Derek Barrs is now officially -- and finally -- the eighth head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
His nomination was confirmed Friday as part of the Senate's approval of 108 appointees. He takes over the agency as the federal government is shut down. However, funding for FMCSA is secured as it comes from the Highway Trust Fund.
Barrs is a veteran Florida law enforcement officer, and was nominated to the position in late March. He becomes the first confirmed FMCSA administrator since January of 2024 when Robin Hutcheson resigned the post.
Trucking organizations, which had supported Barrs' nomination, roundly praised the Senate's confirmation.
In response to Barrs' approval, the Truckload Carriers Association said it was "excited" to announce his confirmation, saying, "With a distinguished career in law enforcement and commercial motor vehicle safety, Barrs brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this critical position."
“TCA is beyond thrilled at the Senate confirmation of Derek Barrs to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” said Jim Ward, TCA President. “After a tremendous career in law enforcement, Administrator Barrs brings a unique skill set and understanding of our industry at a time when regulatory enforcement is critical to ensuring the safety of those who operate on America’s highways.
“TCA members have had the privilege of working with Administrator Barrs directly and have consistently expressed the highest regard for his leadership, professionalism, and dedication, supporting his efforts not only from an industry perspective, but also from personal experience."
“Based on our efforts in support of his confirmation, we welcome Administrator Barrs as the chief safety advocate for the truckload community and as a leader in carrying forward FMCSA’s steadfast commitment to reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks. TCA looks forward to strengthening our relationship with the agency under his leadership and furthering the industry’s shared goal of improving highway safety.”
The American Trucking Associations was equally pleased and complimentary.
“Following extensive advocacy by ATA, we are pleased that the Senate has voted to approve the nomination of Derek Barrs to serve as administrator of FMCSA,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “Mr. Barrs’ confirmation was long overdue, and with rising concerns about motor vehicle safety enforcement, his leadership is urgently needed to drive accountability, strengthen state-level compliance, and ensure only qualified commercial drivers operate on our nation’s roadways.
“Mr. Barrs is well-equipped to meet this moment, boasting nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement as well as in the CMV industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his ability to bridge industry and enforcement, forge consensus, and deliver results. With Mr. Barrs’ expertise and the strong support of the Trump Administration, we can uphold the highest standards of safety on our nation’s highways.”
Barrs has been active with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which also praised him and his ascension to lead the regulatory agency.
“Once confirmed, the Alliance is looking forward to working with FMCSA Administrator Barrs and the FMCSA team to continue to strengthen our partnership, share expertise and enhance safety initiatives with the goal of to reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles,” said CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney.
“CVSA values the Mr. Barr’s commitment to safety and anticipates close coordination on programs, regulations and initiatives that improve compliance and enforcement. Together, CVSA and FMCSA will continue to make meaningful progress toward reducing crashes, saving lives and promoting a culture of safety.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association added its voice to the trucking chorus approving of Barrs' confirmation.
“OOIDA and professional truckers across America congratulate Derek Barrs on his confirmation to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” association President Todd Spencer said. “We look forward to working with him to advance the priorities of small-business truckers nationwide, such as combating freight fraud, rolling back unnecessary regulations, ensuring broker compliance with existing transparency laws and closing loopholes to ensure that only the safest, most qualified drivers remain on the road. For months, we have said Mr. Barrs is the right choice for this role, and his leadership will only strengthen the strong partnership truckers already have with Secretary Duffy and the team at U.S. DOT to improve highway safety."
The OOIDA previously said, “We have the utmost confidence Mr. Barrs will implement commonsense, cost-effective initiatives that are already underway as part of Pro-Trucker Package announced in June. Under his leadership, FMCSA can finally make progress on these priorities. Given his past experience and demonstrated commitment to working with small trucking businesses and professional drivers, we encourage the Senate to quickly confirm Mr. Barrs.”
