A congressional caucus is a group of legislators who come together around shared priorities and objectives. In this case, the focus is on trucking.

According to a letter filed on Dec. 12 to register the caucus, the group will be “dedicated to issues related to the trucking industry and the policies that promote integrity, safety, and the growth of our nation’s trucking economy.”

Who is leading the Congressional Trucking Caucus?

The caucus is being co-chaired by a mix of Republican and Democratic representatives from across the country. Those lawmakers include Reps. Dave Taylor of Ohio, Shomari Figures of Alabama, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Pat Harrigan of North Carolina, Doug LaMalfa of California, and Mary Miller of Illinois.

Organizers say the caucus is intended not only to address legislation that affects trucking but also to serve as an educational resource for members of Congress who may not have direct experience with the industry.

Why lawmakers say the caucus is needed

Rep. Dave Taylor pointed to both the size of the trucking industry and recent safety concerns as reasons for launching the caucus.

“Generating nearly $906 billion in revenue in 2024, America’s trucking industry powers our economy by creating 8.4 million jobs and securing American supply chains,” Taylor said. “After several tragic accidents occurred recently because of CDL drivers who could not read the road signs, it’s evident that change is needed to protect American lives on the road. I’m proud to launch the Congressional Trucking Caucus alongside my colleagues to create a forum for discussing policy solutions to keep all drivers safe on American roads, support hardworking truck drivers, and ensure the accessibility of reliable transportation across our Nation.”

Supporters say the caucus gives lawmakers a formal venue to discuss safety standards, workforce issues, and policies that impact carriers and drivers nationwide.

Industry groups back the new caucus.

The launch of the Congressional Trucking Caucus has already drawn support from major trucking organizations, including the American Trucking Associations, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, and the Truckload Carriers Association.

Henry Hanscom, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the American Trucking Associations, emphasized the role trucking plays in everyday life and the importance of having informed lawmakers involved.

“America’s trucking industry is essential to our economy, our national security, and our way of life. Over 8.4 million hardworking Americans deliver more than three-quarters of the nation’s freight, and 80 percent of communities rely solely on trucks to receive their goods,” Hanscom said. “The American Trucking Associations commends Reps. Taylor and Figures for forming this bipartisan caucus that will prioritize issues important to truckers. We look forward to working with them to expand the Congressional Trucking Caucus’ size and influence on Capitol Hill and to advance legislation that will help keep our industry strong for the long haul.”

What this could mean for drivers and carriers

While the caucus does not create new laws on its own, it establishes trucking as a dedicated policy focus within Congress. For drivers and carriers, that could mean more informed discussions around safety, workforce standards, and regulatory decisions that affect day-to-day operations.

By bringing trucking issues into a formal bipartisan forum, supporters believe the caucus can help ensure the industry’s voice is heard as transportation policy continues to evolve.

As the caucus grows and attracts more members, industry groups say they plan to stay engaged and provide input on issues that matter most to the people moving freight every day.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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In a recent letter to leaders of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, OOIDA President and CEO Todd Spencer didn’t mince words.

“Simply put, far too many individuals are entering the trucking industry without the basic skills necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle,” Spencer wrote. “Additionally, inconsistent and improper licensing processes among states have permitted hundreds of thousands of unqualified drivers to work on our nation’s roads, which has needlessly resulted in numerous fatal crashes.”

What OOIDA Wants to See Change

OOIDA is calling for stronger, more consistent oversight across the entire licensing and training system. In its letter, the association outlined several key areas where federal lawmakers can make a real difference:

• Tighten Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements so that every new driver receives hands-on, practical instruction, not just classroom hours.
• Ensure the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry is actively used to weed out bad actors and unqualified training schools.
• Increase audits for new entrants to confirm compliance before they’re fully operating.
• Add tougher accountability for third-party CDL testing sites to prevent unqualified drivers from slipping through.

Pushing Back on the “Driver Shortage”

While some in the industry still talk about a nationwide “driver shortage,” OOIDA says that’s not the real issue. In fact, they argue there are too many drivers, not too few, just not enough who are properly trained or supported to stay in the job long term.

“The trucking industry has suffered from an overcapacity of truck drivers, which has helped drive the longest-running freight recession in decades,” the letter stated. “To be clear, there is no ‘driver shortage’ in trucking. Instead, there is tremendous driver turnover as undertrained drivers are put into a new job they are unprepared for.”

OOIDA is also warning Congress not to make things worse by pushing legislation like the DRIVE Safe Act, which would allow younger, less experienced drivers to haul interstate freight. “Rather than making it easier for unsafe drivers to enter our industry, Congress should take aggressive action that will strengthen training, licensing, and qualification protocols for commercial truck drivers,” the association wrote.

