U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a series of new initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory changes aimed at addressing long-standing concerns in the trucking industry. The announcement is part of the Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) response to Executive Order initiatives issued under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The package includes funding to expand truck parking infrastructure, revisions to regulatory mandates, updates to driver-facing tools, and renewed enforcement efforts targeting industry violations. A full breakdown of the proposed actions is available through USDOT.
“Truckers keep America running. 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. Thanks to President Trump, we’re getting Washington out of your trucks and your business,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
As part of the initiatives, USDOT is allocating more than $275 million in grant funding to increase truck parking capacity across the country. That includes $180 million awarded to Florida to construct 917 truck parking spaces along the I-4 corridor in Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.
“The trucking industry is a critical link in our supply chain and ample truck parking infrastructure is vital to the safety, security, and quality of life for Florida residents,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Florida is one of the first states to create a robust pipeline of truck parking projects to address both immediate and future needs, and this grant from USDOT will help deliver nearly 1,000 additional truck parking spaces to serve Central Florida communities.”
Industry leaders responded to the announcement with support for the proposed changes.
“We thank the Trump 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,” said Chris Spear, President and CEO of American Trucking Associations.
“OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent welcome these transformational actions from President Trump and Secretary Duffy. 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 President Trump and Secretary Duffy for listening to the men and women behind the wheel who keep America’s economy moving,” said Todd Spencer, President and CEO of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
Summary of Key Actions in the Package:
1. Truck Parking Expansion
- USDOT is directing more than $275 million in grant funding to expand truck parking infrastructure nationwide.
- Grant programs and discretionary grants will be opened to support additional parking projects.
2. Regulatory Review: Speed Limiters
- USDOT is withdrawing a previously proposed rule to mandate speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks.
- The Department states this decision reflects concerns about operational safety and flexibility for drivers.
3. Driver Resource Modernization
- FMCSA will launch updated digital tools, including modernized versions of its Consumer Complaint Database and the DataQ system, to improve usability and transparency.
4. Regulatory Streamlining and Enforcement
- FMCSA is proposing the removal of 1,800 words from existing federal regulations as part of an administrative review.
- The agency is also focusing enforcement efforts on the practice of unlawful double brokering, which affects trucking operations and payment systems.
The original announcement can be found here.
