Trucking is already one of the most regulated industries in the country. But is another regulation on its way?

An Overview of the Current State of Trucking Regulations

Truck drivers are already required to pass a road test, a knowledge test, and a pre-trip inspection exam before receiving their CDL. They must pass health exams and meet the minimum vision standard.

Once on the road, truck drivers must adhere to strict Hours of Service regulations, which determine how long a person can drive and when they have to take a rest break. Hours of Service are monitored through electronic logging devices (ELDs) that constantly track drivers.

Truck drivers are also drug tested with the FMCSA Clearinghouse program. And the trucks themselves, of course, also have safety standards, such as weight limits, that are carefully measured.

One More Regulation Needed? Unique ID?

According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), however, trucks need one more rule to ensure proper safety – a unique wireless ID – to help roadside inspectors find the drivers who violate rules.

A unique ID, with the ability to be scanned wirelessly, could help drivers pass more quickly through weigh stations and roadside checks.

Support and Opposition

The CVSA has petitioned the FMCSA to add this new rule to their list, and the CVSA is supported by organizations such as the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Truck Safety Coalition, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, and Parents Against Tired Truckers.

The proposal is opposed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the American Trucking Associations (ATA), and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Additionally, most of the FMCSA’s solicited comments, about 1,700 total, were negative.

Trucking companies and owner-ops would see a time and cost associated with any new rule implementation, especially one that requires new technology. Additional concerns are related to the data security of such a device and what new inspection processes might be involved. Also, with truck drivers already heavily scrutinized by the ELD requirements, yet another tracking device may be redundant.

PrePass, a private and voluntary electronic verification system for trucks approaching weigh stations, also strongly opposes the CVSA’s proposed regulation – a regulation that could provide stiff competition for their services.

Do you believe that trucks should carry a new, unique wireless ID? Would it improve safety? Let us know in the Class A Drivers forums.