Derek Barrs Nominated as FMCSA Administrator

Derek Barrs, the former chief of the Florida Highway Patrol with over 30 years of law enforcement experience, has been nominated to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If confirmed, Barrs will be the agency’s first permanent administrator since Robin Hutcheson stepped down in 2024.

Experience & Industry Ties Barrs brings a wealth of experience in transportation safety and law enforcement. In addition to his leadership of the Florida Highway Patrol, he has served on the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Law Enforcement Advisory Board, the Florida Trucking Association, and the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust Board. Barrs has also provided consulting services to HNTB Corp., offering advice on commercial motor vehicle safety.

Industry Support Chris Burroughs, CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), voiced strong support for Derek Barrs’ nomination as FMCSA Administrator:

“Derek’s deep expertise in transportation safety and policy uniquely equips him to lead the agency in tackling the challenges of our dynamic industry. His dedication to roadway safety, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to innovation, is exactly what’s needed to protect both the supply chain and the traveling public.”

Why This Matters to TIA Members: FMCSA plays a pivotal role in regulating commercial vehicle safety, broker regulations, and fraud prevention—issues that directly impact TIA members. TIA is actively engaged on several key matters:

· Rate Intrusion: TIA opposes the FMCSA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on “broker transparency,” which could harm small businesses and increase consumer costs.

· Fraud Prevention: TIA advocates for legislation to empower federal agencies and law enforcement to reduce the impacts of cargo theft and strategic fraud. The association supports H.R. 880 and S. 337 to reinstate civil penalties and expand investigative tools.

· Safety & Compliance: TIA is in favor of digital safety audits, a motor carrier selection standard, and the implementation of MAP-21 broker training requirements.

TIA looks forward to collaborating with FMCSA’s new leadership to enhance safety, fight fraud, and improve efficiency in the freight industry.