What a Democratic Congress Means for FMCSA and Trucking
Democrats won the House and the Senate, and FMCSA now faces a Congress that will scrutinize its agenda. Here's what changes for the highway bill, FMCSA's rulemaking, ELP enforcement, non-domiciled CDLs and CSA, and what carriers should do now.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Signals New Round of SMS Proposals: Where the CSA Overhaul Stands Today
FMCSA Chief Safety Officer Steve Dowling said on October 28, 2026 that SMS proposals are coming for industry comment. As of today, carriers are still scored under the existing seven-BASIC SMS methodology. The enhanced system FMCSA approved in November 2024 has not launched.
Brandon Wiseman
DataQs Updates & Best Practices: What Every Carrier Needs to Know After FMCSA's Nationwide Rollout
FMCSA has finalized a sweeping DataQs overhaul now live in all 50 states — including a mandatory three-stage review process, strict timelines, and new independence requirements. Here's what changed and what it means for your fleet's appeal strategy.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Denies FOPT Exemption Request to Allow Paper Logs in Place of ELDs
FMCSA has officially denied the Federation of Professional Truckers' application to allow drivers to use paper logs instead of ELDs, citing a congressional mandate under MAP-21 and the applicant's failure to demonstrate safety equivalency.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Proposes to Codify English Language Proficiency as an Out-of-Service Violation
FMCSA has proposed a rule that would formally codify English Language Proficiency (ELP) as an out-of-service violation under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2). Here's what the NPRM means for your fleet and what you need to be doing right now.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA's 2026 Regulatory Agenda: Everything Trucking Companies Need to Know
FMCSA has released its 2026 regulatory agenda, covering dozens of rulemakings that will affect driver qualification, ELDs, drug testing, automated vehicles, safety fitness ratings, and more. Here's what every fleet needs to know.
Brandon WisemanNever Miss an Update
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