New and Upcoming Changes for Truckers in Texas

April 24, 2018 7:21 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Change is usually a good thing, especially when it comes to intrastate trucking in Houston, TX! Our industry is changing rapidly, which can make it difficult to keep up with the times. If you’re in the trucking business, the following guide will help keep you informed regarding some of the changes we’re seeing already, and some of the changes that are coming soon.

Electronic logging devices mandate

Starting this year, most commercial vehicles must be equipped with an electronic logging device (ELD). These devices transmit real-time data from a truck’s engine directly to a fleet manager. Drivers will no longer have to manually record the number of hours or miles driven; ELDs will do it for them! ELDs will help increase driver safety, reduce time spent manually logging hours and will keep better track of where trucks are when they’re out on the road. It may take a while to get used to, but the ELD mandate will help us all in the grand scheme of things.

Hours of service

Regardless of how many energy drinks or cups of coffee you have, there’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep. However, rules that require 34-hour restarts between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. have been suspended by Congress. Studies are still being conducted to determine whether or not the previous 34-hour restart rule was effective in reducing accidents on the road. But for the time being, you can take your 34-hour break whenever you feel like. This rule could change anytime, so be sure to check back for any updates!

Registration numbers

Once the Unified Registration System (URS) is implemented, every truck will be identified by a Department of Transportation number, instead of an MC, FF or MX number. This new registration system should make truck identification a lot easier, since all data will be coming from one source. In the future, fleet managers across the country will have an easier time tracking their goods as they go from point A to point B.

Speed limiters

Everyone wants to be safe on the road. One suggested way to improve safety is to limit the speed of trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds. Though a speed limit hasn’t been set, many people think a top speed of 65 miles per hour is a good idea. Only time will tell what the speed limit will be (or whether the rule will be implemented at all).

Overtime pay

Most drivers are paid by the mile, but salespeople, dispatchers and other salaried employees could be affected by new overtime pay rules. Current laws state that any salaried employee making at least $23,660 is exempt from overtime pay. A proposed law would raise that limit to $47,476 per year. However, 21 states have filed a lawsuit against the rule, which has put it on hold for now.

It’s okay if you still don’t fully comprehend all of these new changes—that’s why you have Pro Delivery LLC! We’re here to make intrastate trucking in Houston, TX easy for everyone involved. The next time you need something transported, be sure to give us a call. We’ll get your goods from point A to point B on time, and for less money than our competitors.

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