Among the many trends in the trucking industry are the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs), parking shortages, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), which can affect commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders’ employment opportunities.
However, those with clean driving records and near-perfect Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) records can still negotiate higher salaries and better benefits at the best trucking firms in the sector.
The same is true for charter bus drivers. Many are also CDL holders and must maintain a clean PSP by driving safely, obeying the DOT FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules, and disputing every traffic ticket in traffic court with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney.
The best option is to use a CA traffic attorney with experience in Roseville Courthouse in Placer County when a commercial driver has a ticket on I-80.
Many novice drivers believe paying the fine and moving on is the cheapest and most convenient route to handle traffic tickets.
However, a paid fine is a conviction and many fleet managers consider a conviction for a moving cause for termination, regardless of their previous driving record.
Fleet managers are charged with keeping the fleet insurance premiums low. Therefore, when a driver is convicted of a moving violation, they are automatically on the manager’s radar.
Other Crucial Trends in the Trucking Industry That Could Affect Your CDL
Some of the key trends in the trucking industry include:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)—The trucking industry is increasingly adopting electric vehicles to align with environmental goals.
Truck Parking—Truck parking shortages remain a challenge, with advocacy groups, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), pushing for expanded solutions.
Last-Mile Delivery—The demand for efficient last-mile delivery services is expected to grow through 2030.
Driver & Labor Retention—Retaining drivers is a priority as the trucking industry waits for freight demand to recover.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)—AI technology is transforming warehouse operations by optimizing data and improving efficiency.
Brokerage Fraud—New measures aim to combat brokerage fraud, which has led to significant financial losses in the trucking industry.
Operational Costs—Although fuel rates dropped during the last quarter of 2024, operational costs continue to spiral. With the average flat-bed rate at $3.14/mile; van rate at $2.76/mile; and reefers at $3.19/mile, this means less money available to pay drivers. Minimal decreases in operational costs are foreseen in 2025.
Hot Shot Trucking—This niche market continues to expand, serving customers with small or urgent loads.
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)—Many fleets anticipate using AVs (driverless vehicles) in a platoon formation. Although this is not legally possible yet, it could be in the future.
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Changes that Apply to Autonomous Vehicles and Traffic Violations
One key update involves autonomous vehicles (AVs). Under AB 1777 (Ting), law enforcement can issue a "notice of autonomous vehicle noncompliance" to manufacturers for traffic violations committed by AVs.
“Existing law authorizes the operation of an autonomous vehicle on public roads for testing purposes by a driver who possesses the proper class of license for the type of vehicle operated if specified requirements are satisfied.”
Starting July 1, 2026, AVs without human operators must include two-way communication devices for interactions with first responders.
These regulations aim to address safety concerns as AV technology evolves.
The Biggest Threat to Most Commercial Drivers CDL Remains the Moving Violation
Every year, law enforcement in the U.S. conducts approximately 20 million traffic stops, with 70% resulting in tickets.
These citations often lead to fines, license suspensions, and higher insurance rates. The National Motorists Association notes that traffic tickets are less about safety and more about generating $7-15 billion annually for government agencies and insurance companies.
Many commercial drivers receive tickets for disputable violations, leaving them unfairly penalized because they cannot turn down a load to sit in traffic court waiting for arraignment and possibly returning for a trial to dispute the ticket.
If you were cited for a traffic violation in Roseville, your case may go to the Placer County Courthouse.
The experienced Roseville traffic ticket lawyers at Bigger & Harman, APC, are here to help.
As members of the California Traffic Defense Bar Association, they understand the legal process and can guide you in challenging your ticket.
From investigating your case to submitting a not-guilty plea, they provide the resources you need to protect your driving privileges.
Don’t let a traffic ticket lead to unnecessary financial and legal consequences. With Bigger & Harman, you can fight back, safeguard your record, and potentially avoid costly surcharges.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
"Excellent CDL Traffic Attorney Firm"
Mark Bigger and the entire staff at Bigger & Harman did an outstanding job on my case reducing it to a non-point violation with minimal fees. This attorney firm is the best and I am so very grateful to have found them to handle and resolve my case quickly and with an excellent outcome. Thanks again, Mark🤗—Ken Z.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Threats to Your CDL Due to Traffic Tickets
If you receive a CDL traffic ticket that needs resolution in Roseville Courthouse, consult one of the traffic lawyers from Bigger & Harman, call for an initial consultation at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com, or use our convenient online contact form.
References:
The Exploding Topics article, 7 Key Trucking Industry Trends (2025-2029).
The Cloud Truck article, Trucking Industry Trends, Statistics & Outlook for 2024.
The Dynamic Logistix article, Trucking Rates per Mile 2024.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The CA DMV article, DMV Highlights New Laws in 2025.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.