USDOT Sets New Trucking Safety Priorities Through 2028

USDOT Sets New Trucking Safety Priorities Through 2028

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released a new road safety plan that puts commercial trucking among its main areas of focus through 2028. The 2026 National Roadway Safety Strategy calls for more commercial vehicle enforcement, stronger CDL oversight, more reviews of high-risk carriers, and added attention to truck parking. It also includes future work on automated vehicles and safety technology. Together, those areas could shape federal trucking safety efforts over the next several years.

Trucking Safety Goals Extend Through 2028

USDOT built the new strategy around three main goals: safer people, safer roads, and safer vehicles. Commercial trucks and drivers are included in several parts of the plan because they are a major part of the nation’s freight system.

The department said more than 5,300 people died in crashes involving large trucks in 2024. It also noted that most truck drivers and motor carriers operate safely and follow the law. The strategy focuses on unsafe drivers, unsafe carriers, weak licensing systems, and other risks that USDOT says can lead to serious crashes.

USDOT plans to work on these goals through December 2028. That makes the strategy more of a long-term federal roadmap than an immediate rule change.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Could Increase

One of the clearest parts of the plan for truck drivers involves roadside enforcement.

USDOT said it wants to enhance and expand commercial motor vehicle enforcement. The department also wants roadside inspections to have a greater safety impact and plans to focus on high-crash areas.

The strategy does not name specific highways where inspections will increase. It also does not announce a new nationwide inspection blitz. Still, it shows that roadside enforcement will remain an important part of federal trucking safety policy.

For truck drivers, that could mean more attention to driver and vehicle compliance in areas with higher crash risks. Fleets and safety departments may also see more reason to keep driver records, vehicle records, and safety programs up to date.

CDL Oversight Becomes Part of Trucking Safety Push

Commercial driver licensing is another key part of the strategy.

USDOT said state licensing agencies and commercial driving schools must make sure that only eligible and trained people receive CDLs. The department also said reforms to commercial driver licensing, driver training, and safe driving standards could help keep unqualified drivers off the road.

The plan does not create a new CDL test or change current Entry-Level Driver Training rules. However, it shows that CDL licensing and training will remain a major area of federal attention.

That could matter to CDL applicants, driving schools, recruiters, and carriers. More federal review of licensing systems could affect how states and training providers handle driver qualifications in the future.

High-Risk and Chameleon Carriers Are a Focus

USDOT also plans to increase its focus on unsafe motor carriers and deceptive trucking businesses.

The strategy points to high-risk carriers and chameleon carriers as areas of concern. Chameleon carriers are businesses that may try to avoid safety rules by changing names, ownership, or other business details.

USDOT said safety investigations can help find unsafe carriers and deceptive business networks. The department also wants stronger compliance standards and more investigative work aimed at those operations.

For carriers that follow the rules, stronger action against unsafe companies could help create a more even business environment. The strategy does not explain exactly how those investigations will change, but it makes clear that carrier oversight will remain a federal priority.

Truck Parking Gets More Trucking Safety Attention

Truck parking is one of the most driver-focused parts of the new strategy.

USDOT said the shortage of safe truck parking can place drivers in a difficult position. Drivers may have to stop early to secure a legal space or keep driving while they search for parking near the end of their available hours.

The department also noted that poor parking access can lead drivers to use highway shoulders, ramps, vacant lots, and side streets. USDOT said it plans to elevate truck parking efforts by using federal funding programs to expand parking options.

For drivers, more parking could reduce the time and fuel spent searching for a space. It could also make it easier to stop before fatigue or hours-of-service limits become a problem.

The strategy does not name specific parking projects or list a new funding total. Instead, it places truck parking within the broader federal trucking safety and freight movement strategy.

Road Design and Congestion Are Part of the Plan

The strategy also links road design with safety and freight movement.

USDOT said safer roads should help move people and goods without added delay. Planned areas of focus include better nighttime visibility, work zone safety, traffic management, and technology that can improve traffic flow.

The department said secondary crashes make up an estimated 20% of all collisions. It wants better traffic incident management and faster crash recovery to help reduce those crashes.

These efforts could matter to truck drivers because crashes and road work can cause long delays on freight routes. Better traffic flow and faster incident response could also reduce exposure to dangerous backup conditions.

Automated Vehicles Remain on USDOT’s Agenda

Automated vehicles are also part of the long-term plan.

USDOT said it plans to carry out a national automated vehicle strategy and issue updated guidance for Automated Driving Systems. The department also wants a more consistent national approach to automated vehicles while removing older rules that may no longer fit newer technology.

The strategy is not focused only on commercial trucks. It also does not create a new driverless truck rule. However, the policy could matter to trucking as automated driving systems continue to grow in freight transportation.

USDOT said it will continue safety oversight and enforcement as automated vehicles are developed and used. The department also said it will investigate safety problems and oversee recalls when needed.

What the Trucking Safety Plan Means for Drivers Today

For the trucking industry, the main themes are clear. Commercial vehicle enforcement, CDL oversight, carrier compliance, truck parking, road safety, and vehicle technology are all expected to remain major federal priorities.

The plan also takes a two-sided view of trucking safety. USDOT wants stronger action against unsafe drivers and carriers, while also recognizing that problems such as the truck parking shortage can make safe driving harder.