents beyond their control.
Expanded Categories:
- A motorist operating in the same direction struck the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on the side.
- The CMV was struck because another motorist entered the roadway from a private driveway or parking lot.
- The CMV was struck because another motorist lost control of their vehicle.
- Any other type of crash outside the CPDP categories if there is video depicting the sequence of events.
- Benefits of the Expanded CPDP:
- Fair Assessment: The expansion will facilitate a fairer evaluation of a carrier’s safety performance, distinguishing between avoidable and non-avoidable incidents.
- Data Accuracy: Better data on non-preventable crashes will improve the FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS). This will help ensure that only drivers who exhibit real risky behaviors get flagged.
- Morale Boost: Recognizing drivers who are not at fault in accidents can boost their morale, increasing job satisfaction in the industry.
Cost Implications for Small Fleets: While there may not be direct costs associated with the implementation of CPDP, there is a potential for reduced liability insurance premiums due to improved safety scores, which can offer financial relief over time.
- How to Prepare:
- Review Safety Records: Conduct a thorough review of past accidents to identify patterns and determine which incidents might fall under the new categories.
- Meticulous Documentation: Implement an organized system for documenting accidents, including details, witness statements, and any available video evidence.
- Dispute Preparation: Prepare a protocol for disputing crashes based on the new classifications, ensuring all necessary evidence is gathered and presented professionally.
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Compliance
Overview: Starting November 2024, drivers with a “prohibited” status in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will lose their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety.
Cost Implications for Small Fleets: Conducting regular checks in the Clearinghouse may incur minimal costs, but implementing training programs aimed at fostering a culture of safety regarding substance use may require additional resources.
- How to Prepare:
- Regular Queries: Set up a schedule to consistently perform annual queries for each driver to ensure ongoing Clearinghouse compliance.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: Establish clear policies regarding substance violations and provide necessary support resources for drivers.
MC Number Elimination
Overview: By October 2025, the FMCSA will eliminate the use of Motor Carrier (MC) Numbers, shifting to USDOT numbers as the sole identifier for motor carriers. This change aims to reduce fraud and streamline the registration process.
Cost Implications for Small Fleets: Transitioning to USDOT numbers may require administrative efforts and possible costs associated with updating paperwork and notifying clients, though these should be manageable and minimal compared to the potential savings from fraud reduction.
- How to Prepare:
- Transition Planning: Update your records and systems for exclusive use of USDOT numbers.
- Training: Inform and educate staff on the upcoming changes to guarantee a smooth transition.
California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Rule and ZEV Adoption
Overview: California has enacted the ACF regulation mandating that all new additions to drayage fleets be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), with compliance deadlines set for 2035. This rule is expected to influence national standards as more states, including New York and New Jersey, pursue similar environmental goals.
Cost Implications for Small Fleets: While transitioning to ZEVs can come with significant initial investments—typically ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 for new electric trucks—there are grants and incentives available to offset these costs. Investing in infrastructure for charging stations or hydrogen fueling will also add to the financial burden.
- How to Prepare:
- Evaluate Long-Term Goals: For fleets operating in or around California, begin evaluating ZEV options and potentially hybrid solutions.
- Leverage Incentives: Research available grants or subsidies for reducing the financial impact of the transition to ZEVs.
Key Takeaways
- Stay Ahead of Changes: Regularly monitor FMCSA updates to stay informed of regulatory shifts.
- Proactive Compliance: Preparing ahead can help minimize disruptions and provide opportunities for savings and efficiency.
- Leverage Michelin Expertise: Michelin is committed to supporting fleet operators through upcoming regulatory changes with a wide array of resources and industry expertise.
Conclusion
While the impending regulatory changes may present challenges, they also offer opportunities for fleets to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Michelin is dedicated to helping you stay informed and prepared. By understanding these changes and acting proactively, fleets can position themselves for success in the future.
For more information or guidance on how Michelin can support your fleet, reach out to us today.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/heavy-vehicles-automatic-emergency-braking-proposed-rule
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2023-13622
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/06/2023-13622/heavy-vehicle-automatic-emergency-braking-aeb-test-devices
https://www.truckingdive.com/news/speed-limiter-rulemaking-postponed-may-2025/720810/
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/13/2023-07818/crash-preventability-determination-program
https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/