Regulation
NHTSA Proposes Three-Year Extension of Seat Belt Compliance Deadline for Heavy-Duty Trucks
A proposal submitted by NHTSA to the Federal Register on June 26 indicates plans to extend the compliance deadline for new seat belt anchorage testing regulations for heavy-duty trucks with a gross weight exceeding 10,000 pounds by three years to September 1, 2030. This action stems from a reconsideration request by the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, which argued that manufacturers need more time to validate existing designs. Public comments are being accepted until July 27.
NHTSA Proposes Three-Year Extension of Heavy Truck Seat Belt Compliance Deadline
A proposal submitted by NHTSA to the Federal Register on June 26 indicates plans to extend the compliance deadline for new seat belt anchorage testing regulations for heavy trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds by three years to September 1, 2030. The agency reconsidered the matter after receiving a reconsideration petition from the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) and opened public comment until July 27.
Illinois Fatal Crash Verdict: R+L Carriers Ordered to Pay $6.015 Million
Last month, an Illinois jury ruled against R+L Carriers, finding the company 60% liable in an accident where a man rear-ended a slow-moving semi-truck, and awarded $6.015 million. The deceased's family attorney stated that the jury assessed total damages at $10.025 million, but the award was adjusted according to the comparative negligence rule in Illinois.
R+L Carriers Ordered to Pay $6 Million: Illinois Fatal Crash Case Finally Settled
Last month, an Illinois jury ruled on a fatal rear-end crash on I-55 in 2020, finding R+L Carriers and its driver 60% at fault and the deceased 40% at fault, ultimately awarding $6.015 million in damages. The jury assessed total damages at $10.25 million, reduced proportionally under the state's modified comparative fault rule.
Florida and Colorado Among States Expanding Public Truck Parking Spaces
Florida and Colorado plan to add hundreds of public truck parking spaces by the end of 2028. Florida will add 917 spaces along I-4 across four counties, while Colorado will build a new rest area near Pueblo on I-25 and add 50 spaces. Federal officials say the move aims to reduce dangerous roadside parking and address one of the most persistent challenges facing truck drivers.
Florida and Colorado Among States Expanding Public Truck Parking Supply
Florida and Colorado plan to add hundreds of public truck parking spaces by the end of 2028, with Florida adding 917 spaces along I-4 and Colorado adding 50 spaces on I-25. Federal and state governments are addressing the nationwide truck parking shortage through grants and construction projects, while private companies like Love's Travel Stops are also expanding their parking networks.
US Refuses Quick Extension of USMCA, Annual Joint Review Process Officially Launched
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated at Wednesday's trilateral meeting that the US will not extend the USMCA by 16 years at this stage. This means the agreement will remain in effect until 2036, but the three countries must complete a new round of negotiations by July 1, 2027. Canada had advocated for a direct renewal, while Mexico emphasized not rushing but needing to eliminate uncertainty.
US Refuses Quick Extension of USMCA, Annual Joint Review Process Officially Launched
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Mexico and Canada during a trilateral video conference on Wednesday that the US will not extend the USMCA by 16 years at this stage. This means the agreement will enter an annual joint review process, and the three countries must decide through negotiations by July 1, 2027, whether to renew it or continue discussions.
Small business groups question standard request brokers made to FMCSA
The Small Business Transportation Coalition (SBTC) recently filed a petition challenging the new standards request that the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) after the Supreme Court's ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II. The SBTC argues that the FMCSA should take on a more limited role than what the TIA requests, and suggests that the TIA should seek help from Congress rather than the agency.
Small Business Coalition Questions Broker Claims, Opposes New FMCSA Standards
The Small Business Transportation Coalition (SBTC) recently filed a petition questioning the Transportation Intermediaries Association's (TIA) request for new standards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) following the Supreme Court's ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II. The SBTC argues that the FMCSA should assume a more limited regulatory role and suggests that the TIA should seek support from Congress rather than an administrative agency.