The new FMCSA Administrator nominee vowed to value truckers while prioritizing roadway safety at a recent nominations hearing. 

Derek Barrs has advanced in the nominations process following the Wednesday, July 16th hearing. He now awaits a full Senate vote. The FMCSA has not had a Senate-confirmed administrator since 2022. 

Barrs has served as the Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol, where he also served as the FMCSA lead for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, and currently serves as an appointee at the Flagler County School Board, helping to operate a CMV training school. He has also served as the chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Enforcement and Industry Modernization Committee and President of the Transportation Industry membership.

“My work has always emphasized open communication and collaboration—with industry, law enforcement, and safety organizations…” Barrs said in a prepared statement at the hearing. “I am committed to ensuring that agency decisions are informed, balanced, and transparent. If confirmed, I will continue to strengthen relationships between government and stakeholders, working together on our shared goal of improving roadway safety, as well as addressing critical safety issues.”

“The trucking industry touches all our lives. Commercial drivers transport over 70% of our nation’s freight and share the road with us every day. These professionals are the backbone of our economy, working long hours—often away from their families—to ensure we have the goods we rely on,” he continued. “I deeply respect their dedication and understand the delicate balance between enhancing safety and enabling efficient freight movement. I salute and value the American truck driver and thank them for their work.”