Top 5 Legal Issues Trucking Faces Under the New Administration—Will It Change the Game?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Trucking’s Future is on the Line

Every time a new president steps in, truckers get nervous. Will fuel prices skyrocket? Will they crack down on owner-operators? Will they finally make dispatchers legally responsible for their lies? (Okay, that last one’s wishful thinking.)

But seriously—big changes are coming. From independent contractor laws to stricter emissions rules, the trucking industry is staring down five major legal battles that could reshape the industry.

Let’s break down what truckers need to watch—and what could be a total disaster for the industry

1. Will They Kill the Owner-Operator Model? (AB5 & PRO Act Expansion)
🚛 "Congratulations, you’re an employee now!"—Maybe.

If you thought California’s AB5 law was bad news for independent truckers, just wait. The PRO Act (Protecting the Right to Organize) could go national, making it almost impossible for truckers to be independent contractors.

What’s the problem?
AB5 made lease-operators and owner-operators "misclassified" workers—forcing them to become employees or leave California.
If the federal government applies these rules nationwide, thousands of independent truckers could lose their status overnight.
🔥 Truckers Say:

📢 "I became an owner-operator to be my own boss, not to work for some megacarrier!"
📢 "If this happens, trucking will turn into a corporate monopoly."

If the administration backs union interests, this law could wipe out the traditional lease-operator model—and trucking companies love hiring owner-operators because it saves them money. That could all change fast.

2. Diesel Crackdowns—Will They Force Truckers into Electric Rigs?
⛽ Love your diesel engine? The government might not.

The push for cleaner trucks is ramping up, and federal emissions regulations could make diesel more expensive than ever.

What’s the problem?
Stricter EPA emissions standards could mean higher costs for trucking companies.
California is already banning diesel trucks by 2035—will the feds follow their lead?
Electric trucks sound great—until you realize they cost more than a house and can barely last 300 miles before needing a charge.
🔥 Truckers Say:
📢 "Good luck running electric trucks when truck stops can’t even keep their bathrooms clean!"
📢 "We already pay enough in fuel—why make it harder?"

If the administration goes hard on emissions laws, small trucking companies will get squeezed out of business while mega-carriers just pass the costs onto customers.

3. Speed Limiters—Because Trucks Aren’t Slow Enough Already
🚛 Imagine being stuck behind a 65-mph convoy for hours.

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is pushing to make speed limiters mandatory for all big rigs.

What’s the problem?
They want to force trucks to stay at 65-68 mph—meaning passing will be a nightmare.
Drivers say this will cause more road rage and accidents.
It’s yet another rule forced on truckers who already have too many restrictions.
🔥 Truckers Say:
📢 "If they limit my speed, I better get paid for the extra wasted time!"
📢 "Cars already cut us off—this will just make it worse."

Big trucking companies love speed limiters because they save on fuel costs—but for drivers, this could be a frustrating disaster.

4. Higher Insurance Costs—Because $1 Million in Coverage Isn’t Enough?
💰 Insurance companies are celebrating while truckers are crying.

There’s talk of raising the minimum liability insurance requirement from $750K to $2 million.

What’s the problem?
Small fleets and owner-operators will struggle to afford it.
Trial lawyers love it—because bigger insurance means bigger payouts in lawsuits.
It’s another hidden cost that makes it harder for new drivers to start their own business.
🔥 Truckers Say:
📢 "This is just an excuse to let lawyers sue us for more money!"
📢 "If they want to raise our insurance, they better raise freight rates too!"

While mega-carriers can absorb the cost, small trucking businesses will take the biggest hit.

5. More Regulations, Less Freedom? ELDs, Drug Testing, and Surveillance
📡 If you hate micromanagement, brace yourself.

The government is getting more involved in trucker safety policies—including ELD tracking, drug testing expansions, and in-cab cameras.

What’s the problem?
More random drug tests (even for legal marijuana in some states).
Possible increased surveillance with mandatory inward-facing cameras.
More ELD restrictions that could make it harder to work flexible hours.
🔥 Truckers Say:
📢 "We’re already watched 24/7—how much worse can it get?"
📢 "If they start forcing in-cab cameras, I’m out!"

The government claims this will improve safety, but drivers see it as more control, less freedom.

The Bottom Line:
Trucking’s Future is at Risk
The next few years could completely reshape trucking, depending on what laws get passed.

👎 If things go bad:

Owner-operators get wiped out.
Diesel trucks become too expensive to run.
More useless regulations make driving even harder.
👍 If things go well:

Truckers keep their freedom.
Regulations focus on safety, not control.
The industry stays open for small businesses.
💡 Truckers, it’s time to prepare. The industry is changing, and smart drivers are already planning their next move.

👉 Want to start making money OFF the road? Learn how truckers are using AI and side hustles to escape the grind. Visit retirefromtrucking.com before it’s too late.

What Do You Think?
🚛 Which of these laws worries you the most?
🚛 Do you think the new administration will help or hurt trucking?

Drop your thoughts below and let’s talk!