CVTA Endorses Chief Barr Ahead of FMCSA Senate Confirmation Hearing

On July 9th, CVTA delivered a letter to Senate Commerce Committee leadership endorsing Chief Barrs for the role of FMCSA Administrator, in advance of his confirmation hearing. The hearing will occur on Wednesday, July 16th and can be viewed online, here: Nominations Hearing for Modal Administrators of the Department of Transportation...

July 9, 2025 Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell On behalf of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), I am writing to express our strong support for the confirmation of Chief Derek Barrs as the next Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We believe Chief Barrs is uniquely qualified to lead FMCSA, particularly in the critical area of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) enforcement: an issue of paramount importance to CVTA’s national membership.

As the nation’s largest association of professional truck driver training schools, CVTA is

committed to ensuring that all new drivers are properly trained and that bad actors who

undermine safety standards are held accountable. Unfortunately, despite the safety benefits of the ELDT Rule, we have long been concerned about inconsistent enforcement and the continued presence of substandard training providers on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Chief Barrs’ distinguished background in law enforcement, particularly his leadership in Florida enforcing trucking regulations, positions him as a leader capable of driving meaningful progress in this area. His extensive experience managing and overseeing complex law enforcement initiatives will be invaluable in ramping up enforcement actions against non-compliant training providers. We are confident that Chief Barrs will bring a strong, solutions-oriented approach to FMCSA’s enforcement practices, ensuring that bad actors who are placing unqualified drivers on the road are swiftly identified and removed from the TPR.

CVTA believes that Barrs' law enforcement background equips him with the necessary tools to not only ensure that entities are licensed but also to take the next critical step in investigating and auditing training programs that may be operating outside the bounds of the law. His ability to lead strategic, targeted enforcement efforts will help safeguard public safety and reinforce the integrity of our industry.

Given his background, commitment to safety, and understanding of the importance of effective regulation, we are confident that Chief Barrs is the right person to lead FMCSA at this pivotal moment in the enforcement of the ELDT Rule. We strongly urge you to support his confirmation as Administrator.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing support of policies that promote safety and professionalism within the commercial vehicle industry. Sincerely, Andrew Poliakoff Executive Director Commercial Vehicle Training Association