Regulatory Update – May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Extends Comment Period on the Fees for the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement NPRM
On May 1, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  the comment period for the Fees for the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement  (NPRM). Comments are now due on May 26.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Training Certification for Drivers of LCVs ICR
On April 30, FMCSA  comments on the Training Certification for Drivers of Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs) information collection request (ICR), which relates to agency requirements for drivers to be certified to operate LCVs and associated recordkeeping requirements that motor carriers must satisfy before permitting their drivers to operate LCVs.

FMCSA Issues Correcting Amendments to the Removal of Obsolete References to ‘Water Carriers’ Final Rule
On April 30, FMCSA  correcting amendments to the , removing obsolete references to “water carriers.” The correction is effective April 30.

FMCSA Announces New Online Registration System, Motus
On April 29, FMCSA  a new online registration system, Motus. The system satisfies the statutory mandate for a unified registration system (URS). FMCSA will sunset the current URS used for new applications for USDOT numbers and operating authority, registration components of the Motor Carrier Management Information System, and the former Interstate Commerce Commission Licensing and Insurance system.

U.S. DOT Publishes Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance and Enforcement Procedures Final Rule
On April 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)  the Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance and Enforcement Procedures final rule. The final rule revises and updates U.S. DOT’s internal policies and procedures relating to the issuance of rulemaking documents. In addition, the final rule updates U.S. DOT’s procedural requirements governing the review and clearance of guidance documents and the initiation and conduct of enforcement actions, including administrative enforcement proceedings and judicial enforcement actions brought in federal court. The final rule is effective on May 27.

PHMSA Announces Meetings on International Standards on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
On April 22, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety will host three public meetings throughout 2026 in advance of certain international meetings on the transport of dangerous goods. The first public meeting is scheduled for May 28, and  is required.

U.S. DOT Opens Application for Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award
On April 22, the U.S. DOT  the application for the annual Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award, which seeks to raise awareness among transportation stakeholders about human trafficking and increase training and prevention to combat the crime. Submissions will be accepted through June 22.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Crash Risks by CMV Driver Schedules ICR
On April 20, FMCSA  comments on the Crash Risks by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Driver Schedules ICR, which relates to driver schedules and how these factors impact overall driver performance and fatigue. Comments are due by May 20.

PHMSA Releases Interpretation Related to Bulk Packaging
On March 24, PHMSA  a clarification to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in response to a question relating to bulk packaging. Specifically, the request asked whether a 120-gallon American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) propane container is bulk or non-bulk by water weight as a receptacle for a gas, as specified by Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 171.8. PHMSA shared that the specific container would be considered a bulk package.

PHMSA Releases Interpretation Related to the Construction of Specification MC 338 Cargo Tanks
On March 24, PHMSA  a clarification to the HMR in response to multiple questions on the construction of specification MC 338 cargo tanks. Specifically, the request asked for clarification on the postweld heat treatment requirements for these cargo tanks when constructed in accordance with Part UHT in Section VIII of the ASME Code as prescribed in § 178.338-2(e) and whether what is described therein is absolute or conditional based on ASME Code allowances. PHMSA shared answers to each of the questions in the interpretation.

PHMSA Releases Interpretation Related to General Requirements for Different Packaging Types
On Mary 23, PHMSA  a clarification to the HMR in response to multiple questions on the general requirements for different packaging types. Specifically, the request asked for clarification on what constitutes a different packaging under § 178.601(c)(4) and what modifications are allowed without being treated as a different packaging, particularly related to combination packagings. PHMSA shared answers to each of the questions in the interpretation.

PHMSA Releases Interpretation Related to Cargo Tank Modifications
On March 19, PHMSA  a clarification to the HMR in response to multiple questions relating to cargo tank modifications. Specifically, the request asked about modifying a cargo tank to a specification that differs from the original. PHMSA shared answers to each of the questions in the interpretation.

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Requests Comments on ROSHO Automotive Solutions Exemption Application
On April 30, FMCSA  comments on the exemption application from ROSHO Automotive Solutions (ROSHO) to allow motor carriers to operate CMVs equipped with ROSHO’s camera-based “mirror system” installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Comments are due by June 1.

FMCSA Grants Atlantic Aviation Exhaust System Exemption
On April 28, FMCSA  Atlantic Aviation Orlando LLC’s (Atlantic Aviation) application for exemption from certain exhaust system requirements to allow four aircraft fuel service trucks to operate with exhaust systems that discharge forward of the cab rather than at or near the rear of the cab. The exemption is effective April 28, 2026, through April 28, 2031.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Intellistop Inc. Exemption Application
On April 28, FMCSA  comments on Intellistop Inc.’s application for exemption to allow motor carriers to operate CMVs equipped with Intellistop’s lamp module. The module pulses the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then returns the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. Comments are due by May 28.

FMCSA Grants Yarde Metals Inc. Rear Lamp Exemption
On April 28, FMCSA  Yarde Metals Inc.’s application for exemption to allow the use of an amber, brake-activated, pulsating auxiliary lamp positioned in the rear center outside frame rail of each of its CMVs in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the FMCSRs. The exemption is effective April 28, 2026, through April 28, 2031.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Covenant Logistics CLP Exemption Renewal
On April 21, FMCSA  comments on Landair Transport LLC d/b/a Covenant Logistics’ (Covenant Logistics) application for an exemption renewal from the requirement that a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class seated in the front seat while the CLP holder operates the CMV. Comments are due by May 21.

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a  issued by FMCSA. The exemption tracker can be found at www.cvsa.org under the “Inspections” tab at the top of the page.