Hey there, fellow trucking enthusiasts! It’s Danilo Silva, and today we’re delving into the complexities of the trucking industry, guided by insights from David Heller, the senior vice president of government affairs and safety at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).
Navigating the Regulatory Maze Keeping up with the ever-evolving trucking regulations can be quite a task, but it’s essential to ensure the industry’s smooth operation. To shed light on these matters, TCA offers a monthly webinar to provide clarity on ongoing legislative developments and the association’s stance.
January Webinar Highlights
In the latest January webinar, David Heller covered a plethora of critical issues affecting the industry. Here are some key takeaways:
1. Rising Fatality Crashes:
In 2021, fatality crashes involving large trucks reached 5,370, with 872 truck drivers losing their lives. This alarming statistic underscores the need for enhanced safety measures on our roadways. Talks are underway in Washington, D.C., to address this concerning trend.
2. Truck Parking Woes:
Truck parking woes continue to plague the industry, with professional truck drivers facing a pressing challenge. Unauthorized parking in side streets and freeway ramps near truck stops is a common sight. On average, drivers lose around $5,000 due to time spent searching for parking. However, progress is being made with bills like House Bill 2367 and Senate Bill 1035, which aim to allocate $755 million over three years to tackle the issue.
3. Infrastructure Spending:
While the $110 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021 was a significant step forward, the rapid increase in construction costs poses challenges. The allocated funding may not suffice to meet the rising costs of road and bridge construction.
4. Ongoing Legislation:
Several important pieces of legislation are currently under discussion on Capitol Hill. These include the Highway Accident Fairness Act, size and weight regulations, autonomous vehicle legislation, and driver-centric bills like the License Acts and Veterans or Truck Driver Incentive Acts. An anti-speed limiter bill is also on the agenda.
5. Impact of Upcoming Elections:
With the 2024 November presidential election on the horizon, the political landscape may influence the fate of pending legislation as parties vie for support.
6. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse:
The issue of drivers testing positive for alcohol or controlled substances and bypassing the return-to-duty process continues to grow. Marijuana, accounting for 57.2% of identified substances, remains a key concern, especially in states with legalized recreational use.
7. Testing Methods:
Oral fluid and hair follicle testing are subjects of ongoing discussion. While the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced oral fluid testing, certified laboratories are still pending. Hair testing, while effective, awaits approval for inclusion in the Clearinghouse.
8. Speed Limiter Rule:
The speed limiter rule, initially set for December 29, 2023, has been postponed until at least May. Despite receiving over 15,000 comments on the proposal, a final ruling has yet to be issued.
Additional Topics Covered
David Heller also touched on several other important topics, including changes to the compliance, safety, and accountability program, carrier fitness determination, the young driver apprenticeship program, proposals for trailer side underride guards, automatic emergency braking, lawsuit abuse, and the growing influence of electric vehicles in the industry.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, informed truckers are safer truckers!