CVSA Safety Priorities Focus On Tech And HOS Fixes

U.S. Senate Hearing Highlights CVSA Safety Priorities

On July 22, 2025, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) shared its safety goals with lawmakers. The group submitted written comments during the Senate hearing called “Shifting Gears: Issues Impacting the Trucking and Commercial Bus Industries.” The hearing was part of a larger plan to update U.S. transportation laws.

CVSA includes safety officials from both state and federal levels. It also works with people from the trucking and bus industries. The group’s goal is to prevent crashes, injuries, and deaths involving large vehicles. In its message to Congress, CVSA listed several areas where safety could improve.

CVSA Safety Priorities:

Better Tech and Faster Inspections

One of the top CVSA safety priorities is using better tools to inspect trucks. The group supports a universal electronic vehicle identifier. This tool would help officers find trucks with safety problems. It would not track drivers, only the trucks.

CVSA also spoke about driverless trucks. These trucks use automated driving systems. CVSA wants them inspected before hitting the road. They suggest a new plan where trained staff check these trucks at the dispatch site.

Fixing Fatigue and HOS Rules

Fatigue is a serious issue. Consequently, CVSA said that about 31% of fatal truck crashes involve a tired driver. One way to help is by updating rules about personal conveyance time. Some drivers log personal travel as off-duty. That can lead to long hours and unsafe conditions. As a result, CVSA wants clear limits to stop this misuse.

More Training and Better Grants

CVSA called for better support for safety training. They asked for longer-term grants so states can plan better. They also want the money to go only to safety groups like CVSA. Instructors should also be allowed to get trained under this program.

Another concern is the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). CVSA said its rules are outdated. States should be able to ask for changes that fit their current needs. Also, CVSA supports new funds for local enforcement of truck safety.

Stronger Entry Rules for Carriers

CVSA says it’s too easy to start a new trucking company. Drivers must meet certain standards, but carriers do not. CVSA wants new companies to prove they understand safety rules before they start moving freight.

The group also sees problems with the New Entrant Safety Audit Program. These audits are supposed to teach new carriers. But now, they often feel more like a test. CVSA wants the focus back on education and support.

Closing Drug Testing Gaps

Right now, non-CDL drivers are not covered under federal drug testing rules. These are drivers of trucks that weigh between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. CVSA said this is a gap in safety. They want these drivers added to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

CVSA also supports new CDL training grants for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This would help them match rules used in the 50 states.

Improving ELD Rules and Hazmat Training

CVSA wants to combine several grant programs into one. This would help train people who handle hazardous materials and cut paperwork.

They also want FMCSA to take over the approval of electronic logging devices (ELDs). Today, companies self-approve these devices. CVSA says this creates risks for carriers who may buy tools that don’t meet the rules.

CVSA Safety Priorities Aim to Improve Safety in 2025 and Beyond

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance believes this is a key time to improve trucking safety. The group says its ideas can reduce crashes, save lives, and support fair enforcement.

Their message to lawmakers focused on real solutions: better inspections, safer work hours, updated grants, and smarter use of tech. As the Senate moves toward reauthorizing transportation laws, CVSA safety priorities may help shape what comes next for the trucking and bus industries.

RELATED: CVSA Releases Its Latest International Roadcheck Results, Diesel Prices: Mixed Trends Seen in the Latest EIA Report, DOT Freight Plan: Truckers Urged to Weigh In Now