Federal Regulations Affecting Interstate Moving Companies

1. Speed Limiter Mandate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is finalizing a rule requiring speed limiters on commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds. The proposed speed limits range between 60–68 mph, with a final decision expected by May 2025. This measure aims to enhance road safety by reducing the severity of crashes.

2. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems

A proposed regulation mandates the installation of AEB systems in new heavy trucks:

• Class 3–6 trucks (10,001–26,000 lbs): Three-year compliance window.

• Class 7–8 trucks (over 26,000 lbs): Four-year compliance window.

The estimated retrofit cost is between $1,500–$3,000 per vehicle. This initiative aims to prevent approximately 19,000 crashes annually.

3. Elimination of MC Numbers

Effective October 2025, the FMCSA will discontinue the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, transitioning to USDOT numbers as the sole identifier for motor carriers. This change is intended to reduce fraud and streamline the registration process.

4. Enhanced English Language Proficiency Enforcement

Starting June 25, 2025, violations of the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement will be included in the out-of-service criteria. This enforcement ensures that drivers can effectively communicate, enhancing safety during inspections and emergencies.

5. Expanded Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP)

The FMCSA is expanding the CPDP to include additional crash types that carriers can contest as non-preventable, such as:

• Side impacts by motorists in the same direction.

• Collisions from vehicles entering from private driveways.

• Crashes involving motorists who lost control of their vehicles.

• Other crashes with supporting video evidence.

This expansion aims to provide a more accurate and fair evaluation of a carrier’s safety performance.