Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
Freedom Haulers: What Fleet Owners & Safety Directors Need to Know About the New Veteran CDL Initiative
The Trump Administration's Freedom Haulers campaign expands veteran CDL fast-track programs, adds seven states to the Even Exchange Program, and doubles the Military Skills Test Waiver window to two years. Here's what fleet owners and compliance teams need to know.
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 Wiseman
FMCSA Finalizes More Deregulatory Rules
FMCSA has finalized three new deregulatory rules effective July 22, 2026, removing the CDL self-reporting requirement, the in-cab ELD manual requirement, and revising the roadside inspection report return process. Here is what fleets need to know and do.
Brandon Wiseman
Iowa English Proficiency Law Progresses Through State Legislature: What SF 2426 Means for Carriers
Iowa Senate File 2426 would establish one of the nation's first comprehensive state-level English proficiency requirements for CDL applicants, with carrier penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Here's what Iowa carriers need to know now.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Extends NRII Waiver Through October 11, Continuing Paper Medical Certificate Relief
FMCSA has extended its NRII waiver through October 11, 2026, allowing continued reliance on paper medical certificates despite the agency’s push toward a fully electronic system. The extension confirms what the industry is already experiencing: delays in state posting of medical certifications are still creating gaps between qualification and documentation. Until those gaps close, carriers must manage both paper and electronic records to stay compliant.
Brandon Wiseman
Dalilah's Law Moves Through Committee With Key Revisions on Foreign Dispatch and CDL Eligibility
Delilah's Law has advanced through committee with key revisions — including sharper language on foreign dispatch services. Here's what the amended bill means for fleet compliance programs right now.
Brandon Wiseman
California to Cancel 13,000 Non-Domiciled CDLs
Following a federal audit and regulatory enforcement action by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has begun canceling thousands of previously issued non-domiciled CDLs after federal officials concluded that many of the licenses were issued in violation of federal eligibility requirements.The situation illustrates a broader regulatory shift occurring at the federal level regarding non
Brandon WisemanDalilah's Law: What Fleets Need to Know About the Proposed CDL Restrictions
Senator Jim Banks has introduced the Dalilah Law, a bill that would prohibit states from issuing CDLs to individuals who are not U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or holders of certain work visas — and tie compliance to federal DOT funding. Here's what fleet owners and safety directors need to know.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Issues New Guidance Clarifying Non-Domiciled CDL Final Rule Requirements
On February 18, 2026, FMCSA issued new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) clarifying its recently finalized rule tightening the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The guidance provides critical details for states, carriers, and drivers navigating the March 16, 2026 effective date of the final rule, and confirms that the agency is taking an aggressive posture toward enforcing lawful presence requirements and correcting past licensing deficiencies. While much of the atte
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