The Debate Over Speed Limiters: Why the Trucking Industry Is Pushing Back


The trucking industry is raising alarms about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) proposed mandate to require speed limiters on heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). A coalition of industry leaders and organizations, spearheaded by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), has formally urged President-elect Trump to reconsider this regulation. Their message is clear: the mandate could negatively impact safety, driver retention, and the economy.
What Is the Proposed Speed Limiter Mandate?
The FMCSA proposal would require all commercial trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds to adhere to a federally set maximum speed limit. While intended to improve road safety, critics argue that the regulation could do more harm than good.
Initially introduced during the Obama administration in 2016, the rule was removed from the regulatory agenda under the Trump administration in 2017. However, in May 2022, the FMCSA revived the proposal, reigniting debates within the trucking and logistics sectors.
Safety Concerns
According to OOIDA and other coalition members, the speed limiter mandate could create dangerous speed differentials between large trucks and passenger vehicles. Studies show that greater speed differences on highways increase interactions between vehicles, heightening the risk of accidents.
“By establishing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate, this regulation would make our roads less safe,” the coalition stated in their letter to the President-elect.
Challenges in Driver Retention
The proposal also raises concerns about attracting and retaining professional drivers. Speed limiters could lead to increased fatigue and stress as truckers are forced to spend longer hours on the road to cover the same distance.
Drivers would also face additional pressure to meet deadlines under restrictive hours-of-service regulations. This could discourage skilled professionals from staying in or entering the industry, exacerbating the existing driver shortage.
Impact on Freight Efficiency
The coalition warns that speed limiters could slow freight movement across the country, requiring more trucks to transport the same amount of goods within a given timeframe. This would lead to increased congestion and inefficiencies, further straining supply chains already under pressure from economic and logistical challenges.
Broad Industry Opposition
OOIDA’s efforts have garnered support from 17 prominent organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Asphalt Pavement Association, and the Western States Trucking Association. Together, these groups represent a wide range of industries—from agriculture to construction—emphasizing the far-reaching implications of the proposed mandate.
What’s Next?
As the FMCSA gathers public feedback, the debate over speed limiters highlights broader questions about balancing safety, efficiency, and economic growth. With nearly 16,000 public comments submitted on the proposal, it’s clear that the industry and its stakeholders are deeply invested in the outcome.
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