Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
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
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 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
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
Brandon Wiseman
CDL Drug Testing Faces Uncertainty After Trump Executive Order
It's official. December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Attorney General to "take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process related to rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act in the most expeditious manner."For the cannabis industry, it's a landmark moment. For the trucking industry, it's the beginning of a very uncertain chapter, one that hinges entirely on how the Department of Health and Human Services, the
Rob Carpenter
Federal Court temporarily halts FMCSA’s non-domiciled CDL rule
In a major development with nationwide implications for motor carriers, foreign drivers, and state licensing agencies, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has temporarily stayed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) controversial interim final rule (IFR) restricting the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The court’s November 10, 2025 order halts the rule pending further judicial review, creating further uncertainty for the industry. Judg
Brandon WisemanNever Miss an Update
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