Topic
fmcsa
Logistics FMCSA Revisits Dormant Rule to Test Truck Safety Knowledge Before Granting Authority
FMCSA is revisiting a rule dormant since 2009 that would require new motor carriers to demonstrate safety knowledge before receiving operating authority, rather than after. The agency targets November 2026 for a supplemental advance notice of proposed rulemaking, potentially reversing a long-standing practice where audits follow months after carriers start hauling freight.
Regulations & Compliance FMCSA Rejects Epilepsy Exemptions After Nearly Two Years of Approvals, Denying 70 Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) denied epilepsy exemption requests for 70 commercial drivers in two separate actions in June and July 2026, breaking a pattern of approvals that had lasted nearly two years. The denials cite insufficient evidence that the applicants would maintain a level of safety equivalent to federal standards.
Logistics FMCSA Broker Transparency Proposal Expected This Month, Impact Uncertain for Owner-Operators
The FMCSA is expected to issue a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on broker transparency this month, according to the DOT's 2026 regulatory agenda. The rule aims to enforce the long-standing 49 CFR 371.3, which gives carriers the right to review broker transaction records. However, the impact remains uncertain as the new administration starts over from a prior proposal.
Logistics FMCSA's Latest Unified Agenda Signals Aggressive Enforcement and Major Regulatory Overhauls Ahead
The FMCSA has released its first Unified Agenda in over a year, featuring 48 regulatory items. Industry experts and the Truckload Carriers Association consider the plan ambitious but warn resource constraints may hinder execution. The agenda signals continued aggressive enforcement against unsafe carriers.
Regulations & Compliance 3 of Today's 10 FMCSA-Revoked ELDs Had Already Been Pulled Once, Repeat Offenders Flagged
The FMCSA removed 10 electronic logging devices from the registered list, including three from manufacturers with prior revocations. Administrator Derek Barrs warned of continued enforcement. Carriers face a September 8, 2026 deadline to replace revoked devices or risk citations and out-of-service orders.
Logistics Operation Safe Driver Week Begins July 12: Ticket Penalties Last Long After the Week Ends
From July 12 to 18, 2026, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) runs Operation Safe Driver Week across the US, Canada, and Mexico, focusing on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving. During last year's campaign, officers stopped 8,739 vehicles, issuing 2,504 citations and 3,575 warnings. Speeding was the top infraction (917 citations), while the official focus area produced only 20 citations. The enforcement data underscores that routine violations, not just reckless driving, generate citations and long-term CSA score impacts.
Logistics FMCSA cuts paperwork on three final rules, ramps up enforcement crackdown
FMCSA published three final rules on June 22, effective July 22, eliminating outdated paperwork requirements: CDL self-reporting of convictions (now handled electronically), ELD operator manual in cab, and mailed roadside inspection reports. These are part of a broader deregulatory push under USDOT. Simultaneously, the agency is conducting its most aggressive fraud crackdown, with specialized investigations uncovering widespread identity fraud.
Logistics FMCSA Temporarily Suspends Biennial Update Requirement Amid Motus Rollout Troubles
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has temporarily suspended the biennial update requirement for carriers that have been unable to complete it since June 1 due to difficulties with the new Motus registration portal. This move, reported by FreightWaves, indicates that rollout problems persist, including conflicting government system data that is preventing some carriers from operating.
Logistics North Carolina Trucking Group Investigates Wave of Unexpected FMCSA Safety Audits Following SafeSpect Glitch
A glitch in FMCSA's SafeSpect platform misidentified long-established trucking companies as new entrants, triggering safety audit notifications. The North Carolina Trucking Association is investigating and has alerted carriers. At least 400 carriers in North Carolina were added to the audit queue overnight, and the issue may extend beyond the state.
Logistics After Montgomery Decision, Industry Scrambles for Reliable Carrier Safety Ratings
The Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II eliminated a key procedural defense for brokers in negligent selection lawsuits, forcing the industry to confront the lack of dependable carrier safety data. A FreightWaves analysis argues that FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS) is not reliable for judging carrier safety, as even the agency itself warns against drawing conclusions from the data. Brokers and carriers are now pushing for a federal safety standard and modernization of safety fitness determinations.
Logistics FMCSA Drops Rule Requiring Printed ELD Manual in Trucks, Reducing Paperwork Burden
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has finalized a rule eliminating the requirement for truck drivers to carry a printed operator's manual for their electronic logging device (ELD). The change, effective upon publication in the Federal Register, follows a public comment period in which 18 of 24 comments supported the move. FMCSA cited the availability of digital manuals and lack of safety benefit as justification.
Logistics FMCSA Eliminates CDL Violation Self-Reporting Requirement Across the United States
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has finalized a rule eliminating the requirement for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders to self-report traffic convictions to their state licensing agency. The rule took effect Monday, citing the full implementation of the Exclusive Electronic Exchange (EEE) system in 2024, which automatically transmits conviction data between states. The change reduces administrative burden for drivers and carriers, especially owner-operators and small fleets, though some legal experts warn of potential documentation gaps.
The DVIR: The Hidden Compliance Risk in Your Trucking Operations
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Logistics FMCSA Addresses Motus Rollout Issues Amid Industry Concerns
The FMCSA has issued two statements addressing the problematic rollout of the Motus registration system, which has affected trucking compliance processes. The agency is prioritizing fixes to insurance filings and operating authority status.
Logistics FMCSA Evaluates Epilepsy Waivers for Commercial Drivers
The FMCSA is reviewing 11 epilepsy waiver requests from commercial drivers, potentially impacting logistics operations. Public comments are open until June 29.
Regulations & Compliance DACA recipient petitions FMCSA in CDL dispute
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Technology FMCSA's MOTUS System Faces Backlash from Users
The FMCSA's new MOTUS system, intended to modernize registration processes, is facing severe criticism from users due to numerous bugs and inefficiencies. Compliance professionals are struggling to perform their duties, leading to widespread frustration.