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Federal Government Launches Historic Interagency Crackdown on CDL Fraud in Trucking
Breaking /Agency News /Audits & Enforcement /Driver Qualification

Federal Government Launches Historic Interagency Crackdown on CDL Fraud in Trucking

The U.S. Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Justice have launched a historic interagency crackdown on CDL fraud, including emergency removal of 110+ training providers, a 40-state investigation, and formation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America. Here's what it means for compliant carriers.

Brandon WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Aug 31, 2026
States Sue FMCSA Over CDLIS Data Demand
Breaking /Agency News /Audits & Enforcement /Driver Qualification

States Sue FMCSA Over CDLIS Data Demand

Twenty-two states and D.C. have sued FMCSA over a demand for 17 million CDLIS driver records, threatening to shut down CDL issuance nationwide. Here's what the lawsuit means for your fleet and what to watch next.

Brandon WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Aug 14, 2026
Freedom Haulers: What Fleet Owners & Safety Directors Need to Know About the New Veteran CDL Initiative
Agency News /Breaking /Driver Qualification /General Compliance

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 WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Aug 3, 2026
Trucksafe LIVE! | Ep. 63 - A Discussion with Administrator Barrs
Trucksafe LIVE!

Trucksafe LIVE! | Ep. 63 - A Discussion with Administrator Barrs

In this episode, we’re joined by FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs to discuss the agency’s regulatory and enforcement priorities, the status of the MOTUS rollout, and more!

Brandon WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Jul 13, 2026
FMCSA Finalizes More Deregulatory Rules
Agency News /General Compliance /Driver Qualification /Vehicle Maintenance

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 WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Jun 23, 2026
FMCSA Extends NRII Waiver Through October 11, Continuing Paper Medical Certificate Relief
Driver Qualification /Agency News /Breaking

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 WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Apr 10, 2026
California to Cancel 13,000 Non-Domiciled CDLs
Audits & Enforcement /Breaking /Agency News

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 WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Mar 8, 2026
Dalilah's Law: What Fleets Need to Know About the Proposed CDL Restrictions
Driver Qualification /General Compliance /Breaking /Audits & Enforcement

Dalilah'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 WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Mar 6, 2026
FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Non-Domiciled CDLs
Breaking /Agency News /Driver Qualification

FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Non-Domiciled CDLs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a new final rule on non-domiciled Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). Scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on February 13, 2026 (Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0622, RIN 2126-AC98), this rule largely reaffirms the provisions of the September 29, 2025, Interim Final Rule (IFR) with minor clarifications, despite intense legal scrutiny, a court-imposed stay, and thousands of public commen

Brandon WisemanBrandon Wiseman
Feb 11, 2026
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