FMCSA Revamps SMS to Enhance Trucking Safety Efficiency

FMCSA Revamps SMS to Enhance Trucking Safety Efficiency

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed reforms to the Safety Measurement System (SMS). These reforms aim to enhance data-driven safety management and reduce accident rates by reorganizing safety categories, refining violation classifications, and simplifying violation weights. A public comment period has been initiated. The goal is to build a more scientific and equitable evaluation system, promoting improved safety levels and sustainable development within the industry. The proposed changes are intended to lead to more effective safety oversight and ultimately, safer roads for all.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Proposes Stricter Safety Rules for Highrisk Carriers

FMCSA Proposes Stricter Safety Rules for Highrisk Carriers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes revisions to the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to more accurately identify high-risk carriers and incentivize improved safety practices. The proposed changes involve restructuring safety categories, optimizing violation groupings, simplifying weight calculations, and adjusting intervention thresholds. A public comment period is open, and industry experts are urging the agency to ensure data is used reasonably and to avoid repeating past shortcomings. The goal is to enhance safety oversight and reduce road accidents.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Revamps Safety Monitoring System for Trucking Industry

FMCSA Revamps Safety Monitoring System for Trucking Industry

FMCSA is updating its SMS (Safety Measurement System) to improve data analysis and risk assessment, ultimately enhancing road safety. The updates include increased data transparency, adjustments to categorization, and revised thresholds. These changes aim to more effectively identify high-risk carriers and ultimately reduce the incidence of crashes. The revamped system seeks to provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of motor carrier safety performance, enabling better targeted interventions and contributing to safer roadways for all.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Proposes Datadriven Overhaul of Trucking Safety Rules

FMCSA Proposes Datadriven Overhaul of Trucking Safety Rules

FMCSA proposes significant changes to the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to more accurately identify high-risk carriers and allocate regulatory resources effectively. These adjustments involve restructuring safety categories, refining violation groupings, simplifying violation severity weighting, adjusting intervention thresholds, and optimizing peer comparisons. The goal is to reduce crash rates and improve road safety. A 90-day public comment period is open, encouraging industry participation.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Relaxes Trucker Hours Rules As Climate Challenges Grow

FMCSA Relaxes Trucker Hours Rules As Climate Challenges Grow

FMCSA relaxed HOS regulations for truck drivers in response to climate emergencies, but shortened the exemption period and scope, and increased reporting requirements. Logistics companies need to be flexible in adapting to the new rules. This adjustment aims to balance immediate relief during climate-related disruptions with the need for safety and accountability. The changes impact how logistics operations plan for and manage driver hours during emergencies, requiring proactive strategies and efficient communication to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions to supply chains.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Urges FMCSA Overhaul Over Safety Rating Flaws

Trucking Industry Urges FMCSA Overhaul Over Safety Rating Flaws

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has criticized the FMCSA's current safety rating system, citing data biases and inadequacies that lead to unfair treatment of trucking companies. Other organizations have also voiced concerns about the existing system. The FMCSA is seeking improvements and exploring more scientific assessment models to establish a fairer and more reliable safety rating system, ultimately enhancing road safety. They aim to address the perceived shortcomings and ensure accurate evaluation of trucking companies' safety performance.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Proposes HOS Reforms to Enhance Trucking Safety Efficiency

FMCSA Proposes HOS Reforms to Enhance Trucking Safety Efficiency

The FMCSA proposes revisions to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, aiming to enhance driver autonomy and optimize rules related to rest breaks, sleeper berths, and short-haul operations. These proposed changes seek to balance road safety with improved efficiency within the trucking industry. The revisions are intended to provide drivers with greater flexibility while maintaining a focus on safe driving practices and compliance with regulations. The goal is to create a more effective and sustainable framework for commercial vehicle operations.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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GAO Urges FMCSA to Reform Truck Safety Rating System

GAO Urges FMCSA to Reform Truck Safety Rating System

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlights the FMCSA's slow progress in improving the CSA safety measurement system, hindering the effective identification of high-risk trucking companies. The report recommended modifications to the SMS methodology, which the FMCSA did not agree with. Industry associations and experts are urging the FMCSA to re-evaluate and enhance the CSA system to more effectively reduce accident rates and ensure road safety. The current system's shortcomings raise concerns about its ability to adequately address risks posed by unsafe carriers.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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FMCSA Solicits Feedback on Hours of Service Rule Changes

FMCSA Solicits Feedback on Hours of Service Rule Changes

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes revisions to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and plans to gather industry feedback through public hearings. The proposed changes include five key areas: flexibility in break time arrangements, allowing non-driving on-duty time to count as rest, extending driving time under adverse weather conditions, expanding the short-haul exemption, and modifying driver record exceptions. The industry generally hopes the final regulations will strike a balance between efficiency and safety.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Chief Considers ELD Rule Adjustments for Small Fleets

FMCSA Chief Considers ELD Rule Adjustments for Small Fleets

Raymond Martinez is expected to lead the FMCSA, promising to listen to small fleets' concerns regarding the ELD mandate and support reforms to the CSA scoring system. His appointment could bring a new balance and development opportunities to the US trucking industry. The industry anticipates his pragmatic and innovative approach, hoping he will create a safer and more efficient future. He aims to address the challenges faced by smaller carriers while striving for overall improvement in safety and compliance within the trucking sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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