Every year, the Department of Transportation trucking regulations are updated to improve safety and security in the trucking industry. Here's what you need to know about the latest DOT trucking regulations of 2019.

• The ELD - AOBRD transition. AOBRD devices must be transitioned to a mandate-compliant ELD as of December 16, 2019.
• Sleep apnea update. Sleep apnea is a major concern for truck drivers, and those who suffer from sleep apnea are at greater risk for an accident on the road. The FMCSA and FRA proposed a sleep apnea rule in 2016, and in 2017 the NTSB recommended a higher degree of sleep apnea testing. In August 2017, the FMCSA and FRA decided not to move forward with possible rules that would regulate and mandate the testing and treatment of sleep apnea for transportation workers. However, this proposal is still on the back-burner.
• Speed limiter rule update. The FMCSA and NHTSA proposed a rule for Speed Limiters for Trucks in August 2016, which would require trucks to be equipped with a speed limiting device. The proposed top speed has been between 60 and 68 mph. In July 2017, there was industry pushback against the proposal. However, like the sleep apnea rule, the proposal is currently still on the back-burner.
• Raised minimum wage. Since the minimum wage has increased, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is informing truckers to pay attention to new requirements that have come up in different states this year. This is because carriers in the trucking industry are commonly targeted with wage and hour lawsuits.
• DOT drug and alcohol clearinghouse. The FMCSA recently launched a new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse website. The website contains information about the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. CDL drivers and their employers are required to use the Clearinghouse as of January 6, 2020.

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