Here is how a person becomes a federally authorized motor carrier today.

You apply for a USDOT number. As part of that application, you certify on a form, the MCS-150, that you are knowledgeable about the applicable federal motor carrier safety regulations and, where relevant, the hazardous materials regulations. You check the box. You get your new entrant authority. You start hauling freight. Then, at some point within your first 18 months of operation, FMCSA conducts a safety audit to see how you are actually doing.

Read that sequence again, because the order is the entire issue. You affirm that you know the rules by signing a form. You operate on public highways with an 80,000-pound vehicle. And the real look at whether you understand what you are doing comes after you are already out there doing it.

A lot of people in and around trucking have argued for a long time that this is backwards, that validating a new carrier’s safety knowledge should come before authority is granted, not after. FMCSA is now revisiting exactly that question, and the rulemaking that would address it, dormant for more than 15 years, has a new target date.

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As FMCSA continues supporting the transition to Motus, the USDOT Registration System, launched on May 19, and to help reduce disruption during this transition period, FMCSA has temporarily suspended the inactivation of USDOT numbers for entities that have not completed the required biennial update since June 1. Registrants will receive additional time to complete any required biennial updates and should not worry about inactivation resulting from Motus-related access or system issues. We will share additional guidance as recovery and stabilization efforts continue. 

Other inquiries or ANY issue that needs immediate attention regarding FMCSA Registration or the CMV Industry in general, please call the FMCSA Registration Customer Service Center: 1-800-832-5660, or contact them via the webform: https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ticket. They have the resources you need for your FMCSA Registration inquiry. Concomitantly, see table below to guide you in using the FMCSA Customer Service tools.

Category	Recommended Action	Note
Report a Motus Issue	Submit a ticket at the contact center support page.	Make sure you don't duplicate tickets on the same cases you open. Just follow up on them.
Contact Center Support	Phone or Chat. 1-800-832-5660 Contact Us Here	Operating hours have just been extended: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM EST, weekdays, plus Saturdays.
Motus Status Updates	Sign Up for Alerts: Registration Alerts.	Receive information about system fixes as they are addressed.
Self-Service Help	Access Videos: Registration Video Library and Job Aides: Move to Motus Instructions.	Includes resources for Motus navigation basics and HOW-TOs, as well as additional instructions.
Verify Registration	Use Public Search: Public Motus Search capability within Motus.	Search by USDOT Number, legal name, or DBA to see the registration record.

FMCSA Rescinds the Requirement for Electronic Logging Device Operator’s Manual Located in Commercial Motor Vehicles 

FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) to rescind the requirement for a copy of the electronic logging device (ELD) operator’s manual to be kept in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Drivers are required to understand the operation of the ELD on the vehicle to ensure the accuracy of their electronic records of duty status and to present this information during inspections by enforcement officials. There is no readily apparent benefit to continuing to require that the user’s manual be in the CMV given the use of ELDs since December 2019. This final rule eliminates a regulatory burden on motor carriers without compromising safety. Effective date July 22, 2026. Federal Register Notice.

Removal of Self-Reporting Requirement

FMCSA amends the regulations requiring commercial driver's license (CDL) holders to self-report motor vehicle violations to their State of domicile. With the implementation of the exclusive electronic exchange (EEE) of violations between State Drivers Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) in 2024, self-reporting is no longer necessary. This action supports the Administration's deregulatory efforts.

Effective date July 22, 2026. Federal Register Notice

Completed Inspection Report Disposition 

FMCSA amends the regulations to revise the requirement that motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers sign and return a completed roadside inspection form to the issuing State agency. FMCSA is aware that not all issuing State agencies require the return of these reports, and that requiring motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers to submit these reports to a State that does not require, or even request, the return of the form creates an unnecessary burden. Through this change, completed forms will only be returned to those States that request them. This action is in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Effective date July 22, 2026. Federal Register Notice

TAT is accepting nominations through Aug. 15 for its most prestigious award, the Harriet Tubman Award (HTA) presented by WEX^®.  The award, which includes a $5,000 check and a trophy, is given to honor a member of the trucking, bus or energy industry whose direct actions have either helped save or improve the lives of those exploited or prevented human trafficking from taking place. The incident must have taken place in the U.S. or Canada, and nominees need to reside in one of those countries.

If you know someone who deserves to win, check out the nomination process for the award now. 

TAT created the award in 2013 and named it to honor famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, whose courageous personal actions resulted in the transportation of 70 slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad and whose overall role in the freedom movement was instrumental in the freeing of thousands more. Born into slavery in 1820, Miss Tubman was the first African American woman buried with full military honors and the first to have the inaugural Liberty ship named after her – the SS Harriet Tubman – by the U.S. Maritime Commission.