Supporting Stricter Oversight

OOIDA is also backing the return of English Language Proficiency violations to the out-of-service criteria. The group supports the new Interim Final Rule on non-domiciled CDLs and is urging Congress to lock it in by passing Rep. David Rouzer’s Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act.

The group says these steps are critical to improving safety and protecting the reputation of skilled, compliant drivers.

Raising the Bar for the Industry

In closing its letter, OOIDA emphasized that while it appreciates steps already taken by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Congress still has more work to do.

The letter concludes, “We believe Congress must do more to prevent bad actors from ever operating on our nation’s highways.”

For America’s professional truckers, this push from OOIDA represents a long-overdue call for higher standards, something many behind the wheel say the industry desperately needs.

Source: Truckers News

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The current surface transportation authorization bill, more commonly referred to as the highway bill, is set to expire on September 30, 2026. Although that deadline is still more than a year away, the legislative groundwork is already underway. In July, the DOT invited the public to weigh in, and on August 29, OOIDA submitted a detailed 14-page response.

In its comments, signed by OOIDA President Todd Spencer, the Association praised recent steps by the DOT but stressed the importance of Congress following through.

“OOIDA applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent actions improving working conditions for professional truckers and enhancing highway safety in a commonsense, cost-effective manner,” Spencer wrote. “Truckers now need lawmakers to embrace the new approach taken by the White House with as much energy and resolve. We believe this can be done in a bipartisan manner that promotes highway safety, improves driver recruitment and retention, and increases supply chain efficiency. Congress can make the next highway bill the most pro-trucker in history, but only if lawmakers commit to prioritizing their needs.”

What Truckers Want in the Highway Bill

Solving the Truck Parking Shortage

The shortage of safe truck parking has been a pressing issue for decades. OOIDA made clear that it will not support any highway bill that ignores this crisis. The Association is pushing for the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which allocates $755 million to create new parking spaces nationwide.

“If the next surface transportation reauthorization fails to provide dedicated funding for truck parking, but authorizes even a single penny of funding for new initiatives, OOIDA will use every tool it has to ensure the legislation is defeated,” the Association wrote.

Restroom Access for Drivers

OOIDA also wants lawmakers to include the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, ensuring drivers can use restrooms at shipper and receiver facilities.

“Having access to a restroom is one of the most basic needs for truckers,” the Association explained. “Most Americans take this need for granted and never worry about being denied restroom access where they work. Truckers, who make their living on the road, often depend on restrooms at facilities where they pick up or deliver freight. Unbelievably, professional drivers are frequently denied restroom access at these locations. While this problem affects all truckers, it is particularly burdensome for female drivers.”

Additional Measures Supported by OOIDA

Beyond parking and restrooms, OOIDA is backing several other policies, including:

• The DRIVE Act to block FMCSA from requiring speed limiters
• Stronger broker transparency rules
• The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act to fight freight fraud
• Enforcing existing English-proficiency requirements
• Suspending the non-domiciled CDL program
• Raising entry-level driver training standards
• More flexibility in hours-of-service rules
• Ending self-certification for ELD providers
• DataQ reform for fairer enforcement records
• Improvements to the National Consumer Complaint Database
• Cracking down on predatory lease-purchase programs
• Repealing the Unified Carrier Registration system

What Truckers Oppose

OOIDA also detailed several measures that would harm small-business truckers if included in the bill. Chief among them are proposals to increase truck size and weight limits beyond the current 80,000 pounds.

“OOIDA opposes controversial proposals to increase the size and weight of CMVs, which would reduce safety and adversely impact small trucking businesses,” the Association wrote. “In fact, allowing bigger and heavier trucks on our roads would only benefit shippers and a handful of large corporate motor carriers.”

Other policies OOIDA opposes include:

• Lowering the interstate driving age
• Raising minimum liability insurance requirements
• Requiring electronic identifiers or tracking devices on trucks
• Mandating side underride guards
• Truck-only VMT (vehicle miles traveled) fees
• Mandatory hair testing
• Worker classification rules tied to speed limiter mandates
• The AMERICA DRIVES Act

How to Weigh In

The Department of Transportation is still accepting comments through Monday, September 8. Anyone interested can submit feedback through Regulations.gov by entering the Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468. As of September 2, nearly 2,500 comments had already been filed.

Source: Land Line Media

Image Source: Jared Murray (Unsplash)

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Their goal: to improve working conditions for truckers, defend independent contractor rights, and ensure women’s voices are front and center in shaping transportation policy.

“Women In Motion was founded to amplify the voices of women in the trucking industry, highlight their unique insights, and inspire lasting change,” said Cait Hone, WIM director. “Thanks to ATA’s strong relationships on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington, we were able to bring WIM’s mission directly to key national leaders. We’re incredibly grateful to our members and sponsors who joined us for our member-only Call on Washington. The progress we made advancing our legislative priorities is a vital step toward building a supportive industry for all.”

