FMCSA Leadership Shake-Up: Trump Nominates Derek Barrs to Head Federal Trucking Agency
In a move that’s already gaining praise from major trucking organizations, President Donald Trump has nominated Derek Barrs, a longtime highway safety official and former Florida Highway Patrol chief, to serve as the new Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
If confirmed by the Senate, Barrs would become the first permanent FMCSA head since Robin Hutcheson stepped down in early 2024, and his nomination signals a regulatory pivot that could reshape the future of commercial trucking in America.
Who Is Derek Barrs?
Derek Barrs served for nearly two decades at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, including as Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol. His background is deeply rooted in transportation safety enforcement, and he’s also no stranger to the trucking world:
Joined the American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board in 2021
Served in multiple leadership roles with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
Represented both motor carriers and industry suppliers as CVSA President of Associated Members
His experience brings a rare blend of enforcement, industry advocacy, and public safety expertise to the FMCSA role.
Industry Response: ATA and OOIDA Back the Pick
Barrs’ nomination has been met with enthusiastic support from top trucking associations:
“Derek’s deep knowledge of the trucking industry and his collaborative approach will make him an invaluable asset to USDOT,”
— Chris Spear, President & CEO, American Trucking Associations (ATA)
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) also expressed optimism, emphasizing their desire to work with Barrs on small-carrier issues, such as:
Fighting freight fraud
Rolling back unnecessary regulations
Closing safety loopholes to ensure only qualified drivers remain in the industry
OOIDA President Todd Spencer noted that the organization represents over 150,000 small-business truckers, and said he looks forward to a “swift Senate confirmation.”
Why This Nomination Matters to Truckers
FMCSA plays a pivotal role in shaping safety regulations, enforcing compliance, and issuing guidance that impacts every trucking company and driver operating in the U.S.
With a law enforcement background and support from both large carriers and small owner-operators, Derek Barrs could serve as a bridge between regulatory enforcement and real-world trucking challenges.
His nomination may also bring changes such as:
✅ A more balanced approach to federal regulations
✅ Streamlined compliance processes for small carriers
✅ Renewed focus on combatting fraud and unsafe practices in freight brokerage
✅ Potential policy reforms that prioritize practical safety solutions over red tape
What to Expect Next
Until Barrs is confirmed, the agency continues under temporary leadership. His nomination comes just days after Acting Administrator Adrienne Camire quietly disappeared from FMCSA’s leadership page, raising questions about internal direction and strategy.
Barrs is widely seen as an industry-aligned candidate with strong enforcement credentials — qualities that may help restore stability at FMCSA and drive actionable policy improvements.
Allcom Insurance: Here to Help You Navigate Industry Changes
Regulatory leadership changes can shift the insurance and compliance landscape quickly. At Allcom Insurance, we’re dedicated to helping owner-operators, small fleets, and large carriers stay ahead of new FMCSA policies with:
Custom commercial trucking insurance plans
Guidance on DOT compliance and regulatory updates
Federal and state filings to keep your business on the road
📞 Have questions about how this nomination might impact your coverage or compliance? Call us at 866-277-9049 or visit www.allcomins.com to get a free quote.