WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is calling on House Republican leadership to pass the DRIVE Act before moving forward with any Congressional Review Act resolutions aimed at overturning the Department of Labor’s latest worker classification rule. In a February 20 letter to lawmakers, the association argued that protecting the independence of small-business truckers must take precedence over broader regulatory shifts, specifically regarding the imposition of speed-limiting devices on heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
The push comes as the industry faces a tightening regulatory environment. The Department of Labor’s final rule, which took effect in March, seeks to curb the misclassification of employees as independent contractors by aligning guidance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. While OOIDA has historically supported rules that protect the owner-operator business model, they remain wary of provisions that allow large carriers to dictate operational equipment requirements. The association explicitly warned that the Trump-era worker classification rule contained language that could enable large fleets to force speed limiters on independent contractors, effectively stripping them of their autonomy.
The FMCSA is expected to move forward with its own proposal regarding speed limiters as early as May, despite significant pushback from the rank-and-file. The DRIVE Act, introduced as HR3039, serves as a legislative firewall against these FMCSA regulations. By forcing a vote on this bill, OOIDA intends to prevent federal bureaucrats from mandating hardware that many drivers argue increases road danger by creating hazardous speed differentials between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average CDL-A driver, these regulations represent a direct threat to daily operations and road safety. Forcing an owner-operator to cap their speed creates a performance ceiling that interferes with fuel efficiency and the ability to navigate traffic safely. If carriers are granted the power to mandate these devices through contract provisions, the independent nature of the job is effectively neutralized. Drivers looking for stability in their careers should monitor these legislative developments closely, as they will dictate whether the industry remains a viable path for independent business owners.
Industry Reaction
OOIDA has taken a firm stance that any legislative effort to fix the DOL’s worker classification rule is incomplete without the protections offered by the DRIVE Act. The association maintains that true support for the trucking industry requires shielding small-business owners from both exploitative carrier practices and federal overreach. Without the passage of HR3039, the industry risks a future where independent contractors lose control over their own equipment and the way they manage their time on the road.
Key Points
- The DRIVE Act aims to block the FMCSA from mandating speed limiters on commercial vehicles.
- OOIDA argues that current classification debates must not ignore the threat of carrier-mandated speed technology.
- The FMCSA is anticipated to introduce a formal speed limiter proposal in May.
- The DOL’s new worker classification rule, effective March 11, replaces previous guidance to prevent misclassification.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.