Real Voices. Real Issues.

Over a packed three-day schedule, WIM members participated in dozens of meetings with federal lawmakers and key policy influencers. Their focus? Getting real about what drivers experience every day—and what’s needed to fix it.

Top of mind was the ongoing truck parking crisis and the lack of reliable restroom access for drivers on the road. Both are everyday struggles for truckers, especially women, and WIM attendees made it clear that these issues can’t be sidelined anymore. They pushed for action on the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a proposal that would allocate dedicated federal funding to expand and upgrade parking infrastructure nationwide.

Another priority was protecting the right to work independently. The women stood firmly behind the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which defends the status of independent contractors across multiple industries, including trucking.

“The trucking industry has given me a fulfilling career and helped me support my family,” said Dee Sova, America’s Road Team Captain. “That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging more women to pursue the same opportunities. Women In Motion has allowed me to uplift others and strengthen this incredible industry. Earlier this year, I had the honor of standing with the President at the White House to voice trucking’s support for the One Big, Beautiful Bill—an unforgettable moment. It was also rewarding to share my perspective with Members of Congress and White House officials on how to better support women in trucking.”

Conversations That Matter

During their time on the Hill, WIM members had face-to-face discussions with lawmakers, including Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Mike Collins (R-GA), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Zach Nunn (R-IA). They also met with Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and participated in a breakfast with Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA).

These meetings weren’t just ceremonial—they gave lawmakers a direct window into the lives of working women in trucking and helped solidify bipartisan support for several transportation-focused bills.

WIM members also joined the House Education & the Workforce Committee to mark the passage of the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, introduced by Rep. Kevin Kiley. The bill aims to ensure that individuals in the trucking industry—and beyond—can continue operating as independent contractors without interference.

Image Source: WIM
Source: The Trucker

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The U.S. Department of Transportation opened the door for feedback this week. In a notice published Monday, July 21, in the Federal Register, the DOT called on the public—especially those who keep America moving—to weigh in on what should take priority in the next surface transportation bill.

“The Request for Information is intended to gather feedback, ideas and recommendations to help inform legislative priorities and ensure future infrastructure programs focus on delivering safe and efficient surface transportation, without attaching unnecessary requirements,” the DOT stated in the notice.
“The reauthorization effort will focus on modernizing America’s infrastructure by improving safety, streamlining federal processes, promoting economic growth and strengthening partnerships.”

The current highway bill will expire on September 30, 2026, but lawmakers are already laying the groundwork. That’s why now is the time for truck drivers to share what matters most.

Back in March, Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of OOIDA, addressed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to outline truckers’ top concerns. He’ll take those same priorities to the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation on Tuesday, July 22.

At the March hearing, Pugh emphasized several key issues for drivers across the country:

• More safe and accessible truck parking
• Guaranteed restroom access
• Smarter, more effective driver training
• Broker transparency
• Realistic hours-of-service rules

OOIDA also reiterated its opposition to changes that could make life harder for drivers—such as increases to truck size and weight limits, raising minimum insurance requirements, lowering the CDL age for interstate driving, or adding more one-size-fits-all mandates.

How Drivers Can Share Their Feedback

If you’re a trucker with opinions on any of these topics—or others that impact your job—you can have your say.

Submit your comments by going to Regulations.gov and entering Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468 in the search bar. The public comment window closes on August 20, 2025.

Source: Land Line

The post Truckers, Your Voice Matters in the Next Highway Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This annual gathering puts industry knowledge and experience at the center of major discussions about trucking policies and priorities. By participating, you help ensure the truckload segment remains active in shaping the legislative and regulatory landscape.

Mark Your Calendar: September 29–30, 2025

These Fall Business Meetings give TCA members and guests the chance to connect directly with key decision-makers and peers. Attendees learn about industry developments, the latest trends, and policy updates affecting daily operations and the sector’s future.

Whether this is your first TCA event or you’ve attended for years, your involvement helps drive actionable change that supports professional drivers, carriers, and everyone in the truckload industry.

What’s on the Agenda at the Fall Business Meetings

On September 29, the focus will turn to committee meetings and guest presentations that dive deep into the hot topics for truckload carriers. You’ll get updates and insights on:

• Creative solutions for driver recruitment and retention

• New ideas to improve truck parking availability

• Legislative news on zero-emission vehicles

• Progress on drug testing regulations

• Initiatives for young drivers and workforce development

• Funding proposals and highway safety measures

• Programs to build a stronger image for trucking and grow TCA membership

Everyone is invited—committee membership is not required to attend meetings or participate in discussions.

Why the Call on Washington Matters

September 30 is all about advocating for our industry on Capitol Hill. TCA’s Call on Washington allows members to meet one-on-one with lawmakers, staff, and officials who influence the rules and regulations governing trucking.

