Truck Manufacturers Distance Themselves from Clean Truck Partnership Amid Regulatory Shifts

The Federal Trade Commission announced that it has closed its investigation into possible antitrust violations tied to the Clean Trucker Partnership. In return, Daimler Truck North America, International Motors, PACCAR, and Volvo North America assured the agency they would not pursue similar agreements in the future.

In letters to the FTC, the four manufacturers confirmed the deal was “rendered unenforceable” following Congressional action that revoked California’s waiver to enforce its Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule and Omnibus NOx standards. Each company pledged to independently determine the type and quantity of vehicles they sell, separate from any collective agreements.

The FTC noted its concern over competitors coordinating to restrict output, stating:

“Our antitrust laws take the dimmest possible view of agreements among competitors to restrict output or otherwise to cease competing.”

Nebraska Lawsuit Dropped

Earlier this week, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the CTP. As part of the settlement, the manufacturers and the Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association declared the partnership “void,” further weakening the pact’s legal standing.

This development adds to the mounting challenges facing California’s emissions rules, particularly after Congress invalidated the waiver that allowed the ACT and NOx standards to proceed.

Industry Focus Turns to Federal NOx Rule

With the CTP and ACT effectively sidelined, attention is shifting to the federal nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards set to take effect in 2027. On Wednesday, the American Trucking Associations (ATA), joined by several affiliates and the Truckload Carriers Association, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting that implementation be delayed until 2031.

The letter also called for a broader review of NOx-related requirements, including warranty obligations and engine useful life standards, to ensure regulatory timelines align with industry readiness.

What It Means for Freight and Supply Chains

The week’s events highlight the uncertainty manufacturers face as they navigate competing state and federal emissions rules. Key implications include:

• Regulatory Clarity: Manufacturers are seeking consistency across jurisdictions, as conflicting state and federal standards create compliance risks and uncertainty in long-term planning.
• Technology Investment Decisions: With timelines in flux, OEMs may hesitate to accelerate zero-emission vehicle development without clearer guidance on federal NOx standards.
• Freight Market Impacts: Delays in stricter emissions rules could extend the operational lifespan of diesel fleets, affecting the pace of transition to electric and alternative-fuel trucks across supply chains.

As legal battles continue, the future of heavy-duty emissions regulation remains unsettled, leaving both manufacturers and carriers in a state of limbo.

Source: FreightWaves