Derek D. Barrs has been confirmed to serve as the eighth administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
On Oct. 3, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), along with other stakeholder organizations and the trade press, excitedly posted its congratulations to Mr. Barrs for his confirmation. However, the Oct. 3 Senate Committee vote was the first of two steps in his confirmation.
“We are pleased to officially welcome Mr. Barrs to the role of FMCSA administrator, a position that the Alliance works closely with to advance our joint goal of reducing crashes on our roadways,” said CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney.
FMCSA is the lead U.S. federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles, drivers and motor carriers. As an organization consisting of the commercial motor vehicle safety officials who enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, CVSA works closely with FMCSA to protect our roadways and improve commercial motor vehicle safety by providing guidance, education and advocacy for enforcement and industry across North America.
Prior to serving as FMCSA administrator, Barrs was an active member of CVSA as the Florida Highway Patrol’s lead agency representative within the Alliance and chair of CVSA’s Enforcement and Industry Modernization Committee. After retiring from law enforcement, Barrs continued to serve in CVSA leadership as vice president then president of its associate (industry) members.
“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 Mooney.
As FMCSA administrator, Barrs will lead approximately 1,100 dedicated employees across the country who work diligently every day to improve commercial motor vehicle safety through regulation, education, enforcement, research and technology.
“CVSA values the administrator’s commitment to safety and anticipates close coordination on programs, regulations and initiatives that improve compliance and enforcement,” added Mooney. “Together, CVSA and FMCSA will continue to make meaningful progress toward saving lives and promoting a culture of safety.”