Washington, D.C. — On September 9, 2026 the U.S. Department of Transportation released a formal request for public comment on the 2025 revision of its National Freight Strategic Plan, the blueprint that guides federal, state and local freight investments.
The call comes as trucking companies grapple with crumbling highways, chronic parking shortages and rising detention times that eat into driver earnings. For a workforce that moves roughly 70 percent of all freight tonnage, the plan’s direction determines where billions of dollars flow for road repair, technology upgrades and safety programs. DOT’s invitation signals that the agency wants real‑world perspectives from CDL‑A drivers, owner‑operators and fleet managers rather than relying solely on internal studies.
First issued in 2020, the NFSP set three pillars: improve safety, security and resilience of the freight system; modernize infrastructure to boost economic growth and quality of life; and foster technology, data and workforce development. The 2025 update will test whether those pillars still reflect industry reality. DOT officials emphasized that “more than ever, we need to plan transportation and infrastructure investments – especially for freight – by looking at the big picture,” and that input from private‑sector users is essential to identify operational bottlenecks.
What This Means for Drivers
Owner‑operators can expect the DOT to weigh proposals that address the nation’s truck‑parking crisis, potentially unlocking federal grants for new rest‑area construction along major corridors. CDL‑A drivers may see stricter standards for freight‑system resilience, which could translate into faster repairs after severe weather events and fewer unexpected detours. Fleet managers will likely receive clearer guidance on data‑sharing requirements, helping them adopt telematics that reduce fuel use and improve route efficiency. Finally, the plan’s focus on workforce development could spur new training programs aimed at narrowing the driver shortage, giving OTR truck drivers more pathways to certification.
Industry Reaction
The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) quickly issued a statement urging DOT to prioritize highway repair, expand parking capacity and cut excessive detention time through practical federal policies. OOIDA’s 2020 comments warned that deteriorating roads cost drivers thousands in lost productivity and that overregulation adds unnecessary overhead for small‑business truckers. Other carrier groups echoed the sentiment, noting that a refreshed NFSP that tackles these pain points could improve overall supply‑chain reliability and keep U.S. freight competitive on the global stage.
Key Points
- The DOT opened a comment period on September 9, 2026 for the 2025 National Freight Strategic Plan update.
- NFSP’s original 2020 goals focus on safety, infrastructure modernization, and technology‑driven workforce development.
- OOIDA and other industry voices are pressing for federal action on road quality, parking shortages, and detention time reductions.
- Potential outcomes include federal funding for new truck‑parking facilities, clearer data‑sharing mandates, and expanded driver‑training initiatives.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.