Washington, D.C. — Truckers nationwide have pushed back a deadline to submit feedback on the upcoming highway bill, urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to prioritize road repairs and parking solutions before the current authorization lapses on September 30, 2026.
The highway bill, a five‑year surface transportation authorization, dictates how federal funds are distributed and sets the framework for FMCSA regulations that shape the trucking industry. With the authorization set to expire, the decisions made now will dictate infrastructure investment, safety rules, and operating costs for CDL‑A drivers, owner‑operators, and fleet managers for the next half‑decade.
As of August 13, more than 300 comments had been posted to Regulations.gov, a majority coming from professional truckers. Jeremy Overfield, a veteran driver, slammed the deteriorating condition of U.S. highways and bridges, noting that the freight sector pours millions into the Highway Trust Fund yet sees little return in road quality. Alan Obando called for a reconsideration of the electronic logging device mandate and argued that rigid hours‑of‑service rules force drivers to chase mileage at the expense of safety. John Koglman, a board member of the Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), echoed calls for expanded truck parking and restroom access, pointing to the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act’s $755 million allocation and the Trucker Bathroom Access Act’s requirement that shippers and receivers allow drivers to use on‑site restrooms.
What This Means for Drivers
Road degradation directly impacts the wear on trucks and the safety of OTR truck drivers. If the DOT fails to secure funding for repairs, fleets will face higher maintenance costs, while owner‑operators may see reduced mileage potential. Limited truck parking forces drivers to park in unsafe locations, increasing the risk of accidents and equipment theft. Restroom access shortages raise health concerns and can lead to fatigue‑related incidents, jeopardizing compliance with FMCSA regulations. Finally, inflexible hours‑of‑service rules may push drivers to exceed safe operating limits, undermining the very safety standards they are meant to uphold.
Industry Reaction
OOIDA’s Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh highlighted at a House hearing that drivers demand stronger training programs, broker transparency, and greater hours‑of‑service flexibility. Pugh also warned that proposed increases in truck size and weight limits, higher minimum liability insurance requirements, and a lowered interstate CDL age would impose unnecessary burdens on carriers and drivers alike. Across the industry, trucking companies hiring for CDL‑A positions are monitoring these developments closely, as any shift in regulations could affect recruitment, training costs, and operational efficiency.
Key Points
- Over 300 trucker comments submitted to Regulations.gov before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
- Drivers demand $755 million for nationwide truck parking expansion under the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act.
- Calls to preserve current ELD mandate while easing hours‑of‑service restrictions to prioritize safety over mileage.
- Opposition to new weight limits, higher liability insurance, and lower interstate CDL age.
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