U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at improving highway safety and quality of life for America’s truck drivers. The new package includes $275 million in funding for truck parking, withdrawal of a proposed speed limiter rule, modernization of digital resources, and new pilot programs focused on flexibility in hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.
These efforts are part of a broader approach to support professional drivers while reducing regulatory burdens.
“Truckers keep America running,” said Duffy. “While the country sleeps, truckers grind through the night to help keep shelves stocked, families fed, and businesses humming. It’s a job that requires grit and dedication. But for too long, Washington, DC has made work harder for truckers. That ends today.”
Key Highlights from the USDOT Trucking Plan
Truck Parking Expansion
USDOT is allocating more than $275 million to increase truck parking capacity nationwide. A major portion—$180 million—is dedicated to Florida, where 917 new truck parking spaces will be added along the I-4 corridor in Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Additional funding opportunities will be made available through both discretionary and formula grant programs.
Withdrawal of Speed Limiter Proposal
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is withdrawing the proposed rulemaking that would have mandated speed limiters on heavy trucks. Additionally, FMCSA confirmed it will not extend the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate to vehicles with pre-2000 model years.
Modernizing Driver Tools
FMCSA is overhauling several of its digital platforms to improve usability and transparency. Updates include a revamped Consumer Complaint database and enhancements to the DataQ system, which allows drivers to challenge inspection and crash data.
Reducing Regulatory Burden and Targeting Fraud
The agency also plans to remove over 1,800 words from existing federal regulations, aiming to simplify compliance and reduce time spent on paperwork. In parallel, FMCSA is intensifying enforcement against illegal double brokering, a practice that disproportionately harms small carriers and independent operators.
Hours-of-Service Flexibility
Two pilot programs are being launched to examine whether flexible scheduling can improve driver rest and safety:
- One pilot will allow drivers to split their 10-hour off-duty period into alternate segments such as 6/4 and 5/5 splits.
- The second will permit drivers to pause their 14-hour on-duty clock for breaks ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Industry Response
The announcement has drawn praise from multiple major trucking organizations.
David Heller, Senior Vice President of Safety and Government Affairs, Truckload Carriers Association:
“We applaud the Administration for their support to productively keep this country’s freight moving. As TCA remains steadfast in its value proposition of improving the driving job, this package delivers upon that promise by investing in one of the key priorities outlined by our driving force, the critical need for safer and more secure parking. By making this a national priority, the administration continues to demonstrate its support for an industry that thrives on delivering a nation.”
Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Associations:
“We thank the Administration and Secretary Duffy for their continued focus on the issues impacting America’s trucking industry. As the leading mover of the nation’s freight, the concerns of our industry not only impact the 8.5 million Americans who work throughout trucking, but they also affect the countless businesses and families we serve across the country. A safe and strong trucking industry is critical to America’s economic growth and security, and data-driven measures like these that reduce regulatory burdens are important steps toward that end. We look forward to continued partnership with the Administration to advance policies that strengthen America’s supply chain and bolster our essential workforce.”
Todd Spencer, President and CEO, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA):
“OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent welcome these transformational actions… These steps not only improve the daily lives of truckers across America but also enhance safety for everyone on the road. For years, truckers have urged Washington to address the severe shortage of truck parking, eliminate the dangers posed by a national speed limiter mandate, and give drivers greater control over their hours-of-service. We thank [the Administration] and Secretary Duffy for listening to the men and women behind the wheel who keep America’s economy moving.”
For a full breakdown of the initiatives, visit the USDOT website or follow updates from FMCSA.
Source: Truckers News
