Big Shifts in Trucking: Layoffs, Laws, and a Whole Lot of Adjusting

by The Crazy Trucker
(North Carolina)

Trucking Facing a Whole Lot of Drama

As of February 20, 2025, the U.S. trucking industry is hitting some unexpected speed bumps—layoffs, new regulations, and the ever-changing economy. But hey, what’s trucking without a few roadblocks? Let’s break it down.

Layoffs Are Hitting the Industry Hard

It’s been a tough few months for trucking and logistics workers. Since October 2024, over 16,900 people have been handed pink slips across the U.S. and Canada. If you’ve noticed a few more job applications at the truck stop diner, this is why.

Some big names cutting back include:

• Amazon – Slowing down logistics hiring as people apparently decided they don’t need 2-day shipping on everything.


• Kohl’s – Streamlining its supply chain, because fewer folks are panic-buying throw pillows.


• Del Monte Foods – Tightening up logistics, possibly because canned pineapples aren't flying off the shelves like they used to.

New Rules: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em, They’re Coming

If you thought truck stop gossip was wild, wait until you hear about the new regulations shaking up the industry:

• Independent Contractor Rules – The new administration is reviewing rules on whether drivers can still be independent contractors or if companies need to give more benefits.


• Speed Limiters on Trucks – The FMCSA wants to install speed limiters on big rigs to improve highway safety. Critics
  argue it could make traffic worse by turning highways into a never-ending slow-motion race between trucks stuck at the same speed.


• Emissions Standards – California recently withdrew its request for an Environmental Protection Agency waiver that would have enforced strict zero-emission truck policies.

How Truckers & Companies Are Adjusting

With all these changes, trucking businesses are doing what they do best—adapting. Some of the top strategies include:

• Optimizing Routes – Cutting unnecessary expenses (like that extra stop for snacks… okay, maybe not).


• Investing in Tech – GPS, fuel efficiency software, and AI tools are making trucking smarter—just not smart enough to dodge that scale house.


• Industry Advocacy – Trucking groups are pushing back on overregulation, hoping to keep the industry rolling without unnecessary red tape.

The Road Ahead

One thing is certain: trucking isn’t going anywhere—but it is changing fast. The best way to stay ahead? Keep up with the latest updates, straight from the source.

👉 Be sure to come back to LifeAsATrucker.com for more exciting trucking news—told in a way you won’t find anywhere else!

💰 And hey, while you're off duty, why not make some extra cash? Instead of staring at your rig wondering if that noise is normal (it’s probably fine, right?), learn how to use AI to make money in your downtime. Get training now at TruckerSideHustle.com.