DOT Challenges in Trucking Identified in the FY 2026 Report

DOT Challenges Highlight Key Issues Affecting Truck Drivers

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has listed its top management challenges for fiscal year 2026 in a new oversight report. The report comes from the Office of Inspector General and focuses on problems inside DOT programs. While the document targets agency leaders, several DOT challenges directly affect truck drivers and daily trucking operations. These issues include highway safety, enforcement oversight, CDL integrity, truck parking, and infrastructure reliability.

For the trucking industry, the report shows where federal attention is heading. It also signals where oversight could tighten or where funding priorities may shift.

Challenges in Highway Safety and Crash Reduction

One of the biggest DOT challenges is reducing deaths and serious injuries on U.S. roads. Traffic fatalities have dropped from recent highs. However, the report says crash numbers remain above pre-pandemic levels.

Because of this, DOT continues to focus on road safety. For truck drivers, that focus often leads to more enforcement and safety programs.

This may include:

• Increased roadside inspections
• Greater review of crash data
• More pressure on states to meet safety goals

As a result, drivers may notice changes in inspection activity or enforcement priorities.

DOT Challenges Affecting FMCSA Oversight and Enforcement

The report also points to challenges in how DOT oversees safety programs run by states. These programs include commercial vehicle enforcement and inspection efforts.

DOT found gaps in how safety results are tracked and measured. In some cases, states are not held to the same standards. Because of that, DOT plans to strengthen oversight and accountability.

For truck drivers, this could mean:

• More consistent inspections across states
• Clearer enforcement standards
• A stronger focus on safety data

Over time, enforcement may become more uniform from one state to another.

DOT Challenges and CDL Integrity

CDL oversight remains another key DOT challenge. The report highlights recent progress with medical certification systems. These systems now link medical examiner records directly to federal databases.

This change helps reduce fraud and outdated CDL records. Still, DOT says risks remain.

Challenges include:

• Differences in state CDL systems
• Delays in record updates
• Data accuracy issues

Because of this, DOT continues to watch how states manage CDL records. For drivers, keeping medical cards and license records current remains critical.

DOT Challenges Linked to Truck Parking Shortages

Truck parking is again listed as a safety-related issue. DOT notes that limited parking affects driver fatigue and hours-of-service compliance.

The report points to ongoing federal efforts to help states study parking needs. It also highlights funding meant to support new parking projects along freight corridors.

While no new rules are announced, the attention matters. When DOT tracks parking needs, it often shapes future grants and planning decisions.

As a result, truck parking remains part of the broader DOT safety discussion.

DOT Challenges in Infrastructure and Freight Movement

Infrastructure oversight is another major concern. DOT manages large sums of money for roads, bridges, and freight corridors. The report says stronger controls are needed to ensure projects stay on track.

For trucking, road conditions matter every day. Poor pavement and congestion raise costs and increase wear on equipment.

Infrastructure challenges can lead to:

• Higher fuel use
• Longer trip times
• Increased maintenance costs

DOT’s focus on oversight may affect how quickly freight routes see improvements.

DOT Challenges With Data and Safety Measurement

The report also highlights problems with data systems. DOT relies on data to guide safety policy and enforcement. However, the report says some systems remain outdated or incomplete.

Better data helps target risky areas. It also supports smarter enforcement instead of broad crackdowns.

Still, until data improves, DOT continues to review how safety programs perform. That review may influence future regulations or inspection strategies.

Why DOT Challenges Matter to Truck Drivers

Although the report focuses on internal management, its impact reaches the road. DOT challenges often guide enforcement patterns, funding decisions, and long-term policy goals.

For truck drivers, the key takeaways are clear:

• Highway safety remains a top priority
• CDL and medical oversight continue to tighten
• Truck parking shortages stay on DOT’s radar
• Infrastructure oversight affects freight routes

As DOT works through these challenges, truck drivers may see changes in inspections, compliance systems, and investment across the national highway network.