Parking, Predatory Truck Leasing, ELD Certification: Highway Bill Advances
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee completed a lengthy markup session in the early morning hours and advanced the BUILD America Act to the full House for further consideration.
The legislation includes several provisions that directly affect commercial drivers and small fleet operators. Committee members adopted amendments addressing truck parking availability, restrictions on certain leasing arrangements, and updates to electronic logging device certification standards.
Truck parking has remained a persistent challenge for drivers across many freight corridors. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to identify high-priority corridors where parking shortages are most severe and authorizes funding for new or expanded facilities. The measure also requires states receiving federal aid to report on the availability and utilization of truck parking spaces within their borders.
Language addressing predatory truck leasing was also included. The provisions aim to increase transparency in lease agreements offered to owner-operators and independent contractors. The committee adopted requirements that leasing companies disclose total costs, payment structures, and termination terms in plain language before contracts are signed. The measure further prohibits certain practices that have been associated with drivers being locked into unfavorable financial arrangements.
Regarding electronic logging devices, the bill includes changes to the certification process. It directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to review and update technical specifications used to approve ELD models. The updated standards are intended to improve device reliability, reduce malfunctions, and ensure consistent data recording across different manufacturers.
The markup process involved extended debate over multiple amendments. Committee leadership worked through competing proposals before reaching agreement on the final package. The bill now moves to the House floor, where additional amendments may be offered before a full vote.
Trucking organizations and driver advocacy groups have monitored the legislation closely. Several groups submitted comments during the markup period emphasizing the need for practical solutions to parking shortages and clearer protections for drivers entering lease agreements. Industry representatives also noted the importance of reliable ELD performance for compliance and hours-of-service enforcement.
The BUILD America Act is one of several surface transportation measures under consideration in the current Congress. Its provisions on parking, leasing, and ELD certification reflect ongoing policy discussions about driver working conditions, equipment standards, and regulatory oversight within the freight transportation sector.