Truckers Urge FMCSA: Give Us More Control Over the Clock

Federal hours-of-service rules remain unchanged, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is testing several approaches that could give truck drivers more flexibility. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports additional flexibility while emphasizing that drivers, rather than motor carriers, must control how any optional provisions are used.

FMCSA testing potential HOS changes

FMCSA launched two hours-of-service pilot programs in September 2025 as part of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Pro Trucker Package. The agency is expected to evaluate the data before deciding whether any of the tested approaches should become permanent.

Hours-of-service regulations establish limits on driving and on-duty time, required rest breaks, and cumulative weekly operating hours for drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The existing rules remain in effect while the pilots continue.

FMCSA also restored a 30-day automatic hours-of-service exemption for carriers providing direct assistance during certain declared emergencies, according to the information provided. The exemption is intended to support emergency-response operations while maintaining a defined time limit.

OOIDA calls for driver control

OOIDA has advocated for greater flexibility for years, arguing that current requirements do not always reflect the realities of modern trucking. The organization has also raised concerns that motor carriers or other parties could undermine optional provisions by requiring waivers or controlling access to drivers’ records.

“For years, our members have told lawmakers and FMCSA that existing hours-of-service rules are not sensible for today’s trucking industry,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh said.

The association’s position is that any changes should allow the driver to decide whether and how to use the flexibility, without pressure from a carrier or another party.

Agency also reviewing safety and registration oversight

FMCSA has indicated that it is taking a broader approach to identifying unsafe carriers and preventing fraud before companies enter the industry. Dowling, who became the agency’s chief safety officer in August, said FMCSA is examining carrier safety and registration issues more comprehensively.

The agency also published a Federal Register notice July 16, 2026, announcing plans to renew its approved information collection covering inspection, repair, and maintenance records. Carriers are required to maintain those records as part of their efforts to keep commercial motor vehicles in safe operating condition and reduce crash risks.

Separately, the proposed Registration Enforcement for Vehicle Operations of Known Evaders Act, known as the REVOKE Act, would require carriers subject to federal registration requirements to maintain an active U.S. Department of Transportation number. The measure would also expand FMCSA’s authority to inactivate registrations that do not meet federal requirements.

Staffing remains a challenge

During an industry update, FMCSA officials cited an agency workforce of 1,118 employees overseeing a regulated population of nearly eight million individuals and entities. That equates to approximately one FMCSA employee for every 7,155 regulated parties.

The staffing figures come as the agency considers changes involving hours of service, carrier registration, maintenance records, and safety oversight. For now, the core HOS requirements remain in place, with any broader changes dependent on the results of FMCSA’s pilot programs and future regulatory action.