Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
USDOT threatens to withhold federal funding from California, Washington & New Mexico for ELP enforcement non-compliance
In a bold move underscoring the Trump administration's commitment to enhancing trucking safety and enforcing federal regulations, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has issued a stern warning to three states: California, Washington, and New Mexico. On August 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that these states risk losing millions in federal funding unless they immediately align with English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial motor vehi
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Modifies Temporary Waiver for Paper Medical Certificates Amid NRII Transition
According to a notice published August 21, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has modified its temporary waiver, allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, as well as motor carriers, to use paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This waiver, effective until October 12, 2025, addresses ongoing challenges in the transition to the National Re
Brandon Wiseman
Spotlight on non-domiciled CDLs
On August 14, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating Florida highway crash that resulted in three fatalities, linking the incident to possible breaches in Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issuance protocols and English language proficiency (ELP) standards. This inquiry not only exposes the perils of allowing unqualified drivers to handle heavy commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) but also intensifies the ongoing politi
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA and NHTSA Move to Officially Withdraw Speed Limiter Mandate for Heavy Trucks
As announced by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy earlier this month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have announced the withdrawal of their long-standing proposal to mandate speed limiters on heavy commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This decision, detailed in Federal Register notice 2025-13928 to be published on July 24, 2025, ends years of debate over requiring electronic speed governors on trucks with a
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver for NRII Transition, Easing CDL Medical Certification Delays for Motor Carriers and Drivers
Coming on the heels of a rocky transition to the new fully-electronic process for CDL medical certifications, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a temporary waiver for CDL drivers and the motor carriers that employ them. This FMCSA waiver addresses potential delays in the electronic transmission of DOT medical exam results stemming from medical examiners or state drivers licensing agencies (SDLAs) who weren't prepared for this long awaited change, ensuring that
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to pursue additional changes to the DataQs system
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is set to publish a notice in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025, outlining proposed revisions to the DataQs system, which it originally proposed back in September of 2024 but is now refining based on public comments received. This proposal aims to improve the impartiality, timeliness, transparency, and overall fairness of the Request for Data Review (RDR) process, addressing long-standing concerns from motor carriers, drivers, and indust
Brandon Wiseman
USDOT Announces New Initiatives to Support America’s Truck Drivers in 2025
On June 27, 2025, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory updates aimed at supporting America’s truck drivers. Announced in response to the President’s Executive Order, these measures from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focus on improving truck parking, providing regulatory relief, enhancing driver flexibility, and modernizing resources. "Truckers keep America running. Whi
Brandon Wiseman
Trucksafe Launches Monthly English Language Proficiency (ELP) Enforcement Report
Indianapolis, IN – June 24, 2025 – Trucksafe Consulting, LLC, a leading provider of DOT safety consulting and online DOT training, is thrilled to announce the launch of its exclusive Monthly English Language Proficiency (ELP) Enforcement Report. This comprehensive report delivers critical insights into state- and federal-level ELP enforcement data, trends, and compliance strategies for motor carriers and other industry stakeholders. With enhanced ELP enforcement set to begin on June 25, 2025, no
Tackling Cargo Theft and Cyber Threats in Trucking
In the milestone 50th episode of TruckSafe LIVE!, hosts Brandon, Tyler, and Jerad from Trucksafe and Childress Law welcomed Justin Austin, Senior Vice President at Aon Insurance and head of its Transportation and Logistics Practice Group, to discuss the escalating issues of cargo theft and cyber threats impacting the trucking industry in 2025. With cargo theft incidents surging and cyber attacks growing in sophistication, this episode provided critical insights into the current landscape, best p
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