The transportation industry offers competitive wages even for those who may not have much of an education. Trucking is one of the better paid blue-collar professions, and running a transportation company can be a lucrative option for those with the resources to start a company and purchase vehicles for a commercial fleet.
Keeping those vehicles compliant with federal law is a crucial obligation for transportation company owners. Federal lawmakers may soon impose yet another obligation on your company if you have a fleet of commercial trucks under your control.
Lawmakers want to prevent speeding issues
Excessive speed increases the likelihood of a crash and the severity of any crash that does occur. Drivers frequently ignore posted speed limits as though they mean nothing. Even commercial drivers who know their profession is at risk with too many tickets will still exceed the posted limit to get a load in on time.
Speeding in a commercial truck could cause crashes that cost other people their lives, which has led to the introduction of a new proposed regulation. The law would apply to vehicles with gross weights of 26,001 pounds or more. Owner-operators and companies with commercial fleets would need to install electronic engine control units to prevent big rigs from exceeding the posted speed limit. The company would be responsible for maintaining the device for as long as the vehicle was still on the road.
Such devices would affect delivery timelines and could lead to more complications after crashes, as they might show a history of excessive speed by one driver, for example. Keeping up-to-date on changing transportation industry laws can help you advocate for yourself and keep your company in compliance.
It’s vital to have a law firm with experience in transportation law on your side to protect your business. Contact us to see how we can help.