With the deadline to submit feedback fast approaching, truck drivers across the country are speaking up about what they want included in the next highway bill.
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
