FMCSA Task Force Recommends Ban on Lease-Purchase Agreements

The FMCSA’s Truck Leasing Task Force has recommended a **ban** on lease-purchase agreements, citing concerns over **predatory practices** that put drivers at financial risk. The task force argues that these agreements often lead to **misleading contracts, unexpected costs, and financial instability** for truck operators. Key Concerns Lease-purchase agreements frequently contain **hidden fees** and unfair terms […]

Regulatory changes and industry concerns in freight brokerage transparency

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has reopened the comment period regarding broker transparency in the freight industry. This decision comes after continued concerns from independent truckers and other stakeholders about fair business practices in freight brokerage. Key Concerns in Broker Transparency Many small trucking companies and independent owner-operators have voiced concerns that brokers […]

FMCSA actions on Women of Trucking Advisory Board recommendations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is taking action on the recommendations provided by the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB). These recommendations aim to improve the working environment for female truck drivers, addressing concerns related to workplace harassment, career development, and overall safety. Key Actions by FMCSA Workplace Safety and Harassment Prevention: FMCSA […]

FMCSA study on truck warning devices and Aurora’s legal dispute

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has initiated a study focusing on warning devices for disabled trucks. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of various warning systems in preventing accidents involving stopped commercial vehicles. Currently, FMCSA regulations require truck drivers to deploy reflective triangles or road flares in case of a breakdown. However, […]

Federal Task Force Calls for Ban on Trucking Lease-Purchase Agreements

**FMCSA Task Force Calls for Ban on Carrier Lease-Purchase Agreements** A federal task force is urging Congress to ban lease-purchase agreements in the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Truck Leasing Task Force released a report on January 23, stating that these agreements are harmful to drivers and the industry as a […]

Government recommendations on trucking lease-purchase contract bans

**FMCSA Panel Recommends Ban on Truck Lease-Purchase Contracts** A federal task force has advised Congress to ban lease-purchase agreements in the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Truck Leasing Task Force (TLTF) released a report on January 22, stating that these programs often harm drivers rather than help them [FreightWaves](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fmcsa-panel-recommends-ban-on-truck-lease-purchase-contracts). The task […]

Federal Regulation Freeze and Its Impact on Transportation Policies

**Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Freeze Pending Regulations** On January 20, President Donald Trump ordered a freeze on all pending federal regulations. This includes rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) [CDLLife](https://cdllife.com/2025/trump-orders-federal-agencies-including-fmcsa-to-freeze-pending-regulations/). The order stops agencies from sending new rules for publication without White House approval. It […]

Proposed Updates to FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS)

**FMCSA Discusses Changes to Safety Measurement System** The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a webinar on January 16 to explain upcoming changes to its Safety Measurement System (SMS). The agency is updating the system to improve fairness, accuracy, and clarity in identifying motor carriers that may need intervention. ### Key Changes to SMS […]

FMCSA Safety Measurement System updates and industry feedback

**FMCSA to Host Webinar on Safety Measurement System Updates** The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has scheduled a webinar on January 16 to discuss upcoming changes to its Safety Measurement System (SMS) ([Land Line](https://landline.media/fmcsa-schedules-thursday-jan-16-meeting-on-safety-measurement-system/)). The SMS helps the agency identify motor carriers that may need intervention. FMCSA is working on a redesign of the […]

FMCSA denial of autonomous truck regulation exemption request

**FMCSA Rejects Waymo, Aurora’s Exemption Request for Autonomous Trucks** The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has denied a request from Waymo and Aurora to exempt their autonomous trucks from a regulation requiring traditional warning devices when stopped on highways. The agency cited a lack of supporting data and necessary monitoring controls in its decision […]