Understanding the Regulatory Environment of Expedited Trucking

Nick Terry • January 26, 2024

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2024 is shaping up to be a rollercoaster year for expedited trucking and the trucking industry as a whole. Think of it as a highway under constant construction, with new speed limits and safety signs emerging. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are ramping up their game – imposing heftier fines for non-compliance. On the horizon, there are potential new laws. Imagine trucks mandated to have built-in speed caps, automatic braking systems, or Electronic Identification Devices becoming the standard, requiring you to upgrade your fleet just as you would swap an old phone for a smart one.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. For everyone in expedited trucking, it's time to buckle up, stay alert, adapt, and keep pace with the pros, cons, changes, and proposed changes we’ll discuss in this article.

Key Regulatory Changes in the Trucking Industry for 2024

Let’s first focus on three critical areas of change: stricter enforcement, higher fines, and new safety regulations.

Stricter Enforcement and Financial Penalties

The FMCSA is adopting a tougher stance with increased fines for non-compliance. This move isn't just a random decision; it's part of a yearly update required by a law passed in 2015, known as the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act. This law is about keeping fines in step with inflation, ensuring they remain a strong deterrent against violations.

As a result, if you find yourself caught bending the rules – say, falsifying records or ignoring out-of-service orders – expect to feel a heavier pinch in your wallet. To put it into perspective, the penalty for falsifying records has jumped from $14,960 to $15,445. It clearly signals that the FMCSA is serious about reinforcing safety and compliance, especially for smaller trucking businesses that might more acutely feel the impact of these increased fines.

Other Adjustments in Civil Penalty Amounts

DOT has also updated civil penalty amounts for various infractions in line with inflation in response to economic changes and to ensure that fines continue to deter regulatory violations effectively. As of January 2024, significant adjustments include increased penalties for premerger filing notification violations under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Improvements Act (from $50,120 to $51,744), violations of cease and desist orders under the Clayton Act (from $26,628 to $27,491), and several infractions under the FTC Act, including unfair or deceptive acts (each from $50,120 to $51,744). Additionally, penalties for failures to file required reports and maintain necessary records under several acts have increased from $659 to $680.

Potential New Federal Laws

On top of the harsher fines and penalties, the trucking industry is also facing some proposed new federal rules and regulations focused on vehicle safety and employment practices:

Speed Limiters on Trucks: Balancing speed, safety, and service is a constant trucking challenge, and The FMCSA is getting involved with a proposal to mandate speed limiters on commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds. Proposed initially to cap speeds at 68 mph, this specific limit was later retracted, pending a final decision after public comment. This change aims to enhance road safety by controlling truck speeds on interstate highways.
Automatic Emergency Braking Systems: There is a proposed rule, expected to be finalized by April 2024, for the mandatory inclusion of automatic emergency braking systems on new commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds. This development is part of ongoing efforts to reduce accidents and improve safety standards in heavy truck operations.
California's AB5 Labor Law: Potentially expanding to the federal level, California's AB5 law is redefining the classification of many independent contractors and gig workers as employees. This shift could significantly impact employment practices within the trucking industry, aiming to provide more worker protections while potentially requiring business model adjustments.

Potential Technological and Sustainable Trucking Changes in 2024

Beyond the key regulatory changes we discussed above, there are two other ones to consider. One is the proposed Electronic Identification Devices (UIDs) requirement by FMCSA, and the other is California's Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation. While one is a proposal and the other is already in motion, they each signal a trucking industry on the cusp of significant changes in technology and regulation driven by environmental concerns, safety measures, and the need for increased efficiency.

Electronic Identification Devices (UIDs) Requirement by FMCSA

Since September 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been pushing a game-changing rule for commercial motor vehicles: requiring Unique Identification Devices (UIDs). Sparked by a petition from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), this proposal would equip every interstate commercial vehicle with technology to transmit a unique ID to safety enforcement personnel wirelessly. The goal? To boost safety and compliance monitoring by pinpointing vehicles needing inspections and honing in on higher-risk carriers and drivers.

However, there's a catch: privacy concerns. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey reveals growing unease: 71% of Americans worry about how the government uses their data, up from 64% in 2019. People feel powerless over their data, with 73% concerned about companies and 79% about government handling. Unsurprisingly, these concerns center on using, accessing, and securing data gathered through UIDs.

California's Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation

Effective 2024, California's Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation ushers in a new era in transportation, mandating 5% to 9% of truck sales to be zero-emission, depending on the category. This pioneering initiative aims to diminish emissions and foster clean technology, aligning with California's vision to transition to a zero-emissions transport system by 2045. However, even though zero-emission vehicles are emission-free during operation, they still emit pollutants during their construction and the production of energy carriers. Moreover, the higher costs associated with zero-emission vehicles stemming from vehicle prices, new fueling infrastructure, and performance attributes are challenging, particularly for small fleet operators. Such operators bear the brunt of operational changes and financial pressures due to these higher costs while managing limited resources.

