Federal Environmental Agency targets maintainance of diesel-fueled trucks on highways
New Guidelines for Diesel Exhaust Fluid Systems Offer Relief to Small-Business Truckers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with manufacturers, has issued new guidelines for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems. These guidelines are designed to prevent sudden engine shutdowns or severe power reductions (derates) in diesel trucks, offering relief to small-business truckers who have been affected by operational delays and economic hardship caused by current derate strategies.
The new guidelines direct engine and truck manufacturers to update the DEF system software in current vehicles and to design all new diesel on-road trucks starting with the 2027 model year so they avoid sudden and severe power loss after running out of DEF or experiencing DEF system faults.
Key points of the new guidance include:
- Truck manufacturers are urged to update software on existing vehicles to prevent abrupt engine derates.
- When a DEF fault occurs, instead of immediately forcing a shutdown or extreme speed reduction, the system will now allow a longer period for drivers to repair the issue before power is significantly reduced.
- New regulations for model year 2027 and onward trucks mandate design changes to avoid these sudden shutdowns and allow more manageable DEF system fault responses.
The EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, stated that small businesses have expressed concerns about current DEF derates being unacceptable. He emphasized that these issues impact productivity and cost millions. The new guidelines aim to balance emissions compliance with practical operational needs, reducing frustrations caused by abrupt loss of diesel equipment functionality.
Under the new guidelines, a warning light appears for 650 miles after a fault is detected, providing truckers with ample time to diagnose and fix the issue. Starting from model year 2027, all new diesel on-road trucks must be engineered to avoid sudden power loss and resulting derates after running out of DEF.
These changes should alleviate longstanding complaints in the trucking, farming, and construction industries by providing more tolerance and flexibility for DEF-related issues. They aim to address the frustration, operational delays, and economic hardship caused by current derate strategies.
The cost of raw components for diesel exhaust fluid has been rising, as discussed in the article "Raw component costs send diesel exhaust fluid prices soaring". The new guidelines may also be relevant to fuel-saving strategies, as mentioned in the article "Fuel-Saving Strategies Worth Trying in 2025".
Todd Spencer, President of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, commented that the new guidance offers more flexible inducement schedules to help drivers maintain safe control of their vehicles. The new guidelines are part of a series of efforts to improve the trucking industry, as discussed in the article "How Diesel Exhaust Fluid is Impacting the Trucking Industry".
[1] Link to the article discussing the new guidelines [3] Link to the article discussing the impact of the new guidelines on the trucking industry [4] Link to the article discussing the cost of raw components for diesel exhaust fluid [5] Link to the article discussing the frustration caused by current derate strategies
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Technology plays a crucial role in implementing the new guidelines for diesel exhaust fluid systems, as engine and truck manufacturers are required to update the DEF system software in current vehicles. This update is designed to prevent sudden and severe power loss, offering benefits to small business truckers.
In addition, the new regulations for model year 2027 and onward trucks mandate design changes that leverage advanced technology to avoid sudden shutdowns and allow more manageable responses to DEF system faults. This technology integration aims to reduce frustrations caused by abrupt losses of diesel equipment functionality and improve operational efficiency within the trucking, farming, and construction industries.
