CVTA Welcomes Chief Barrs as Newly Confirmed FMCSA Administrator

Chief Derek Barrs, newly confirmed Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Chief Derek Barrs, a veteran law enforcement leader and former chief of the Florida Highway Patrol, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). His confirmation will provide stable leadership to the nation’s top trucking safety agency at a time when consistency, enforcement, and accountability are essential.

Barrs brings over thirty years of public service, with nearly twenty-five dedicated to commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement. In his Senate Commerce Committee testimony, he expressed deep respect for commercial drivers and pledged to prioritize roadway safety if confirmed. He also committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and a safety-first approach, while acknowledging the essential contributions of America’s professional drivers.

“Chief Barrs brings vital expertise and proven leadership to FMCSA,” said CVTA Chairman Jeff Burkhardt. “As the nation continues to push for safer roadways, it is imperative that the agency take a decisive stance in enforcing truck driver training standards. Chief Barrs brings decades of law enforcement experience into his role as FMCSA Administrator at a critical time in the industry that is more important than ever. We look forward to working together to ramp up urgent and immediate removal of bad actors from the ELDT Training Provider Registry. CVTA and its members congratulate Chief Barrs on his confirmation and stand ready to work alongside him to advance our shared mission of safer highways and a stronger industry.”

Administrator Barrs’s confirmation presents an opportunity to advance key safety and workforce priorities, including enforcing entry-level driver training standards, eliminating fraudulent training providers, and supporting policies that maintain a skilled, safety-focused driver workforce.

As Administrator Barrs begins his tenure, the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) reaffirms its commitment to partnership, accountability, and progress. CVTA and FMCSA will continue to work together to uphold the highest standards of training, integrity, and safety for drivers and the public.