Strategies for Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape

Now that you have a bird’s eye view of the trucking industry’s new regulatory landscape, what can you do to stay compliant? It requires a strategic approach, and we’ve outlined five tips you can employ:

Regular Training and Updates: Stay informed about the latest FMCSA regulations and ensure that all employees, especially drivers, receive regular training on these updates. This approach helps understand and adhere to new rules, thus minimizing the risk of violations and associated fines.
Investing in Compliance Tools: Utilize advanced software solutions designed for the trucking industry. These tools can track and manage compliance-related tasks, making it easier to adhere to FMCSA regulations. Features like automated alerts, record-keeping, and reporting functionalities are invaluable.
Proactive Maintenance: Regular vehicle maintenance is more important than ever. Ensure that your fleet meets all safety standards to avoid violations related to vehicle condition. Doing so not only helps in compliance but also in ensuring the safety of your operations.
Accurate Record-Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and other compliance-related information. Accurate record-keeping is essential for compliance, particularly with the increasing complexity of regulations and the heightened emphasis on documentation.
Seeking Professional Advice: Consider consulting with legal or compliance experts specializing in the trucking industry. They can provide tailored advice and help with specific challenges and changes in regulations.

On the Fast Track: Closing Remarks on the Evolving Trucking Industry

Expedited trucking in 2024 feels like a high-speed chase with new rules, regulations, and technological advancements. From higher fines to new laws to proposed new laws, it's not just about keeping up; it’s about staying safe, efficient, and profitable no matter what comes your way.

Now's the perfect time to team up with a logistics partner who handles these changes. Entourage Freight Solutions (EFS) is at the forefront with expertise and diverse services. From the demanding world of food service logistics to a wide array of shipping needs, EFS ensures top-notch service with the customer at the center. Addressing everything from full truckload shipments to specialized freight management and using cutting-edge tech, they ensure each shipment is monitored and adapted to changing circumstances, maintaining high service quality and efficiency.

So, why not take the next step? Contact Entourage Freight Solutions, request a quote, and prepare to steer your business through 2024 and beyond.

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Tariffs, Trade Policy, and the Great Freight Fallout

