Washington, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released a fresh set of actions on September 9, 2026, marking the first amendment to its nine‑point “Pro‑Trucker Package.” The update lifts the pending speed‑limiter rule, adds new truck‑parking sites and grants broader hours‑of‑service leeway for CDL‑A drivers.

The move follows months of pressure from owner‑operators and long‑haul fleets who argued that restrictive speed caps and scarce safe parking were eroding profitability and safety. By targeting the same pain points that the Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association highlighted, the DOT hopes to tighten the gap between regulation and on‑the‑road reality.

Among the nine initiatives, the parking expansion promises at least 1,200 additional rest areas by 2028, while the speed‑limiter freeze removes a proposed 65‑mph ceiling that had sparked lawsuits in several states. Hours‑of‑service flexibility now permits up to 14‑hour driving windows after a mandatory 10‑hour rest, a shift from the previous 11‑hour limit. The changes were announced by FMCSA Administrator Steven Dixon during a briefing at the agency’s headquarters.

What This Means for Drivers

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