Regulation
U.S. Interstate Registration Fees Proposed to Increase by Average of 20%
According to an FMCSA notice issued on April 7, UCR program and agreement fees are proposed to increase by an average of 20% starting with the 2027 registration year to cover an estimated $21.8 million agency shortfall. Increases range from $9 for single owner-operators to over $9,000 for large trucking companies. The public may submit comments by May 7.
FMCSA Plans to Withhold $73.5 Million in Highway Funds from New York State Over Non-Resident Commercial License Compliance Issues
FMCSA informed New York State leaders on Thursday that the state will lose $73.5 million in federal highway funds due to non-compliant issuance of commercial driver's licenses and learner's permits. The issue stems from a July 2025 audit that found deficiencies in the state's standards for issuing non-resident CDLs and CLPs. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs called the situation "unacceptable and a significant safety risk" in a final determination letter. The funding loss targets fiscal year 2027 (starting October 1), and the state may also face risks of CDL program revocation.
FMCSA Proposes Withholding $73.5 Million in Federal Highway Funds from New York State Over Non-Resident Commercial Driver's License Compliance Issues
FMCSA informed New York State on Thursday that it will lose $73.5 million in federal highway funds due to deficiencies in its standards for issuing non-resident commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits. The issue stems from a July 2025 audit involving identity document management for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs called this an "unacceptable and significant safety risk" and warned that the state's CDL program could face decertification.
Trump adjusts Section 232 tariff calculation methods for steel, aluminum, and copper
President Trump signed a proclamation adjusting the Section 232 tariff calculation methods for imports of steel, aluminum, copper, and derivative products. The new rules take effect on April 6, with goods made almost entirely of these metals facing a 50% tariff, while derivative products "substantially" made of these metals face a 25% tariff. UK products are subject to lower rates, and tariffs on certain industrial equipment remain in place until 2027.
Trump Administration Adjusts Tariff Calculation Method for Section 232 on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper
U.S. President Trump signed a proclamation adjusting the tariff calculation method for Section 232 on imports of steel, aluminum, copper, and derivative products. The new rules take effect on April 6: goods made almost entirely of these metals (such as steel coils and aluminum sheets) face a 50% tariff; derivative products substantially made of metals (such as semi-trailers) face a 25% tariff. UK products are subject to lower rates.
Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association Supports EPA in Key Emissions Lawsuit
The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) filed a motion on March 20 to intervene in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supporting its repeal of the heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards (Phase 3). The standards were originally set to take effect on January 1, 2027, but the EPA recently rescinded the 2009 endangerment finding. Twenty-four states and multiple cities have filed lawsuits challenging the repeal.
Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association Supports EPA in Key Emissions Lawsuit
The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has formally filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supporting the EPA's repeal of the Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The standards were originally scheduled to take effect in 2027, but the EPA recently rescinded the 2009 endangerment finding that served as the regulatory basis. Meanwhile, 24 states and multiple cities have filed lawsuits alleging that the EPA violated the Clean Air Act and Supreme Court precedent. EMA argues that the Phase 3 standards did not account for actual market demand and effectively mandated zero-emission vehicles, while environmental groups and state officials criticize the move as departing from scientific consensus and harming public health.
Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape Freight Brokerage and Small Carrier Industry
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, a case concerning whether freight broker C.H. Robinson Worldwide should bear legal liability for a carrier's safety negligence. The ruling could reshape the business environment for freight brokers and small carriers, impacting carrier selection, insurance costs, and supply chain efficiency.
Senate's Dalila Act Proposes Criminal Penalties for Commercial License Violations
The Dalila Act, led by Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas, has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, aiming to impose criminal and civil penalties on undocumented immigrants who obtain or use commercial driver's licenses, require applicants to provide proof of employment eligibility, and establish stricter punishments for accidents resulting in death.
Senate's Dalila Act Proposes Criminal Penalties for Commercial Driver's License Violations
The Dalila Act, proposed in the U.S. Senate, would establish criminal and civil penalties for illegal immigrant residents who obtain or use commercial driver's licenses, and stipulate that the death penalty may apply in related fatal accidents.