Participants address current topics such as:

• Size and weight guidelines for trucks

• Evolving classification rules for independent contractors

• Federal Excise Tax (FET) updates and highway funding

• Solutions for ongoing truck parking shortages

This is a valuable moment to have your perspective heard at the highest levels, influence legislative processes, and represent the interests of carriers nationwide.

Please note: The Call on Washington portion is open exclusively to TCA members.

Register and Make a Difference

Secure your spot for these meaningful industry events at tcafallcall.com. Registration gives you access to key meetings, learning opportunities, and a direct path to advocating for the future of trucking.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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Missouri’s Push for Accountability

Missouri’s House Transportation Committee is advancing HB745, a bill by Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) that aims to curb predatory towing with several critical reforms.

Key measures include creating a formal complaint process, introducing a temporary ban on towing companies found breaking the law, and requiring towing details to be listed on nonconsensual tow invoices. The proposed legislation would also establish a “Towing and Recovery Review Board,” which includes representation for owner-operator truck drivers.

Griffith explained, “This bill will create an avenue for independent truckers and the trucking industry to dispute the charges. Right now, they don’t have that.”

Under HB745, truck operators could also select their preferred towing company unless specific conditions prevented it. The bill also prohibits per-pound pricing for nonconsensual tows and regulates situations where disputed fees delay vehicle releases.

OOIDA’s Executive Vice President, Lewie Pugh, shared his support, noting how unfair towing costs can devastate small trucking businesses. “When something like this happens to you as a small-business trucker, your life is pretty much devastated,” he testified.

HB745 awaits further deliberation in Missouri’s House.

Arkansas Targets Predatory Practices

Arkansas is considering HB1897, sponsored by Rep. Stetson Painter (R-Mountain Home). The bill aims to eliminate deceptive towing practices and excessive fees for both commercial and private vehicles.

Labor and Licensing Secretary Daryl Bassett emphasized the issue, testifying that “predatory towing is an issue that continues to rear its ugly head.” He praised the bill’s design to protect consumers and ethical towing businesses alike.

One standout provision allows vehicle owners to recover their cargo quickly, paying 35% of its value upfront while towing companies retain their lien on the load. “They can get their cargo, they can get it to market, they can make the sales, and they can pay the tow truck operator,” said Bassett, framing it as a win for all parties.

HB1897 also proposes revisions to the Arkansas Towing Board, restructuring its membership to regulate the industry better and reduce conflicts of interest.

Painter acknowledged the bill’s imperfections but called it “a step in the right direction.” Following committee approval, the bill is progressing through the legislative process.

North Carolina Proposes Dual Legislation

Lawmakers in North Carolina are considering two separate bills addressing nonconsensual towing and vehicle immobilization.

The first, H472, seeks to ban vehicle booting of commercial trucks, imposing misdemeanor charges on violators. It would also mandate the prompt return of cargo during nonconsensual tows or law-enforcement-initiated removals. Provisions allow trailer swaps if the replacement trailer is of equal or greater value.

The second bill, H577 (the “Protect Towers and Truckers Act”), proposes a Towing and Recovery Commission to manage disputes and evaluate towing rate reasonableness within the state’s rotation system. The bill also includes requirements for tow companies to provide a standard hourly price list before joining the rotation system.

Both pieces of legislation aim to address long-standing issues with predatory practices in the state.

Illinois Cracks Down on Fraudulent Operators

Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with SB2040, spearheaded by Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), to hold unethical towing operators accountable.

The bill focuses on companies that evade penalties by operating under new business names. Under the proposed law, violators risk having their tow trucks impounded and their plates suspended until fines are settled. Additionally, restrictions would prohibit such operators from acquiring new licenses for three years.

“For too long, predatory towing operators have taken advantage of unsuspecting drivers, leaving them with outrageous fees, missing belongings, and no recourse,” Villanueva said. “This legislation is about restoring fairness and accountability to the system.”

The Senate has advanced the measure for further consideration.

Pennsylvania to Expand Emergency Towing Options

Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) is tackling towing regulations in Pennsylvania with HB188, a proposal set to offer flexibility for truckers in emergency situations.

Under the current rules, trucks needing emergency service must be towed to the nearest garage or safe location. HB188 would allow large trucks, including overweight combinations, to head directly to a facility of the owner’s choice. However, the tow must follow a direct and immediate route to either the repair site or a designated safe area.

Borowicz argued the bill would streamline regulations while improving road safety for all travelers.

The Bigger Picture

These legislative reforms mark meaningful progress in addressing unfair towing practices. With predatory behavior remaining an issue, these bills could bring much-needed protections for small-business truckers and others impacted by nonconsensual tow incidents.

Advocates like OOIDA will keep pressing for these reforms until fairness and accountability become the industry standard across the United States.

Source: Land Line

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