The U.S. Senate officially confirmed Derek Barrs as the new Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Friday, drawing immediate praise from key industry groups.
Derek Barrs speaks to a committee in July 2025 regarding his nomination. Senators confirmed him as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Oct. 3. Retrieved from senate.gov.
The U.S. Senate officially confirmed Derek Barrs as the new Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Friday, drawing immediate praise from key industry groups.
Barrs, a former leader in Florida’s commercial vehicle enforcement, steps into the role after being nominated in March. His confirmation brings much-needed stability to the nation’s top commercial vehicle regulatory agency, which had been led by acting administrators since Robin Hutcheson resigned in January 2024.
Industry Leaders Welcome Barrs’ Experience
Industry organizations quickly voiced their support, highlighting Barrs’ extensive background and the urgency of his leadership.
American Trucking Associations (ATA) President and CEO Chris Spear stated that Barrs’ confirmation was “long overdue.”
“With rising concerns about motor vehicle safety enforcement, his leadership is urgently needed to drive accountability, strengthen state-level compliance, and ensure only qualified commercial drivers operate on our nation’s roadways,” Spear said.
Barrs will oversee approximately 1,100 employees, leading the FMCSA’s efforts in regulation, education, enforcement, research, and technology, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The agency is the lead authority for regulating and overseeing the safety of commercial motor vehicles, drivers, and motor carriers.
A Career Dedicated to Enforcement and Collaboration
Before his confirmation, Barrs spent decades in law enforcement, retiring in 2020 as the former chief of the Florida Highway Patrol’s Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
In his nomination testimony, Barrs emphasized a commitment to transparent and balanced decision-making.
“My work has always emphasized open communication and collaboration—with industry, law enforcement, and safety organizations,” he said. “I understand that FMCSA’s actions impact an entire industry, and I am committed to ensuring that agency decisions are informed, balanced, and transparent.”
His prior roles also include serving as chairman of CVSA’s Enforcement and Industry Modernization Committee and as president of its industry members, where he helped tackle issues related to connected and autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, data sharing, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney is eager to partner with the new administration.
“The Alliance is looking forward to working with FMCSA Administrator Barrs and the FMCSA team to continue to strengthen our partnership, share expertise, and enhance safety initiatives to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles,” Mooney said.
Priorities for the Owner-Operator Community
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), a key advocate for Barrs’ appointment, also reflected on the road ahead.
“OOIDA and professional truckers across America congratulate Derek Barrs on his confirmation to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.
Spencer noted that the group is eager to work with Barrs on critical priorities for its members, including combating freight fraud, rolling back unnecessary regulations, and ensuring only the safest, most qualified drivers remain on the road. He added that Barrs’ leadership will help improve the trucking industry’s relationship with the Department of Transportation and Secretary Sean Duffy.
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