The “Pro-Trucker Package” includes major items that directly affect drivers, such as expanding truck parking, halting the speed limiter rule, and increasing flexibility in hours-of-service. These nine initiatives, shaped in part by feedback from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, address key concerns raised by professional drivers.

The nine initiatives include:

• Expanding truck parking capacity
• Withdrawing speed limiter rulemaking
• Increasing hours-of-service flexibility
• Improving FMCSA’s Driver Resource Hub
• Reforming DataQ
• Modernizing the National Consumer Complaint Database
• Addressing unlawful brokering practices
• Maintaining the ELD exemption on pre-2000 engines
• Eliminating unnecessary regulations

One of the main priorities is making it easier for drivers to access the information they need, including guidance on reporting fraud, coercion, or other criminal activity.

FMCSA recently launched a redesigned Driver Resource Hub to support these goals. The updated Hub is mobile-friendly and designed to provide professional drivers with quick access to critical resources, including how to obtain a CDL, details about entry-level driver training, DOT physical requirements, and emergency declarations.

A DOT spokesperson noted that the new layout is more user-friendly and now highlights the topics most relevant to truck drivers.

Key updates for drivers include:

Fraud prevention has become a major focus in the trucking industry. The Hub now features the latest Fraud Alerts, helping drivers identify and avoid scams involving identity theft, fraudulent service providers, or document fraud. While preventing fraud is the primary goal, drivers can also report issues directly. The Hub includes links for filing complaints about safety violations, coercion, and other criminal activity.

Other resources on the Hub have been improved as well. Truckers can now access a Frequently Asked Questions page, the full Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and a Motor Carrier Safety Planner. Additional information covers FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program and the Office of Registration, giving drivers centralized access to critical industry information.

Source: Land Line Media

The post FMCSA Updates Key Resources for Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The current surface transportation authorization, often referred to as the highway bill, is set to expire on September 30, 2026. This legislation plays a major role in determining how transportation funding is distributed and what policies will shape the trucking industry.

Since highway bills typically cover five years, the decisions made now will have lasting effects on drivers, fleets, and the nation’s infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has invited the public to share what they believe should be prioritized.

As of Wednesday, August 13, more than 300 comments had been posted to Regulations.gov, with many coming from truck drivers. The top requests include better road conditions, expanded truck parking, more flexibility in hours-of-service rules, and improved access to restrooms.

Jeremy Overfield, a professional driver, expressed frustration over the condition of U.S. highways and bridges despite the significant contributions truckers make to the Highway Trust Fund.

“As one of the millions of truck drivers out here, I depend on my health and the longevity of my equipment to keep goods moving and to support my family,” he wrote. “… As much tax money that we shell out, there’s absolutely no reason for our infrastructure to be in the shape (it is) in.”

Overfield also pointed to the ongoing shortage of truck parking, calling it “a huge issue and seriously needs to be addressed.”

Another driver, Alan Obando, urged the DOT to reconsider the current electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and voiced concerns over rigid hours-of-service regulations, noting that drivers, often paid by the mile, are left focusing on maximizing miles instead of prioritizing safety.

“Since the clock is always ticking down, instead of having flexibility, drivers are more focused on maximizing their mileage covered for the day, not the safety and comfort of the motoring public,” Obando wrote.

John Koglman, a board member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), echoed calls for more parking and restroom access.

OOIDA has long pushed for both the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and the Trucker Bathroom Access Act to be part of the upcoming highway bill. The first would allocate $755 million to expand truck parking nationwide, while the second would ensure shippers and receivers cannot deny drivers access to restrooms already on site.

During a House hearing earlier this year, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh outlined several priorities for drivers: more parking, restroom access, stronger driver training programs, broker transparency, and greater hours-of-service flexibility. He also said truckers oppose increases in truck size and weight limits, higher minimum liability insurance requirements, lowering the interstate CDL age, and other burdensome mandates.

How to Submit a Comment

The DOT is accepting public input on highway bill priorities until August 20. To participate, visit Regulations.gov and search for Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468.

Image Source: Freightwave
Source: Land Line Media

The post Truckers Share Their Priorities for the Next Highway Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.