Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

DOT Report Says to Expect Three FMCSA Proposals Soon

The U.S. Transportation Department has released its semi-annual regulatory agenda summarizing of all current and projected rulemakings. On the near-term agenda are a drug and alcohol testing database, no-defect DVIRs and electronic driver logs.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
July 23, 2013
2 min to read


The U.S. Transportation Department has released its semi-annual regulatory agenda in the Federal Register summarizing of all current and projected rulemakings, reviews of existing regulations, and completed actions of its many agencies including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The intent, says DOT, is provide the public with a look at where it is headed with regulations over the next 12 months.

Ad Loading...

With little time left in the month, it says it still plans to issue a proposal by the end of July that would create a central database for verified positive controlled substances and alcohol test results for commercial driver's license holders and refusals by such drivers to submit to testing.

In September, a proposal is expected that would rescind the requirement that commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in interstate commerce submit, and motor carriers retain, driver-vehicle inspection reports when the driver has neither found nor been made aware of any vehicle defects or deficiencies.

By the end of November it plans to issue a new proposal when it comes to mandating the use of electronic logging devices (also known as electronic on-board recorders), minimum performance standards for them, as well as requirements concerning hours of service supporting documents and measures to ensure that the mandatory use of ELDs will not result in harassment of drivers by motor carriers and enforcement officials. The move is in response to a federal court vacating the FMCSA plans for the devices in 2010.

More Drivers

American flag in background with photos of military truck and Freedom Haulers ad graphic
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJuly 30, 2026

Trump Administration Looks to Put More Veterans Behind the Wheel

The Freedom Haulers program pulls together existing and expanded programs at several federal agencies to recruit veterans to drive commercial heavy-duty trucks and cut the red tape for them to get a CDL, training, and employment.

Read More →
Equipmentby Jim ParkJuly 30, 2026

Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test

A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.

Read More →
Truck driver behind the wheel with illustration overlaid of someone handing out cash
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJuly 28, 2026

Competition Heating Up for Truck Drivers

New report reveals rising driver hiring costs, the return of sign-on bonuses, growing AI advantages, and the operational factors shaping driver retention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Line of gray semi trucks with Fraley & Schilling logo
Safety & ComplianceJuly 15, 2026

How Fraley & Schilling Improved Logbook Compliance by Over 50%

Fraley & Schilling needed a way to close a compliance workflow gap in its ELD system without adding more work from driver training, reminders, and back-office follow-ups. It found the answer in a custom driver app.

Read More →
Volvo American Truck Simulator.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseJuly 8, 2026

Volvo Goes Gaming

Volvo has roared into American Truck Simulator with two new flagship trucks.

Read More →
Two black men in safety vests walking together laughing in a truck fleet yard
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJuly 6, 2026

What the Best Fleets to Drive For Teach About Driver Retention

Survey fatigue, AI-powered routing, owner-operator expectations, and the decline of social media all emerged as themes from this year's Best Fleets to Drive For program.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Podcast thumbnail showing Jane Jazrawy, the words "When Drivers Tune Out," and a line drawing of a truck.
DriversJuly 2, 2026

Driver Retention Lessons From the Best Fleets to Drive For

What separates trucking's best workplaces from the rest? Jane Jazrawy shares the biggest lessons from this year's Best Fleets to Drive For program on driver retention, communication, AI, and workforce trends on the HDT Talks Trucking podcast.

Read More →
Man standing beside tractor-trailer in sepia tone with the words "Farewell CDL" superimposed on top
Driversby Jack RobertsJuly 1, 2026

Farewell, CDL: Why I'm Giving Up My Commercial Driver's License

After more than 20 years as a CDL holder, HDT Executive Editor Jack Roberts is letting his commercial license expire. Not because he wants to — but because trucking's nuclear verdict crisis has made the risks of public-road test drives too great for editors, manufacturers, and everyone involved.

Read More →
HDT Talks Trucking thumbnail with photo of Jane Jazrawy and the text,, "When Drivers Tune Out"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJune 24, 2026

How Top Trucking Fleets Improve Driver Retention [Video]

What do healthy snacks, optimized routing, and just picking up the phone have in common? They're all strategies the Best Fleets to Drive For are using to retain truck drivers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trucker Path Cargo Net theft overlay.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseJune 23, 2026

Trucker Path Adds Verisk CargoNet Theft Data to Navigation Platform

Trucker Path’s new cargo theft risk overlays give drivers and fleets visibility into high-risk areas, stolen commodity trends, and theft hotspots.

Read More →