President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration answered questions posed by members of a Senate committee Wednesday, and said he would work with the trucking industry to improve highway safety.
Lifelong Florida resident Derek Barrs appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation as part of the nomination process to confirm him as FMCSA administrator.
In his prepared remarks, Barrs said of America's truck drivers, "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."
Barrs spent 34 years in law enforcement, including 25 years dedicated to commercial vehicle safety. He retired in 2020 as chief of the Florida Highway Patrol. Barrs has also been involved with Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the American Trucking Association's Law Enforcement Advisory Board.
"I understand that FMCSA’s actions impact an entire industry, and 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."
Barrs also said that during his time in law enforcement, he "witnessed the devastating aftermath of crashes—stood beside first responders, comforted grieving families, and seen how a single moment can ripple through entire communities. In 2023, approximately 5,730 lives were lost in large truck and bus crashes including around 900 commercial drivers. These are not just statistics—they are parents, children, colleagues, and friends. Every life lost is one too many."
Barrs said that if confirmed he would make roadway safety his highest priority.
During the hearing, Barrs fielded questions from senators about truck parking, regulating autonomous trucks, FMCSA's enforcement efforts, freight fraud and theft, and Mexican-domiciled truckers driving in the U.S. with fraudulently-issued CDLs.
The committee will eventually vote on Barrs' nomination before it goes to the entire Senate for possible approval.
Also during Wednesday's committee hearing, senators also questioned Jonathan Morrison, Trumps nominee to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration nominee Paul Roberti.
Barrs' nomination is supported by the major trucking advocacy organizations.
