Derek Barrs: Nomination for the New Leader of the FMCSA

Derek Barrs FMCSA Nomination Gets Wide Support from Trucking Groups

Derek Barrs from Florida has been nominated to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The nomination came from the Trump administration. Senate documents confirming it were released on Tuesday.

This nomination follows the sudden exit of Acting FMCSA Administrator Adrienne Camire. She left the position after serving for less than two weeks.

If he gets confirmed, Barrs would become the ninth ever administrator of the FMCSA.

Derek Barrs Has a Long History in Safety and Trucking

Barrs has almost 20 years of experience in law enforcement and transportation. He worked for both the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Highway Patrol. He retired in 2020 as Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol.

After retiring, Barrs continued to work in the transportation field. He served as Associate Vice President at HNTB, a company that helps plan transportation projects. He also worked as a safety consultant on trucking and traffic issues in many states.

In October, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Barrs to the Flagler County School Board. Barrs is also active in the trucking industry. He serves on the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Law Enforcement Advisory Board. He is a member of the Florida Trucking Association (FTA).

Trucking Industry Leaders Back the Nomination of Derek Barrs

Industry leaders are praising Barrs’ nomination. Alix Miller, President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association, spoke highly of him.

“His proven leadership and understanding of both public safety and transportation operations make him an ideal candidate to guide FMCSA through today’s complex challenges,” Miller said.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) also supports Barrs. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear pointed to Barrs’ work in both trucking and law enforcement.

“With nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement and the commercial motor vehicle industry, Derek Barrs’ career has been defined by his emphasis on making our roads safer for all motorists,” said Spear.

“Derek’s extensive public service at the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol make him exceptionally well qualified to be FMCSA administrator. He has a proven track record of strengthening ties between the trucking industry and public safety officers to address top transportation challenges such as drug impairment, cargo theft, and human trafficking.”

Spear also said Barrs would be a strong leader at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Derek’s deep knowledge of the trucking industry and his collaborative approach will make him an invaluable asset to USDOT. Under his leadership, the trucking industry is confident that FMCSA will make significant progress towards achieving our shared priorities of improving highway safety and efficiently delivering the nation’s freight. ATA welcomes Derek’s nomination to this important role, and we urge Senators to swiftly approve his nomination.”

Safety Alliance Adds Its Full Support of Derek Barrs

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) also supports Barrs. CVSA is made up of 13,000 truck safety inspectors in North America.

Barrs has worked closely with the CVSA. He represented the Florida Highway Patrol in the group. He also chaired the CVSA’s Enforcement and Industry Modernization Committee. In that role, he helped lead work on using technology to improve truck safety.

Even after retiring, Barrs stayed involved with CVSA. He served as Vice President and then President of its Associate Members group. That group represents motor carriers and trucking suppliers.

CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney praised Barrs’ deep experience.

“Mr. Barrs’ long career and extensive leadership in commercial motor vehicle enforcement and industry equips him with a unique perspective on issues impacting transportation safety and positions him as an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead FMCSA,” said Mooney.

Mooney said he expects a strong working relationship between CVSA and FMCSA under Barrs’ leadership.

“Under Mr. Barrs’ leadership, we will continue our long-standing history of fostering a collaborative and cooperative relationship between CVSA and FMCSA,” he said. “We look forward to working with Mr. Barrs and all the dedicated people at FMCSA to continue to improve safety on our nation’s roadways and, ultimately, to save lives.”

Support from Owner-Operators

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) also supports Barrs. They see him as someone who can help small trucking businesses.

“We look forward to working with [Barrs] in advancing the priorities of small business truckers across America, including fighting freight fraud, rolling back unnecessary regulations, and closing regulatory loopholes to ensure the safest truck drivers remain in the industry,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.

Spencer also urged the Senate to confirm Barrs quickly.

FMCSA’s Role and What Comes Next

FMCSA is the main federal agency that oversees large trucks and buses. Its mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths on the road. The agency works with states, trucking companies, and safety groups to keep roads safe.

FMCSA has about 1,100 employees. They focus on education, enforcement, rulemaking, and research.

The Mid-America Trucking Show is happening later this week in Louisville, Kentucky. FMCSA leaders often speak on safety panels at the event. Many in the industry will be watching what happens next with Barrs’ nomination.