DOT and FMCSA deliver relief where drivers need it most

Photo: AI-generated via ChatGPT

Truckers are used to change. It’s baked into the work – routes, schedules, equipment, conditions. But when policy changes come from the top down, the question is always: does this help or hinder the mission? Recent announcements from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offer a bit of both: relief where it’s needed and modernization where it’s long overdue.

Package of actions

Under direction from the White House, the DOT has rolled out a package of actions aimed squarely at supporting American truck drivers – through new investments, pilot programs and regulatory updates. Whether SC&RA members have been closely following these developments or are just catching up, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what’s happening – and what it could mean for the industry.

First, let’s talk about parking. For years, truck parking has remained one of the most talked-about challenges in the commercial vehicle space – and with good reason. A lack of safe, reliable places to stop poses risks to drivers, cargo and communities.

The DOT is now advancing more than $275 million in federal grants to address the issue of truck parking. Notably, a $180 million project in Florida will add nearly 1,000 new parking spaces across multiple counties along the I-4 corridor. The initiative reinforces truck parking as a national priority under “Jason’s Law,” and it clarifies how federal funds can be used to solve this problem across all states.

Mark of progress

As for regulatory relief, FMCSA has officially withdrawn a proposed rule that would have required speed limiters on heavy vehicles – acknowledging the lack of a clear safety justification and the concerns raised by working professionals.

Meanwhile, a deregulatory push within the agency aims to cut over 1,800 words from existing federal code, reducing unnecessary violations (nearly 25,000 in 2024 alone) and streamlining compliance. Additionally, the long-standing exemption from ELD mandates for pre-2000 model year trucks will remain in place, preserving flexibility for many smaller operators.

Enforcement is also evolving. FMCSA is renewing its commitment to cracking down on unlawful double brokering – a practice that has eroded trust, harmed drivers and skewed competitive balance. Cleaning up this space is a welcome move for motor carriers that value transparency and fairness.

Two new initiatives are set to test greater flexibility in hours-of-service regulations. One will allow drivers to split their 10-hour off-duty period in 6/4 or 5/5 combinations. Another enables a pause – between 30 minutes and three hours – during the standard 14-hour on-duty window. Both pilots are designed to gather real-world data on whether more flexible scheduling improves safety and driver wellbeing.

Smarter regulation

Digital modernization is underway as well. Updates to FMCSA’s online resources and systems are set to make a real difference for drivers navigating compliance, complaints and record accuracy.

A refreshed driver resource page, improvements to the DataQs platform and a modernized National Consumer Complaint Database will bring needed transparency and mobile accessibility. These are functional upgrades with tangible value – especially for operators managing multiple roles or seeking fast resolution.

Ultimately, these changes signal a growing recognition that trucking needs both smarter regulation and better support. That balance is delicate, and it requires ongoing engagement from industry stakeholders. That said, SC&RA will continue to advocate on behalf of members to ensure that relief measures do not come at the expense of safety – or open the door to unintended consequences.

But for now, these developments mark progress – particularly in areas that have long needed federal attention. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updates, explore how they may apply to operations and stay informed as pilots, policies and enforcement evolve.

Change is constant – but when it aligns with reality on the road, it becomes an asset rather than a burden.