Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Safety Czar Supported

The appointment of Clyde J. Hart, Jr., the new acting chief of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has received broad industry support

by Staff
May 23, 2000
2 min to read


The appointment of Clyde J. Hart, Jr., the new acting chief of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has received broad industry support.

Walter B. McCormick Jr., president and CEO of American Trucking Associations, said Hart is an "outstanding choice."
"(Clyde Hart) brings to this new agency a solid transportation and legislative background and a wealth of knowledge that is critical to the trucking industry. Clyde’s appointment to this important position sends a clear message that our industry will get the attention it deserves."
The appointment by Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, which took effect May 22, temporarily shifts Hart from maritime to trucking, with the title of acting deputy administrator.
The move puts Hart in charge of the safety agency without requiring him to go through the Senate approval process that is required for the top job of administrator. DOT officials have acknowledged having a hard time filling the administrator’s post, since whoever took that job probably would lose it when the new administration comes in next year.
Hart has long experience in trucking legislation and policy, first as an attorney at the former Interstate Commerce Commission, and later as the senior Democratic counsel of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. He was confirmed by the Senate as the maritime administrator in 1998.
"Clyde’s experience both on Capitol Hill and within the Department of Transportation position him well to deal with the immediate challenges facing FMCSA," said Slater. "His willingness to take on this challenge and to address key safety issues, the top transportation priorities of President Clinton and Vice President Gore, is to be commended."
With Hart taking over, Julie Cirillo, formerly acting Deputy Administrator of FMCSA, will now serve as the Acting Chief Safety Officer. His work at maritime will be handled by deputy administrator John Graykowski.
DOT did not say how long Hart will serve in the post.




More Drivers

Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
Safety & ComplianceFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →