BUILD America 250 Act Signals Major Changes for Trucking Safety and Infrastructure

A sweeping new highway bill introduced by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee could reshape the trucking industry for years to come.  The proposed five-year, $580 billion surface transportation package — known as the BUILD America 250 Act — includes a wide range of trucking safety reforms, infrastructure investments, and emerging technology regulations aimed at modernizing freight transportation across the country.

If passed before the current transportation authorization expires on Sept. 30, the legislation would impact carriers, brokers, drivers, technology providers, and shippers alike.

A Historic Infrastructure Investment

Committee Chairman Sam Graves called the proposal one of the most significant infrastructure investments in American history, particularly for bridge improvements.  The bill would direct more than $50 billion toward bridge projects while also streamlining transportation programs and reducing bureaucratic delays for construction projects.

The legislation also seeks to strengthen the Highway Trust Fund through new annual registration fees for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles:

• $130 annually for electric vehicles
• $35 annually for plug-in hybrids
• Fee increases of $5 every two years beginning in 2029

While the EV fee discussion may dominate headlines, the trucking-related provisions buried inside the 1,000+ page bill are where the freight industry will likely feel the greatest impact.

Key Trucking Safety Measures Included in the Bill

The BUILD America 250 Act introduces several proposals aimed at improving safety, accountability, and operational efficiency throughout the supply chain.

Cargo Theft and Freight Fraud Take Center Stage

Cargo theft and freight fraud continue to rise across the logistics industry, costing shippers and carriers billions annually.  The bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish an advisory committee specifically focused on these growing threats.

This move signals increasing federal attention on organized cargo crime, identity theft schemes, and fraudulent broker activity — all issues that have intensified in recent years.

Expanded Truck Parking Support

One of the industry’s longest-standing concerns — lack of safe truck parking — receives attention through a proposed competitive grant program for public commercial vehicle parking projects.

For drivers struggling to find legal and safe parking locations while remaining compliant with Hours-of-Service regulations, this could provide meaningful relief over time.

Broker and Freight Forwarder Oversight

The legislation would also require the Department of Transportation to finalize rules surrounding the qualifications and experience requirements for freight brokers and freight forwarders.

As fraud and questionable brokerage operations continue to impact the market, stronger registration standards may help improve accountability throughout the freight brokerage sector.

Changes That Could Directly Affect Drivers and Carriers

Several provisions within the bill would have a direct operational impact on trucking companies and drivers.

Stronger ELD Oversight

The bill proposes stricter oversight of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), requiring additional verification of certification applicants and technical specifications.  Regulators would also cross-reference applications against previously revoked ELD providers.

This could help eliminate questionable or noncompliant ELD systems from the marketplace and improve enforcement consistency.

DataQ Appeals Process Expansion

The proposal would create a formal appeals process within the DataQ system for serious driver-related violations.

For carriers and drivers concerned about inaccurate CSA data or inspection records impacting safety scores, this provision could offer additional due process protections.

Hair Testing Recognition

Another major development involves drug testing policy.  The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to recognize hair testing as an approved specimen collection method once federal scientific guidelines are finalized.

Hair testing has long been supported by many large carriers as a more effective long-term screening tool compared to urine testing alone.

Action Against Noncompliant Training Providers

The legislation would establish a process for the FMCSA to investigate and remove noncompliant entry-level driver training providers within 90 days.

This aligns with growing concerns over inconsistent CDL training quality across the industry.

Autonomous Trucking Moves Toward Federal Regulation

Perhaps the most forward-looking section of the BUILD America 250 Act is the creation of a federal framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles.

The bill would establish safety standards for commercial vehicles equipped with autonomous driving systems (ADS) operating in interstate commerce.

Autonomous trucking companies have been pushing for clearer federal guidance as pilot programs continue expanding across the country.  Kodiak Robotics praised the proposal as a major milestone for the industry, arguing that regulatory clarity is essential for safely scaling autonomous freight operations.

While fully driverless trucking remains in its early stages, the inclusion of ADS regulations in a major federal highway bill shows how seriously lawmakers are beginning to treat automation in freight transportation.

Additional Provisions Worth Watching

The legislation also includes several other notable measures:

• Extending the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program through 2031
• Reviewing the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
• Creating minimum knowledge requirement discussions for motor carriers
• Issuing a final Beyond Compliance rule
• Establishing restroom access requirements for drivers at shipping and receiving facilities
• Ordering a study on cabotage violations involving commercial motor vehicles
• Exempting livestock haulers from ELD and Hours-of-Service requirements

Collectively, these measures reflect a broader effort to modernize trucking regulations while balancing safety, operational realities, and technological innovation.

What This Means for the Industry

Although the BUILD America 250 Act is still in draft form, it provides an early look at where federal transportation policy may be heading over the next five years.

For carriers, shippers, and logistics providers, the message is clear:

• Safety compliance will continue becoming more data-driven and technology-focused.
• Fraud prevention and carrier accountability are receiving increased federal attention.
• Autonomous trucking is moving closer to mainstream regulatory acceptance.
• Infrastructure investments remain critical to supply chain reliability.

As lawmakers continue negotiations, portions of the bill could evolve before final passage.  However, many of the trucking safety provisions already align with ongoing industry concerns and long-term regulatory trends.

For transportation companies, staying informed and adaptable will remain essential as Washington continues shaping the future of freight movement in America.