New Highway Bill and How Truckers Can Weigh In

DOT Asks Truckers to Share Feedback on Highway Bill

The U.S. Department of Transportation wants to hear from truckers. On July 21, 2025, the agency published a Request for Information in the Federal Register to gather input on safety, parking, training, and other key issues. The goal is to collect public feedback before lawmakers begin drafting the next highway bill.

Although the current bill stays in effect until September 30, 2026, early planning is already underway. Now is the time for truck drivers and others in the industry to speak up about the challenges they face while practicing their profession every day.

What the Highway Bill Is Expected to Include

The DOT says the next highway bill will focus on four big goals:

• Safety for drivers, workers, and pedestrians
• Faster project timelines by cutting delays in planning
• Better roads and mobility to grow the economy
• Stronger partnerships with states and local agencies

DOT leaders want ideas that make transportation safer and more efficient. At the same time, they want to avoid adding unnecessary rules.

OOIDA Pushes for a Trucker-Focused Highway Bill

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is urging lawmakers to listen to truck drivers. On July 22, OOIDA Vice President Lewie Pugh spoke to the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee. He praised the DOT for putting drivers first. He also encouraged Congress to do the same.

“Truckers now need lawmakers to embrace the new approach taken by the White House,” Pugh wrote in his statement. Also said: “Congress has the ability to make the next highway bill the most pro-trucker in history, but only if you commit to prioritizing their needs,”.

Pugh told lawmakers what drivers want in the new highway bill:

• More truck parking
• Access to restrooms
• Stronger driver training rules
• Overtime pay protections
• Limits on truck size and weight increases

He said these changes would improve safety, help with hiring, and support the supply chain.

Senate Hearing Shows Where Groups Disagree

OOIDA wasn’t the only voice in the room. Three other leaders also testified: ATA President Chris Spear, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, and Fred Ferguson of the American Bus Association.

While the groups agreed on the need for more truck parking, they disagreed on several other topics.

Lowering the Interstate Driving Age

ATA wants to let 18-year-olds drive trucks across state lines. OOIDA disagrees. The group believes younger drivers should stick to local routes. Pugh suggested a 150-mile cross-state limit as a safer option.

Using Hair Testing for Drug Screens

ATA supports adding positive hair test results to federal drug records. OOIDA says that’s risky. Pugh warned that hair tests can produce false positives. He also said the results can vary by race, age, and hair type.

The Driver Shortage Debate

ATA claims there’s a driver shortage. OOIDA and the Teamsters say the real problem is high turnover. According to them, drivers leave the job due to low pay and poor conditions.

“If you have a 90% turnover ratio, then there is something wrong…” O’Brien said, also added that unionized carriers have lower turnover because drivers are treated better.

How Truckers Can Comment on the Highway Bill

Truck drivers can share their thoughts directly with the DOT. Comments are open until August 20, 2025. Drivers can go to Regulations.gov and leave a comment.

The DOT wants clear, detailed feedback. Truckers can comment on parking, rest stops, safety rules, training, or anything else that affects their work. All comments will be made public.

Highway Bill Could Set the Future for Truckers

Pugh closed his statement with a clear message. He told lawmakers to stop listening only to big carriers. Instead, he urged them to hear what real drivers have to say.

“Old approach simply doesn’t work,” he said, also mentioned that ELDs didn’t make roads safer. And pilot programs for teenage drivers have failed.

OOIDA believes the next highway bill could be a turning point. But only if lawmakers put truckers first.