The Future of Auto Hauling (Part 4 of 4): Regulations
What’s Down the Road?
The commercial trucking industry is about to go through some major regulatory changes over the next 20 years. With new technology, stricter environmental policies, and evolving safety standards, trucking companies must stay ahead of the curve. So, what’s on the horizon? Let’s break it down.
1. The Push for Zero Emissions.
If you’re in the trucking industry, you know tougher emission standards are on the way. You’ve probably heard a lot about zero-emission goals. By 2040, it’s expected that half of all commercial vehicles will be zero-emission, with states like California leading the charge. In fact, California has already set a mandate requiring all medium- and heavy-duty trucks to be zero-emission by 2040. This will mean big changes for fleets around the country:
- More investment in electric and hydrogen-powered trucks
- A growing need for charging stations and hydrogen refueling infrastructure
- Stricter greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards, likely enforced at both state and federal levels
And if your fleet operates across borders, global trade regulations will play a bigger role. Digital documentation and new customs compliance rules will be key for smoother international shipping.
2. Technology-Driven Regulations: Smarter Trucks, Stricter Rules
Technology is already reshaping the industry, and regulations are catching up. Here’s what’s coming:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Will Become Mandatory: Expect new safety requirements that make automatic emergency braking (AEB), collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control standards in commercial trucks. These systems are already improving safety, and regulators want to make them universal.
- Telematics and AI for Smarter Fleets: Real-time GPS tracking, predictive maintenance alerts, and AI-driven logistics planning will become more common—not just for efficiency but because new regulations will likely require more transparency in fleet operations.
- Autonomous Trucks: Still on the Horizon: While fully self-driving (Level 4) trucks are expected to play a role by 2040, regulators still have a lot of questions to answer about liability, safety, and operational guidelines. Expect to see slow but steady regulatory progress in this area.
3. Tougher Safety Standards on the Way:
Trucking safety is always a top concern, and regulators are making moves to improve it. Some key changes in the works include:
- Speed Limiters for Heavy-Duty Trucks: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering making speed limiters mandatory. The goal? Reduce accidents and improve fuel efficiency. But it’s a controversial move—many in the industry worry it could slow down deliveries and create unsafe driving conditions when cars and trucks are moving at drastically different speeds.
- Changes to Safety Measurement Systems (SMS): The FMCSA is updating its Safety Measurement System, making it easier to evaluate carrier safety performance. Expect a new scoring system that simplifies how violations are categorized and assessed.
- Stronger Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations: The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will likely see enhanced enforcement measures, making it harder for drivers with substance violations to slip through the cracks.
4. Workforce Challenges and New Labor Regulations
There is no way to get around the driver shortage for commercial logistics companies, and new labor laws could impact everything from wages to hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. Some possible changes include:
- More AI and Automation in Hiring: Companies may start using AI-driven recruitment tools to find and train new drivers more efficiently.
- The Role of Autonomous Trucks: While self-driving trucks won’t replace human drivers anytime soon, they could help ease workforce shortages in long-haul freight.
- Possible Changes in Wage and Labor Laws: Depending on how the trucking workforce evolves, new labor protections or changes in employment classification (especially for independent contractors) may become a regulatory focus.
5. What Will the Industry Look Like by 2040?
Here’s what we can expect in the long run:
- More zero-emission trucks on the road, though hybrids may still play a role in areas where full electrification isn’t practical.
- Hydrogen-powered trucks may gain traction for long-haul freight but at a slower pace than electric vehicles.
- AI and big data will continue transforming how fleets optimize routes, manage maintenance, and track compliance.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
The trucking industry is moving toward a future shaped by sustainability, technology, and safety regulations. Fleets that stay ahead of these changes—by investing in new tech, keeping up with compliance updates, and preparing for stricter environmental laws—will have a competitive advantage.
If you are interested in starting in the auto hauling business or are looking for new or used auto haulers and auto hauler trailers, give us a call at Bailey Trucks: the Auto Hauling Experts.
