FMCSA Regulatory Update: Key Takeaways from the Florida Trucking Association Safety Summit
On February 20, 2025, Trucksafe president Brandon Wiseman presented an FMCSA Regulatory Update at the Florida Trucking Association’s Safety Summit in Tampa. The presentation provided an overview of recent and upcoming regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and compliance considerations for the trucking industry. Below is a summary of the key topics discussed.
Download the slides from Brandon's presentation below:
FMCSA Enforcement Summary
FMCSA enforcement activity remains robust, with 2.9 million roadside inspections conducted in 2024, resulting in 900,000 out-of-service violations. The most common vehicle-related violation was inoperable lamps, while the top driver-related violation was speeding between 6 to 10 miles per hour over the limit. Beyond roadside inspections, FMCSA carried out 12,000 compliance investigations, with key violations including failures to conduct required Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse queries and instances of log falsification. Additionally, the agency has increased oversight of ELD vendors due to ongoing compliance concerns.
Recent Rulemaking and Updates
One of the most significant regulatory developments that occurred in 2024 was the implementation of Clearinghouse Phase II, which took effect on November 18, 2024. The Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse serves as a central repository for drug and alcohol testing data for CDL drivers. Under the new requirements, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) must now use the Clearinghouse to automatically downgrade the CDLs of drivers in "prohibited" status. To regain eligibility to drive, these individuals must complete the return-to-duty process.
FMCSA has also expanded the Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP), revising its criteria to include additional types of crashes that can be deemed non-preventable. Among these are incidents where a commercial motor vehicle was struck on the side by another motorist traveling in the same direction, crashes involving vehicles entering the roadway from private driveways or parking lots, and situations where a motorist lost control of their vehicle due to external factors, with police reports confirming the loss of control. Finally, FMCSA will also accept other accident types where video evidence establishes the sequence of events, broadening the scope of eligible cases.
Agency Leadership Update
Recent leadership changes at the U.S. Department of Transportation will influence FMCSA's regulatory direction in the coming months and years. Sean Duffy has been confirmed as the new USDOT Secretary by the U.S. Senate, though the FMCSA Administrator position remains unfilled. The absence of a confirmed administrator, in addition to President Trump's recent executive orders, may impact the pace at which new regulations are finalized and implemented.
Planned Rulemaking and Updates
Several key regulatory proposals remain in the works, including significant revisions to the Safety Measurement System (SMS). Originally proposed in February 2023 in response to the FAST Act and NAS study, these revisions aim to improve the effectiveness of the CSA program by reorganizing BASIC categories, consolidating violations into groups, simplifying severity weights, and placing a greater emphasis on recent data. Although the rollout is still pending, FMCSA has made a preview website available for industry review.
Another highly anticipated and much derided rulemaking involves the potential implementation of speed limiters. This rule, a joint effort between FMCSA and NHTSA, was initially proposed in 2016 and is expected to advance with a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) in May 2025. While the exact speed limit has not been set, discussions have centered around a potential cap of 68 miles per hour. However, strong opposition from industry stakeholders and members of Congress could affect the final outcome of the rule.
FMCSA is also considering rule changes related to broker transparency and the establishment of a DataQs Appeals Board. The broker transparency initiative aims to address financial and operational concerns surrounding broker-carrier relationships, ensuring that carriers have better visibility into broker transactions. Meanwhile, the DataQs Appeals Board would create a more formal process for reviewing and resolving DataQs challenges, providing motor carriers with a clearer avenue for disputing violations and inspection data.
Final Thoughts
FMCSA’s regulatory landscape continues to evolve, requiring motor carriers to remain proactive in compliance efforts. The presentation at the Florida Trucking Association’s Safety Summit underscored the importance of staying informed on enforcement trends, rule changes, and industry developments. With several significant regulatory updates on the horizon, carriers should closely monitor FMCSA announcements and engage with industry experts like Trucksafe Consulting to navigate compliance challenges effectively.
About Trucksafe Consulting, LLC: Trucksafe Consulting is a full-service DOT regulatory compliance consulting and training service. We help carriers develop, implement, and improve their safety programs, through personalized services, industry-leading training, and a library of educational content. Trucksafe also hosts a livestream podcast on its various social media channels called Trucksafe LIVE! to discuss hot-button issues impacting highway transportation. Trucksafe is owned and operated by Brandon Wiseman and Jerad Childress, transportation attorneys who've assisted some of the nation’s leading fleets to develop and maintain cutting-edge safety programs. You can learn more about Trucksafe online at www.trucksafe.com and by following Trucksafe on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Or subscribe to Trucksafe's newsletter for the latest highway transportation news & analysis. Also, be sure to check out eRegs, the first app-based digital version of the federal safety regulations aimed at helping carriers and drivers better understand and comply with the regulations.