Trump-Era Trucking Rules Return – But Not Everyone’s Celebrating

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro: More Parking, No Limiters, and... English Tests?

So the Department of Transportation, now under Secretary Sean Duffy, just dropped a rule change package that’s turning heads in the trucking world.

Some are hollering “Finally!” while others are side-eyeing parts of it. The mix includes more truck parking money (🎉), ditching a controversial speed limiter mandate (🤔), cracking down on illegal double-brokering (👏), and... keeping stricter English proficiency checks for drivers (👀).

Let’s break it all down truck-stop style — with real talk, different takes, and a few laughs along the way.

The Good News (Mostly): Truckers Finally Get More Parking

If you’ve ever driven past midnight in Jersey, Atlanta, or California, you know the struggle: truck parking is like trying to find gold in a sandbox.

Now, the new rule package actually includes funding for more truck parking nationwide. That’s a win drivers have been asking for literally for decades.

Why it matters:

More parking = safer driving

Less stress when planning routes

Reduced hours-of-service violations

And let’s be honest — a tired trucker searching for a place to park at 2am isn’t just annoyed... he's a hazard in the making. This fix was overdue.

Speed Limiter Mandate? Dead on Arrival (For Now)

Remember that proposed rule that would’ve forced all trucks to be speed-governed at 60-65 mph?

Well, Duffy’s DOT just killed it.

Some say it’s a win for freedom and efficiency. Others (including safety groups) say it’s dangerous and political.

Trucker Take:

Owner-ops love this rollback — speed = money.

Safety groups hate it — they say crashes will increase.

Fleet managers are somewhere in the middle, worried about liability.

Let’s not act like this one’s over though — speed limiters have a habit of coming back like a bad dispatcher. 🤷‍♂️

Double-Brokering: Time’s Up, Scammers

Now here’s one everyone’s clapping for: beefed-up enforcement against illegal double-brokering.

If you’ve been stiffed by a ghost broker or had your load passed like a hot potato from one scammer to another — you know why this matters.

New DOT Plan:

Crackdowns on repeat offenders

Tighter vetting on MC numbers

More public reporting of violations

This change might not make headlines on CNN, but in the freight world? It’s huge.

The Side-Eye: English Proficiency Rules Stay Tight

Here’s where the “mixed reaction” part really kicks in. While most drivers welcome the practical fixes, the new rules are keeping stricter English proficiency checks for CDL holders.

Why it’s controversial:

Some see it as necessary for safety (reading signs, following instructions).

Others feel it unfairly targets immigrant drivers who are skilled and experienced.

It’s a touchy subject — because trucking has always had a wide, diverse workforce. This rule may look like common sense on paper, but in practice it could push good drivers out of the business.

One Wisconsin-based Latino trucking co-op already voiced concern, saying, “We need fair standards, not barriers.”

Industry Reactions: Cheers, Boos, and Everything in Between

Who’s loving it:

Independent drivers

Owner-operators

Small fleet owners in red states

Who’s skeptical:

Large logistics firms (still want predictability and less legal risk)

Safety lobbyists

Advocacy groups for immigrant drivers

Duffy’s approach clearly leans toward “less government in trucking” — but it’s not free from criticism. Some worry the rollback of speed limiters and selective enforcement could swing things too far.

Bottom Line: A Win for Drivers... Mostly

This DOT shakeup under Secretary Duffy is a mix of freedom and friction.

The good:
✅ More parking
✅ Less red tape
✅ Real accountability for brokers

The “ehhh?”:
❌ English rules may cut out solid drivers
❌ Speed limiter reversal could return if the White House flips

The message is clear: the Trump-era vibe is back in trucking policy — more driver-first, less bureaucracy. But like always in trucking... it depends who you ask.

Call to Action

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👉 For real talk, gear reviews, and driver advice: LifeAsATrucker.com