Freight transportation keeps goods moving across the country and the world. From food to clothes, everything people need relies on trucks, ships, and planes to get where they need to go. But with such an important job, there have to be rules to make things safe, fair, and efficient. In 2025, some new rules are coming that will affect trucking, shipping, and even drones. Let’s break them down one by one.
1. Drug Testing with Hair Samples
Drug testing is important in jobs like trucking, where safety is everything. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is working on adding hair testing to the drug tests used now.
Right now, drug tests usually use urine samples. Hair testing can check for drug use over a longer time, which makes it harder for someone to hide drug use. However, there are concerns about hair contamination from external sources, like secondhand smoke.
Adding hair testing will help employers make sure their drivers aren’t using drugs. This should lead to fewer accidents on the road.
2. Drones for Cargo Delivery
Drones are becoming a popular option for delivering packages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making rules to let drones operate in regular airspace.
These new rules will allow drones to fly even when the operator can’t see them directly. This opens up the chance to use drones for longer deliveries.
Drones can make deliveries faster and cheaper, and they’re better for the environment than trucks or planes. But it’s important to make sure drones can operate safely around other aircraft.
3. Automatic Brakes for Big Trucks
The FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) want big trucks to have automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. AEB systems can stop or slow down a truck if it senses a crash about to happen. It’s like having an extra safety feature that reacts quickly.
The new rule will create standards for how these brakes should work and set up ways to test them to make sure they meet the regulations.
With heavy trucks involved in many accidents every year, AEB systems can save lives and cut down on crash-related costs, and help in emergencies.
4. Better Export Tracking (Ocean Shipping)
Managing the flow of goods leaving the country is a complex task. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is creating a new system to track exports electronically.
Exporters will need to send in electronic export manifests (EEM) before their cargo ships out. This includes details like what’s being shipped, who’s shipping it, and where it’s headed.
This change can help stop illegal activities like smuggling and make exported goods safer. It also makes things faster and smoother for shipping companies.
5. Verifying Importers’ Identities
Customs brokers, who help import goods, are being asked to confirm the identities of the businesses they work with. The CBP is setting rules to make this process clear.
Brokers will have to follow a set process to check their clients’ identities. This includes verifying documents and other details.
This rule is meant to stop fraud and smuggling. It also makes sure brokers do their job properly and work only with legitimate businesses.
6. Reporting Train Accidents
Train accidents can cause a lot of damage, so the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is improving the way accidents are reported.
The new rules will make accident reports more detailed and accurate. This will include better ways to collect data and figure out why accidents happen.
With better reporting, the FRA can find unsafe practices and prevent future accidents. This will save lives and protect property.
7. Speed Limits for Big Trucks
Large trucks can weigh over 26,000 pounds. When they move at high speeds, stopping quickly becomes nearly impossible. That’s why the FMCSA is working on a rule to limit their speed.
Trucks will need speed limiters—devices that cap how fast they can go. The exact speed limit will be decided based on feedback and safety studies. Once set, the limit will remain fixed for the truck’s entire life.
Speed limiters can make accidents less severe and improve fuel efficiency, which is better for the environment.
8. Fuel Efficiency for Trucks
Trucks use a lot of fuel, which is expensive and bad for the environment. The NHTSA is working on rules to make them more fuel-efficient.
Truck makers will need to meet new standards for fuel efficiency. This could mean lighter materials, better engines, or even alternative fuels.
Improved fuel efficiency can save money and cut down on pollution. This helps both businesses and the environment in the long run.
9. Fairness in Ocean Shipping
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) wants to make sure shipping companies treat their customers fairly.
The new rule will define what counts as unfair or discriminatory practices. For example, shipping companies can’t deny space on a ship without a good reason.
This rule helps smaller businesses that rely on fair access to shipping. It also keeps big shipping companies transparent and accountable.
10. Trucking Safety Ratings
The FMCSA is working on better ways to figure out which trucking companies are safe to operate.
Currently, the system uses a three-tier safety rating: satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory. However, this might change. The agency wants to update how safety fitness is determined and involve the public in deciding what data to use.
With better safety ratings, dangerous companies can be identified and dealt with faster. This will lead to fewer accidents and safer roads for everyone.
Conclusion
These rules represent a significant shift in how freight transportation will operate. They might mean higher costs for companies at first, but the long-term benefits—like fewer accidents, smoother operations, and lower emissions—are worth it. For anyone in the freight industry, staying informed and getting involved is the best way to prepare for these changes.
By leveraging their expertise and resources, Lading Logistics aims to provide efficient and reliable international shipping and logistics solutions for their clients.
