A Historic Step Forward: U.S. House of Representatives Launches the First Congressional Trucking Caucus

REGULATORY AFFAIRS | INDUSTRY POLICY | DECEMBER 2025

By Evelina Petrov, Senior Policy Correspondent, SafetyLane Magazine

In a landmark moment for the American freight system, members of the U.S. House of Representatives have established the nation’s first Congressional Trucking Caucus. Created to elevate trucking issues at the federal level, this caucus represents a bipartisan commitment to address safety, workforce development, regulatory modernization, and the economic vitality of an industry responsible for moving the vast majority of goods across the United States.

The caucus was officially registered as a Congressional Member Organization for the 119th Congress on December 12, 2025, marking a new era of structured dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the trucking sector.

A Bipartisan Leadership Structure

The Congressional Trucking Caucus is co-chaired by a diverse group of legislators whose districts, backgrounds, and committee roles position them to influence transportation policy effectively. The founding co-chairs include:

• Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio)

• Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Alabama)

• Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming)

• Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-North Carolina)

• Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-California)

• Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois)

Together, these lawmakers aim to create a collaborative environment where the trucking industry’s concerns can be better understood and acted upon. Their mission emphasizes integrity within the profession, improvements in highway safety, and the enhancement of America’s freight efficiency.

Why the Caucus Matters Now

Trucking remains the backbone of the U.S. economy. In 2024, the industry generated more than $906 billion in revenue and supported over 8.4 million jobs, from drivers and dispatchers to mechanics, safety managers, and logistics professionals.

Yet the industry faces mounting pressures:

• Rising accident rates and safety concerns

• Workforce shortages and gaps in CDL training quality

• Complex regulatory environments

• Strained infrastructure and urban congestion

• Volatile insurance markets and legal climates

Recent tragic crashes involving commercial vehicles prompted renewed scrutiny from policymakers, underscoring the need for stronger, more consistent safety practices and improvements in driver competency. The caucus seeks to use legislative tools to address these concerns thoughtfully and proactively.

Wide Support from Industry Leaders

The launch of the Congressional Trucking Caucus has been met with widespread approval from key national organizations. The American Trucking Associations, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, and Truckload Carriers Association have all expressed strong support, recognizing the caucus as a long-overdue platform for coordinated policy engagement.

Industry advocates see this development as a means to strengthen the industry’s influence in Washington and to advance long-standing priorities such as infrastructure investment, regulatory clarity, and improved safety technology adoption.

Emerging Policy Focus Areas

Although the caucus is newly formed, early statements from its members and supporters indicate several important policy directions:

1. Enhancing CDL Training Standards and Driver Competency

Improving training consistency, strengthening testing integrity, and ensuring new drivers meet high safety expectations will be central themes.

2. Advancing Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

Lawmakers are expected to explore measures that reduce preventable crashes, protect professional drivers, and improve the safety of all road users.

3. Modernizing Federal Regulations

Carriers—especially small fleets and owner-operators—continue to express concerns about regulatory complexity. The caucus may champion modernization efforts aimed at reducing unnecessary burdens.

4. Strengthening Infrastructure and Supply Chain Reliability

Freight bottlenecks, decaying bridges, and insufficient truck parking remain major pain points. The caucus is poised to advocate for targeted investments that support freight mobility.

Implications for Safety Professionals and Carriers

For fleet owners, safety directors, and compliance managers, the formation of this caucus represents a significant shift in how trucking issues will be discussed at the legislative level. By providing a focused venue for dialogue, the caucus is positioned to influence future policymaking across a variety of areas that directly affect day-to-day operations:

• Hours-of-Service rules

• Safety technology regulation

• CDL testing modernization

• ELD oversight and improvements

• Insurance and liability reform

• Funding for safety programs and parking expansion

These developments signal greater visibility for safety concerns and potentially more structured input from industry stakeholders during the rulemaking process.

Looking Ahead

As the Congressional Trucking Caucus begins its work in 2026, the transportation industry is watching closely. The caucus’s success will depend on sustained engagement, bipartisan cooperation, and a willingness to listen to the voices of drivers, carriers, safety professionals, and industry advocates.

SafetyLane Magazine will continue to provide in-depth coverage as the caucus outlines its legislative priorities, holds briefings, and introduces measures that may reshape the regulatory landscape for years to come.

About SafetyLane Magazine

SafetyLane Magazine is dedicated to elevating safety, compliance, and operational excellence across the commercial transportation industry. Our mission is to bring clarity to regulatory developments and offer authoritative insight for safety leaders nationwide.