New Speed Limiter Rule Could Hit Owner-Operators Hard in 2025

The FMCSA is expected to finalize a speed limiter mandate in 2025, which could cap trucks at

or lower. This rule is raising alarms among owner-operators and small fleet drivers, who argue it could severely impact delivery times, earnings, and safety in mixed-speed traffic zones.

Who It Affects:

• Class 8 trucks with electronic engine control units (ECUs)

• Independent owner-operators who rely on speed flexibility

• Fleets competing with larger carriers who already have limiters

Industry Concerns:

• Reduced income from fewer miles per hour

• Difficulty navigating fast-paced highway environments

• Potential for more road rage and accidents

Ghost Dog Take:This is more than a safety issue—it’s a freedom issue. Speed governance should consider experience and operating environments, not penalize independent drivers already stretched thin.