Top 10 Freight Market Rulemakings for 2025

Tia Amin

Freight market rulemakings in 2025 affecting trucking, ocean shipping, and more.

Rulemakings

In 2025 are set to bring several regulatory changes across trucking, ocean shipping, and freight brokering. These changes, outlined in the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda by the Office of Management and Budget, could significantly impact the industry. As the freight market continues to evolve, these rulemakings will play a crucial role in shaping the future of logistics, improving safety standards, and enhancing operational efficiency across various sectors. Industry stakeholders, including shippers, carriers, and brokers, need to stay informed about these regulatory updates to effectively navigate the changing landscape.

The upcoming rulemakings cover a wide range of topics. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is working to improve safety fitness procedures for trucking companies. The goal is to refine the process used to determine whether a motor carrier is fit to operate, which could include updating the current safety rating system. Additionally, proposed rules on heavy vehicle automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems and speed limiters are designed to improve highway safety by reducing accidents and improving trucking efficiency.

Moreover, these regulatory updates reflect the increasing influence of technology and automation within the freight industry. With the growing role of automated commercial environments (ACE) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for cargo delivery, regulations will guide the integration of new technologies to enhance operational performance, reduce costs, and speed up deliveries. Companies in the freight market must adapt to these new regulations to stay competitive and compliant as these innovations become mainstream.

Top 10 Freight Market Rulemakings to Watch in 2025

  1. Safety Fitness Procedures
    The FMCSA plans to review and potentially update its methodology for determining motor carrier fitness, with a proposed rulemaking scheduled for June 2025.
  2. Heavy Vehicle Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
    A final rule for AEB on heavy trucks is expected in January 2025, outlining performance standards and maintenance requirements.
  3. Heavy Vehicle Speed Limiters
    The FMCSA will address whether to limit the speed of commercial motor vehicles in May 2025, potentially impacting trucking efficiency.
  4. Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs
    A proposed rule on including hair specimens in drug testing programs will be issued in May 2025 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
  5. Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
    The NHTSA will propose new fuel efficiency standards for trucks in June 2025, aiming to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
  6. Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for Vessel Cargo
    In March 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will require electronic submission of export manifest information for cargo departing the U.S.
  7. Unfair or Discriminatory Methods in Shipping
    The Federal Maritime Commission plans to propose a rule in October 2025 to define unfair methods under U.S. regulatory codes.
  8. Customs Broker Identification of Importers
    A final rule from CBP in March 2025 will require customs brokers to verify importer identities to prevent fraud.
  9. FRA Accident/Incident Reporting Requirements
    The Federal Railroad Administration will update reporting rules by February 2025, aiming to improve safety and accident investigations.
  10. Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations
    The FAA will propose new rules in January 2025 to integrate UAS into the national airspace, enabling more widespread use for cargo delivery.

Conclusion

These regulatory changes scheduled for 2025 will have significant impacts on the freight market, particularly in areas of safety, fuel efficiency, and technology. As the Biden administration moves forward with its regulatory agenda, the landscape for trucking, shipping, and brokering will evolve in important ways, presenting both challenges and opportunities for industry stakeholders.

For more updates on freight market trends and regulatory changes, visit Stellar Logistix. Our platform provides the latest news and analysis on logistics, transportation, and supply chain regulations.

To explore the full Unified Agenda and stay informed about upcoming freight market rulemakings, visit the Office of Management and Budget’s website.