Top 5 Benefits Of FMCSA's Deregulation For Trucking Companies

Did you know that the trucking industry is responsible for moving nearly 70% of all freight in the United States? With such a significant role in the economy, any changes to regulations can have a profound impact on trucking companies. FMCSA's deregulation for trucking companies has introduced a new landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities. In this article, we will explore the top five benefits of this deregulation, providing insights into how it can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately drive growth for your business.

FMCSA Deregulatory Measures Gain Industry Support

The trucking industry has expressed its support for the FMCSA's initiative to eliminate regulatory obstacles aimed at reducing compliance challenges for motor carriers, as evidenced by feedback submitted to the agency. In May, FMCSA implemented 18 deregulatory measures, several of which are expected to significantly benefit carriers without jeopardizing safety. One notable proposal involves rescinding the requirement for truck drivers to keep the operator’s manual for their electronic logging device (ELD) in the vehicle. FMCSA noted in its proposal that “there is no readily apparent benefit to continuing to require that the users’ manual be in the [truck],” a sentiment echoed by many respondents.

Industry Voices on ELD Manual Requirements

Rob Underwood, president of the Energy Marketers of America (EMA), highlighted that eliminating this manual-carry requirement would declutter the vehicle cab, streamline compliance audits, and allow fuel marketers to concentrate on ensuring driver proficiency with ELDs rather than on maintaining redundant documentation. He remarked, “This proposal exemplifies a practical approach to regulatory reform that retains core safety objectives while reducing paperwork burdens for small businesses.”

Veolia North America, a company specializing in environmental services and hazardous materials transportation, also supports this change. Jennifer Fletcher, the transportation compliance director, emphasized that while training drivers on their ELD systems is essential, “training programs should already emphasize driver proficiency with the ELD system and access to its support resources.” She added that this regulatory adjustment would alleviate burdens without compromising safety and enhance operational efficiency during inspections.

Overall, FMCSA's deregulation for trucking companies represents a significant step toward balancing safety standards with reduced regulatory demands.

Differing Opinions on Deregulation

A consensus emerged among many commenters regarding FMCSA's deregulation for trucking companies. One individual expressed that it is unjust for anyone to incur an FMCSA violation simply because they lack a physical instruction manual for equipment that they should be knowledgeable about, especially when a digital manual is readily accessible.

Conversely, another commenter advocated for the continuation of the existing rule, arguing that the diversity of systems in use warrants the necessity of maintaining an operating manual on hand. This illustrates that while support for deregulation is widespread, not all industry participants are aligned on every detail.

Roadside Inspection Form Requirements

Additionally, FMCSA has suggested modifications to the existing requirement that mandates motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers to sign and return completed roadside inspection forms to the relevant state agency within 15 days, confirming that all required repairs have been completed.

The issue with this federal regulation lies in the fact that not all state agencies necessitate the return of these forms. Imposing a regulation that compels carriers to return forms to states that do not require them creates an unnecessary burden, according to FMCSA. To address this concern, FMCSA proposed eliminating the obligation for roadside inspection forms to be returned to the issuing agency unless specifically requested by that agency.

This initiative was sparked by a petition from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in 2024. CVSA highlighted that this change would offer regulatory relief for the industry while still allowing jurisdictions the discretion to request form returns if they deem it beneficial for safety.

Industry Response to Inspection Form Changes

The Energy Marketers Association (EMA) echoed this sentiment, stating that the regulation "has outlived its utility in an era of electronic records and digital inspection processes." They further noted that this targeted deregulatory measure would enable the energy marketing sector to allocate resources more effectively toward ensuring the safe and timely delivery of fuels.

Industry groups have largely welcomed this adjustment, viewing it as a balanced step toward modernization that still preserves safety oversight. The ability of agencies to request forms when needed ensures that regulatory accountability is not lost, while carriers are spared from unnecessary administrative obligations.

Accident Reporting and “Medical Treatment” Definition

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed a revision to the definition of "medical treatment" specifically for accident reporting by motor carriers. This modification aims to provide clarity to the trucking industry regarding what qualifies as an accident, aligning with existing guidelines.

The FMCSA suggests incorporating a new paragraph into the regulations that specifies medical treatment excludes x-rays and other imaging techniques, such as CT scans. Furthermore, it states that individuals who do not receive treatment for diagnosed injuries or any medical intervention directly related to the accident are not considered to have undergone “medical treatment.”

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) expressed support for this amendment but urged for more comprehensive changes in the rulemaking process. ATA Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath highlighted the challenges in acquiring medical information about third parties involved in commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accidents, stating that such efforts can often be extremely difficult or even impossible.

Calls for Fairness in Accident Reporting

Horvath emphasized that motor carriers who have made genuine efforts to obtain this information, yet fail due to circumstances beyond their control, should not face violations for missing medical details. He encouraged the FMCSA to take this perspective into account as it finalizes its deregulation efforts for trucking companies.

This reflects a broader theme in industry feedback: while carriers support regulatory streamlining, they also seek fairness in how rules are applied, particularly in situations outside of their control.

Conclusion: Balancing Safety and Efficiency

The FMCSA’s recent deregulatory initiatives demonstrate a growing effort to modernize compliance requirements in ways that reduce administrative burdens without compromising safety. From eliminating unnecessary ELD manual requirements to revising outdated inspection form processes and clarifying accident reporting rules, these reforms aim to create a fairer, more efficient regulatory environment.

Industry voices have largely welcomed these changes, though some debate remains on specific measures. Ultimately, the success of these reforms will depend on striking the right balance between simplifying compliance and maintaining rigorous safety standards that protect both carriers and the public.

Stay Compliant in a Changing Regulatory Landscape

As FMCSA continues to update and refine regulations, staying informed is more important than ever for trucking companies and drivers. While deregulatory measures are helping reduce unnecessary burdens, compliance with core safety requirements—like DOT drug and alcohol testing—remains essential.

At Labworks USA, we specialize in supporting drivers and carriers with DOT drug and alcohol testing programs, including random testing and FMCSA Clearinghouse registration. Our DOT Consortium’s friendly team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you remain fully compliant while focusing on what matters most—safe and efficient operations.

Stay connected with us for the latest insights, compliance updates, and practical solutions that help you navigate the evolving trucking industry with confidence.

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