Net-Zero Carbon recap: Impacts of regulations on trucking

Trucking industry largely favors national standards over state-by-state standards

(Photo: FreightWaves)

This fireside chat recap is from FreightWaves’ Net-Zero Carbon Summit.

FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: How regulations and environment impact trucking

DETAILS: Jim Ward and Thomas Wasson, enterprise trucking carrier expert at FreightWaves, discuss how regulations on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other emissions impact the trucking industry. They also dive into how companies want to thoroughly test alternative fuels before switching over their fleets.



SPEAKER: Ward is president of the Truckload Carriers Association.

BIO: Ward was the president of transportation company D.M. Bowman Inc. for 22 years before his recent transition to TCA.

KEY QUOTES FROM WARD:

“I think it’s important that the industry continues to get credit for what we’ve done. The engine manufacturers and the trucking industry, since the 2010 emissions standards, NOx has been cut by approximately 30%.”

“As an industry, we certainly support a nationally recognized NOx standard, not a state-by-state standard. That is so difficult for us to be able to deal with.”

“We have to continue to encourage the Biden administration whether it’s EPA or [California Air Resources Board], that they work with the trucking industry and they work with the engine manufacturing.”

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Alyssa Sporrer.

Trucking coalition wants way around looming CARB emissions rule

Sustainability insights from Titan Freight CEO

Report: Diesel truck emissions in NYC affect people of color more

Zero-emission truck, bus models increasing 26% from 2020 through 2022

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Alyssa Sporrer

Alyssa is a staff writer at FreightWaves, covering sustainability news in the freight and supply chain industry, from low-carbon fuels to social sustainability, emissions & more. She graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Marketing and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about all things environmental and enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, ultimate frisbee, hiking, and soccer.