By Nick Terry • April 28, 2025

In 2025, trade policy is no longer something that the freight industry can leave on the back burner. Trade policy today is shaping strategy at every level. From tariff escalations and retaliatory duties to sweeping regulatory changes and targeted maritime fees, supply chain leaders are navigating a freight market in which unpredictability is the only constant. Sourcing decisions are shifting, pricing dynamics are unstable, and long-standing operational models are being rewritten in real time. This edition brings together key stories highlighting the growing pressure across logistics channels. Each development points to an industry moving fast, and often reactively, to keep pace with volatile policy decisions. Tariffs Stall US Freight Recovery as Shippers Pause Orders The recent move by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose entrance fees on Chinese-built ships calling U.S. ports has only added to the confusion and uncertainty gripping global supply chains and freight operations. Shippers are pausing plans and slashing orders, with truckload volumes, containerized imports, and manufacturing output all showing signs of contraction. Ocean freight spot rates have collapsed: Asia-U.S. West Coast rates have fallen 61% since January to $2,050 per FEU, while East Coast rates have dropped 53.7% to $3,100 per FEU . Blank sailings are rising, with vessels leaving Asia half-empty. Amazon and Five Below are among the major retailers reducing orders from Asia. Container imports jumped 15.3% in 2024, but forecasts now predict a 20-27% decline through the summer. Exporters, particularly agriculture and forestry suppliers, are also squeezed, facing 125% retaliatory tariffs from China. Truckload and intermodal rates remain stagnant, while U.S. factory output fell sharply in March. US Apparel Importers Brace for Long-Term Volume Declines According to Trade Partnership Worldwide, a 124.1% tariff on Chinese clothing and footwear is expected to reduce U.S. apparel imports by 1.6% annually . China still accounts for 41.7% of apparel shipments, leaving limited flexibility for diversion. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) is warning of price hikes and mounting infrastructure stress as sourcing pivots toward Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. A looming May 2 deadline for de minimis exemptions could further complicate flows and delay deliveries. Even with a temporary 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs, the policy uncertainty already affects long-term planning. AAFA CEO Steve Lamar calls the shifting policies “chaotic,” and warned that high tariff pressure will hit both importers and U.S. manufacturers reliant on Chinese components. Port and rail capacity limitations at larger gateways are adding to concerns. Retailers now face rising costs, shrinking margins, and operational delays — all while consumer demand continues to shift rapidly. Freight Pricing Gains Lose Momentum According to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index, Q1 truckload rates rose 5.9% above the 2018 baseline, but are expected to decline slightly in Q2. Shippers are responding to tariff threats with aggressive front-loading and shorter-haul routes, driving per-shipment costs to three-year lows. LTL carriers remain focused on profitable lanes and high-quality freight rather than chasing volume. The index forecasts a 0.7% year-over-year increase in LTL rate per pound for Q2 , despite sustained demand softness and macro uncertainty. A key driver behind the softening spot market conditions is a shift to shorter hauls and regionalized distribution, pushing per-shipment costs to their lowest point in more than three years. This trend reflects how retailers and manufacturers are repositioning inventory in response to tariff volatility, as NRF’s Jonathan Gold and DAT analyst Dean Croke noted. Meanwhile, the LTL sector is seeing a 4% rise in fuel surcharges, offsetting lower weights and shorter hauls. With the freight market still under pressure after 26 months of contraction, optimism remains subdued as we enter the midyear period. US Truckload Freight Spot Rates Continue to Fluctuate National benchmark rates have experienced a decline across all categories. As of April 18, dry van decreased by 4 cents to $1.62, reefer by 2 cents to $1.88 , and flatbed by 3 cents to $2.16. This marked the first overall decrease since late January, signaling potential shifts in market dynamics. These changes can be attributed to factors such as tariff uncertainties and tighter capacity, especially affecting the flatbed market. Flatbed rates rely heavily on manufacturing activity in the country, which has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing trade war with China, and to some extent, with the rest of the world. US Finalizes Tiered Fee Plan Targeting Chinese Ships The U.S. is moving forward with a revised plan to levy voyage-based fees on Chinese-owned and Chinese-built ships calling at American ports. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the measure as part of a broader Trump administration effort to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding and logistics while reigniting domestic ship construction and port infrastructure investment. Starting in six months, Chinese operators will be charged $50 per net ton, with an annual increase of $30 for three years . Non-Chinese carriers using Chinese-built vessels will face lower rates, beginning at $18 per ton or $120 per container, with annual increases. The USTR capped fee applications at five voyages per vessel annually, scaling back its original, more punitive per-port-call proposal after intense industry pushback. The fees are tied to findings from a USTR investigation, which concluded that China’s shipbuilding dominance — producing 29% of global fleet capacity and 70% of all container ships on order — stemmed from unfair trade practices. Exemptions apply to ships arriving empty, those in the Great Lakes or U.S. territories, and some bulk exports. LNG vessel transport restrictions will phase in over 22 years to support U.S. production. China’s largest container carrier, Cosco Shipping Lines, has sharply criticized the USTR’s plan. In a strongly worded statement, Cosco labeled the move as “discriminatory,” and warned it would disrupt global industrial and supply chain stability. Cosco denied allegations from that USTR investigation that claimed China manipulated its shipping and shipbuilding sectors to gain an unfair advantage. The carrier said it upholds “integrity, transparency, and compliance” in global competition and remains committed to ensuring the resilience of international trade. Walmart Investing $6B in Mexico, Central America Store Expansion Walmart of Mexico and Central America will invest $6 billion to open new stores across the region , reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth in Latin America. The expansion will include Bodega Aurrera, Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club, and Walmart Express formats, building on a robust network of 3,200 stores across all 32 Mexican states. This latest move echoes Walmart’s earlier $1.3 billion investment in 2016 for regional distribution and operational upgrades. The retailer entered the Mexican market in 1991 with a Sam’s Club in Mexico City. In a statement, Walmart said the new expansion reflects confidence in the region’s economic potential and consumer demand. Globally, Walmart continues to invest aggressively in infrastructure and store development. The company has pledged about $4.5 billion for its Canadian operations and $1.3 billion in Chile to build 70 new stores and a distribution center. In the U.S., Walmart is executing a five-year plan to build or convert more than 150 stores while modernizing 650 existing locations under its “Store of the Future” initiative. Experience Seamless Shipping with Entourage Freight Solutions Entourage Freight Solutions believes in total transparency in the shipping process. That is why we invest in tech solutions that track every shipment extensively, monitor every driver, and extract every bit of efficiency without sacrificing quality. Our state-of-the-art platform utilizes cloud-based GPS tracking to keep you informed, reroutes shipments on the fly to avoid delays, and even responds to real-time market changes to ensure you receive your shipment on time and as soon as possible. Our Services Full Truck Load (FTL): When you need a truck all to yourself. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): Efficient solutions for multi-stop shipments or combining smaller loads to save on costs. Refrigerated Trucking: Keeping your temperature-sensitive products fresh and safe. Cross-Docking: Strategically located facilities in Shelby, Ohio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Romulus, Michigan, for streamlined consolidation, storage, and distribution. Ready to experience a new level of service and control in your freight shipping? Request a quote today to see how Entourage Freight Solutions can help with your freight movement and other supply chain needs.