The Harriet Tubman Award was presented for the first time the following year to a travel plaza general manager in Washington. You can read the stories of all the past winners here.

“Please, Drivers, share your story if you’ve taken any action to help someone you think might be a trafficking victim or a potential trafficking victim,” said Laura Cyrus, TAT senior director of Industry Training and Outreach, “even if you’re not sure what you did is ‘award worthy.’ The stories of our Harriet Tubman Award winners are important. These stories serve to encourage others in the industry to stay vigilant around this effort.”

If you or someone you know deserves to be considered for the Harriet Tubman Award, please complete the nomination form today!

The Bern Township Police Department would like to remind all motorists that Paul Miller's Law prohibits drivers from using a handheld cell phone or other interactive mobile device while operating a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania. This includes:

Talking on a handheld phone

Texting or emailing

Scrolling social media or browsing the internet

Holding your phone while stopped at a red light or in traffic

Hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or vehicle-integrated systems, is still permitted.

The law is named in honor of Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old Pennsylvania resident who tragically lost his life in 2010 when a distracted tractor-trailer driver reached for his phone while driving. His family's advocacy led to this important legislation aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

During the initial implementation period, officers issued warnings and educated motorists. Beginning early June, 2026, violations are subject to a $50 fine plus court costs and fees.

Distracted driving is entirely preventable. A text message, phone call, or social media notification is never worth a life.

Put the phone down. Eyes on the road. Arrive alive.

The transition to the new MOTUS | USDOT Registration System begins tomorrow night, May 14. This is your final window to update your records in the legacy systems.

Final Checklist:

1. Portal Access: Confirm you can log into the FMCSA Portal.

2. Account Setup: No account? Create one today using your USDOT PIN.

3. Accuracy Check: Ensure your company info and contact details are current.

4. User Audit: Double-check that all authorized users are correctly listed.

5. MCS-150: File your Biennial Update now if it’s due.

Taking these steps today ensures your data migrates correctly to the new platform.

FMCSA Registration | FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will soon roll out the agency's new registration system. There are critical steps you must take to prepare for the launch:

Please take the following actions in the FMCSA Portal by May 14, 2026:

• Log into your FMCSA Portal account (portal.fmcsa.dot.gov) to confirm it is active. If you do not have a Portal account, you can create one and use your USDOT PIN to access your information. Obtain your PIN at: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
• Please note that FMCSA Portal accounts are disabled after 90 days and archived after 12 months of inactivity. If your account is disabled or archived, reach out to the FMCSA Contact Center at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa to have your account unlocked.
• In the Portal, ensure your company information, operation classification, contact information, and individuals authorized to access your record are all correct.
• You can make updates to your company information in the FMCSA Portal the same way you complete a Biennial Update. Select “Biennial Update (MCS-150)” in the “Registration” tab.

Only the FMCSA Portal Company Official using the same FMCSA Portal Login.gov email will be permitted to claim an account in Motus for the first time. Once your account is successfully linked to Motus, you will no longer need to access the FMCSA Portal to make registration changes.

Please download the “FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates” at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/fmcsa-portal-registration-userguide- fmcsa-registered-entities-and-associates.

Stay up to date by visiting www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/resources-hub for the latest information, fact sheets, and more.

If you need assistance, contact the FMCSA 1-800-832-5660.

Motus Launch Sample Letter

Prepare for Motus Flyer

FMCSA Resource Links:

Portal Registration User Guide

Registration Modernization Resources Hub.  

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today launched the Freedom to Drive initiative: an opportunity for states to collaborate with USDOT on tackling increasing congestion corridors across America. This national effort aims to save American families both time and money by focusing on maximizing roadway capacities, fasttracking projects that alleviate congestion chokepoints, and leveraging American technology and private-sector partnerships.

“Under President Trump, we are working to deliver less congested roads and highways to give you a little bit more time at home with your family around the dinner table,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Part of ushering in a Golden Age of Travel means making it a little easier to get where you need to go. The Trump Administration is tackling congestion head on to eliminate endless traffic jams and ensure you spend less sitting wasting away in gridlock.”

“The Freedom to Drive initiative exemplifies the Trump Administration’s commitment to leveraging public and private sector collaboration to bring real relief to American families,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven G. Bradbury. “By working hand-in-hand with states to tackle our toughest infrastructure challenges, we will eliminate the bottlenecks of the past and Get America Building Again!”

