As emissions policies evolve and safety standards tighten, we understand the importance of building equipment for our customers that meets compliance requirements while still offering efficiencies.
Our engineering team at Great Dane actively monitors the changing regulatory landscape to ensure every trailer we produce is compliant, high-performing, and ready for the future. If you need a trailer that not only meets regulations, but also offers exceptional reliability, our team is here to help.
To better understand how regulations are influencing trailer design decisions, we spoke with Chris Lee, our Vice President of Engineering, about the key federal and cross-border regulations shaping trailer design.
What H.R. 1 Really Means for Trailer Compliance
Now that H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” has passed, Chris walked us through what’s ahead for trailer compliance.
Although the bill rolls back several climate-related programs and funding channels, it does not introduce any new emissions or safety mandates for trailer manufacturers. Instead, H.R. 1 reinforces the current regulatory framework: trailer builders remain exempt from EPA Phase 3 greenhouse gas (GHG3) regulations. It also withdraws federal support for climate reporting and low-carbon material initiatives that could have influenced future trailer design.
For our team at Great Dane, this confirms that our current compliance strategies remain on solid ground. But rather than wait for federal direction, we continue to lead with voluntary innovation, developing solutions that align with our customer’s needs while staying ahead of potential regulatory changes.
Aerodynamics & Fuel Efficiency: Continued Improvements
While the GHG3 regulations for heavy-duty vehicles make headlines, Chris clarified, “The trailer portion of the regulation has been rescinded since GHG2.” Even so, he noted that we’ll continue to pursue aerodynamic improvements for customers looking for better fuel economy. To learn more about how our aerodynamic innovations help our customers save fuel start here.
Additionally, Chris noted that projects around aerodynamics are ongoing. “We have active projects for trailer aerodynamics to create higher fuel efficiency for the fleet customers.”
He added that each aerodynamic device is tested for its real-world impact. “Preliminary study and trials are needed for the decision to adopt correct and appropriate devices,” he said.
Lee noted broader skepticism across the industry as well. “The new administrator of the nation’s top environmental authority plans to follow Trump’s agenda in weakening emissions regulations,” he said. “Major trucking industry associations and fleet owners applauded the chance to roll back GHG3 and further pause CARB’s regulation.”
Cross-Border Compliance
For fleets operating in both the U.S. and Canada, compatibility with differing regulations is vital.
“There are other regulations such as GWP emission for insulation foam blowing agents and PFAS that Great Dane is fully compliant with. This includes selecting materials that meet both U.S. EPA and Canadian environmental standards for low global warming potential and restricted chemical content,” Lee said. “Also, Great Dane rear impact guards meet both U.S. and Canadian regulations as well as IIHS 30% off set impact test protocol.”
Our RIG 30 rear impact guard is pictured below. RIG 30 received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOUGHGUARD award for its industry-leading safety standards. For a deeper dive into RIG 30’s design start here.
As Budgets Shift, Compliance Doesn’t
H.R. 1 rolls back funding for programs tied to low-embodied carbon materials and PFAS remediation, but it doesn’t change existing compliance requirements under EPA or state-level chemical safety laws. With that in mind, trailer manufacturers are still responsible for meeting material compliance standards.
Beyond regulatory rollbacks, the focus is also shifting toward how trailers can support the next generation of technology on the road.
Readiness for Technology Integration
As advanced safety technologies become more common on tractors, trailers are also evolving to support future systems.
“We are developing camera systems that are capable of 360-degree surveillance and blind spot monitoring,” Chris said. The prototype system was demonstrated at a company unveiling event in December 2024 and has been shown at select fleet customer events.
Though not as flashy as camera systems, lighting technology can help in another important area of trailer compliance: visibility.
Along with meeting regulatory requirements for lighting and reflective markings, our engineers developed a proprietary interior lighting solution using operator-friendly LED strip lamps to replace traditional dome lights. Take a closer look here at how LED lighting makes all the difference for trailer safety and productivity.
LED strip lights offer 74% increased brightness.
While lighting systems continue to evolve for safety and usability, another key consideration for trailer compliance is how weight impacts performance, especially in electric fleets.
Managing Weight for EV Fleets
With electric trucks gaining adoption, many fleets are working around the added weight of batteries and alternative fuel tanks. Federal law provides up to 2,000 pounds of additional allowance for zero-emission trucks, but trailer weight still plays a role in total vehicle efficiency.
“The most important objective is to reduce weight without sacrificing structural integrity,” Lee said. He pointed to the use of ultra high-yield strength metals and structural composite materials as viable solutions, though they can increase cost. “This must be closely monitored to produce sensible TCO and benefits for the customers.”
Although H.R. 1 doesn’t directly affect trailer manufacturers, it could offer long-term benefits. By directing funds toward domestic mining and material supply chains, the bill may eventually improve the availability and cost of advanced materials used in lightweight trailer construction.
Building with Flexibility in Mind
While certain trailer-specific emissions regulations have been paused or rolled back, we’ll continue to provide innovations that solve our customer’s challenges and lead the industry. That’s why we’re designing trailers that are equipped for tomorrow’s safety technologies.
As Lee explained, regulatory compliance is only the starting point. The real goal is building trailers that perform well across a range of operating environments and evolving fleet demands.
Ready to experience the difference a Great Dane trailer offers? Let’s connect or check out our products here.
