EPA Issues New Guidance to Address Trucker DEF System Issues

By Updated:
In a move lauded by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released new guidance aimed at resolving persistent issues with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems that have plagued the industry. The guidance is designed to prevent sudden power and speed reductions in commercial trucks, a problem that has led to costly downtime and safety concerns for drivers.

According to a statement from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the agency has been working with truck manufacturers to develop a fix for the DEF software. The new guidance urges manufacturers to modify their systems, allowing drivers to travel farther before a truck is derated, or restricted in power and speed, due to a DEF-related issue. This change is expected to provide truckers with more flexibility and time to address DEF issues without being stranded or facing sudden operational limitations on the road.

The ATA has expressed strong support for the EPA's action, highlighting the importance of this fix for the nation's trucking fleets. The organization noted that the previous DEF system failures created significant operational challenges and were a source of frustration for thousands of professional drivers.

This development comes as the trucking industry continues to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory changes, economic pressures, and technological advancements, including the ongoing debate over the feasibility and production of electric heavy-duty trucks. The new guidance is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the current diesel truck fleet while the industry transitions to newer technologies.

For all your latest transportation news, return to TruckingNewsHub.com

TNH | Insider Edition TOP STORIES

Demurrage and Detention: A Sea of Confusion in Need of a Standard Compass

By Updated:
Image
The world of ocean freight is a complex web of logistics, and few topics are as vexing and costly as demurrage and detention. While these fees are intended to incentivize the efficient movement of containers, their lack of standardization across the industry has turned them into a source of frustration and, for many, a significant and often unavoidable cost. Over the past few years, there have been critical steps taken to address this issue, most notably with the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA) . This landmark legislation, and the subsequent rules implemented by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), have introduced much needed transparency and accountability. The new rules prohibit ocean carriers from issuing demurrage and detention invoices unless they include specific, detailed information. They also shifted the burden of proof to the ocean carrier to justify the reasonableness of these charges. These changes were a direct response to years of complaints from shippers, fre...
Read more

Beyond the Load Board: Why the Freight Fraud Summit is the Industry’s New Line of Defense

By Updated:
Image
In an era where freight moves at the speed of a click, the cracks in our supply chain have never been easier for criminals to exploit. Digital load boards and remote onboarding have revolutionized efficiency, but they’ve also opened the door to sophisticated actors specializing in identity theft, double brokering, and fictitious pickups. Freight fraud is no longer just a "cost of doing business." It is a material threat to financial stability, public safety, and the very trust that keeps the wheels turning. Enter the Freight Fraud Summit —a tactical, accountability-focused event designed to do more than just talk about the problem. It’s here to solve it. Criminal tactics are currently evolving faster than industry controls. As margins tighten and market volatility increases, organized fraud schemes have found a foothold in the fragmented space between shippers, brokers, and carriers. A single incidents can lead to millions in losses from stolen cargo, unpaid carriers, and pro...
Read more

Driving Change: Charleston’s New CDL School Puts Settlement-Risk Populations in the Driver’s Seat

By Updated:
Image
Charleston, SC – Driving Change, a nonprofit CDL school serving settlement-risk populations in South Carolina, proudly celebrated the graduation of its first CDL training cohort on Friday, September 12. The milestone marked a critical step in addressing workforce shortages while creating career pathways for individuals ready to enter trucking and logistics. The event, hosted at the Opportunity Center, brought together graduates, families, community leaders, and industry partners. Many of the Cohort 1 participants had already secured employment in the trucking and logistics sector. “They didn’t just receive certificates — they received keys to steady work, better pay, and  pride,” said Roxanne Forsythe, Executive Director of Driving Change. “When training is  employer-led, community-rooted, and dignity-first, people don’t just pass tests — they  change trajectories.” Driving Change extended deep gratitude to Paperboie Trucking , the inaugural cohort sponsor.  “Strong ...
Read more

"All In" Drayage Rates- Better for the Shipper or the Carrier?

By Updated:
Image
Drayage is the short-haul transportation of goods, typically a shipping container, to and from ports, rail yards, and warehouses. Drayage rates are the fees associated with this movement, and they are notoriously complex due to a variety of factors that can change unexpectedly. A common industry practice is to offer an "all-in" drayage rate . This is a single, flat fee that is meant to cover all costs associated with a drayage move. While this seems straightforward and appealing to shippers, it presents significant challenges for drayage carriers. What's in a Drayage Rate? 💰 A drayage rate is not just a simple charge for mileage. It's a combination of a base rate and numerous accessorial fees . The base rate is usually determined by the distance of the haul, but the accessorial fees are where things get complicated and unpredictable. Some of the most common accessorial fees include: Fuel Surcharge: A variable fee that accounts for fluctuating diesel prices. It...
Read more