“Gridlock and congestion have no place in the Golden Age of Transportation,” said FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster. “The Trump Administration is calling on every Governor to join us in clearing the bottlenecks and cutting waste to save Americans both time and money. We want local solutions that serve all road users, instead of federal bureaucrats favoring one mode of travel over another.”

In his letter, Secretary Duffy emphasized the Administration’s commitment to moving away from "stop-and-go" policies and toward high-performance, high-efficiency solutions. The Secretary requests Governors identify two to five of their states’ worst congestion bottlenecks and outline actionable steps to address them.

To support these efforts, the FHWA has launched the Freedom to Drive website as a central resource for technical tools and congestion-relief strategies.

The Case for New Infrastructure to Reduce Traffic:

• America is home to 10 of the 25 most congested cities in the world, including Chicago and Los Angeles.
• In 2024, the average urban auto commuter spent 63 hours stuck in traffic. That equals $269 billion in lost productivity.
• Not only are Americans losing valuable time with their families and loved ones, but delays to commercial and freight activity also impacted the economy.
• This problem is not contained to major metropolitan cities, but rural areas also face disruptions due to crashes, severe weather, and recreational travel.

Additional Information:

Rebuilding America’s aging highway infrastructure is estimated to cost nearly a trillion dollars. Leveraging private sector partnerships allows taxpayer dollars to go further while delivering new transportation infrastructure safely and efficiently.

In August 2025, USDOT modeled this partnership when the Department announced a loan of up to $3.89 billion from the Build America Bureau to a public-private partnership between the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), and SR 400 Peach Partners, LLC (Peach Partners), to add new lanes in both directions along a 16-mile section from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) North Springs Station to one mile north of McFarland Parkway.

The project is expected to reduce delays by over 19,000 hours each day, or about 15 minutes per traveler, due to less idling and traffic congestion. It will also enhance public safety through the construction of new bridges and other safety improvements, the replacement or widening of several existing bridges, and will reduce traffic incidents by an estimated eight percent. This project will offer travelers new choices. The new express lanes will be tolled using dynamic congestion pricing to manage demand and maintain reliable trip times, while current lanes will remain free.

ATRI President Rebecca Brewster has announced that she will retire in early 2027, after serving the organization for 34 years, 25 of which she has led ATRI as its president and chief operating officer.

During her tenure at ATRI, the organization has grown into the trucking industry's most respected source for industry data and analysis, capturing numerous awards for research excellence.

"Serving the trucking industry through ATRI has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I sincerely appreciate the Board's long-time support of and confidence in my leadership," said Brewster. "The ATRI team is well-positioned to carry on ATRI's mission of research to improve the industry's safety and productivity and I look forward to working with the new leader on the transition."

ATRI's Board of Directors, led by Werner Enterprises Chairman Derek Leathers, has appointed a search committee of Board members to identify Brewster's successor. ATRI Board member Brenda Neville, Iowa Motor Truck Association President and CEO will chair the search committee.

"Rebecca's leadership of ATRI has made a lasting impact on the trucking industry," said Leathers. "We are grateful for her three decades of leadership and the legacy she will leave behind."

In May the ATRI search committee will commence its work to identify a new leader. More details will be available on the ATRI website at TruckingResearch.org.

For six weeks throughout June and July 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring unprecedented travel demand to major venues across the region, including MetLife Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field.

MetLife Stadium will host eight match days, including the World Cup Final on July 19, drawing significant regional, national, and international attendance. At the same time, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will host six matches, including a Round of 16 match on July 4. These events are expected to generate sustained, high-volume travel demand across both northern New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area.

Transportation conditions in and around both stadiums will be significantly impacted on match days, with substantial disruptions anticipated. Congestion is expected to extend well beyond the immediate vicinity of each venue, affecting key highways, freight corridors, and regional access routes.

Freight and delivery operators should closely review match schedules and plan accordingly. Traffic conditions during these periods should not be considered routine. Instead, match-day congestion is expected to resemble conditions typically associated with major emergency events or severe weather incidents—where gridlock can form quickly and persist for extended periods, with limited opportunities for recovery.

To maintain service reliability and minimize operational disruptions, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) strongly encourages freight stakeholders to take proactive measures. These include adjusting delivery windows, rescheduling non-essential trips outside peak match periods, and identifying alternative routes whenever feasible. Coordination with customers and partners will also be critical during this time.

Advance planning will be essential to navigating these challenges and ensuring continuity of operations across the region’s transportation network.

Stakeholders are encouraged to share accompanying informational materials with customers, partners, and any parties likely to be affected by these conditions.

North Jersey Expected Disruptions Flyer

South Jersey Expected Disruptions Flyer