Sean Duffy Orders Closure of Hundreds of CDL Programs Violating Regulations

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy framed the crackdown as a necessary step to protect road safety and uphold training quality. In a forceful statement, Secretary Duffy described the CDL training landscape as having operated like the “Wild, Wild West,” with insufficient oversight allowing substandard providers to operate without accountability. He stressed that federal enforcement will no longer tolerate practices that place unprepared drivers on U.S. roadways.

FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs also emphasized that if a provider cannot demonstrate compliance with safety and training standards from qualified instructors to correct equipment and effective assessment, it should not be instructing the next generation of truck or bus drivers.

Industry Response

Major industry groups have publicly backed the effort. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) praised the crackdown as a positive step toward strengthening driver preparation and roadway safety. ATA leadership highlighted that strong training standards and compliance reviews are essential to maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the CDL system, especially as the industry seeks to ensure that all drivers are truly ready for the demands of heavy vehicle operation.

Why This Matters

The FMCSA’s action comes amid broader scrutiny of CDL training quality, regulatory compliance, and road safety outcomes. In recent years, similar enforcement efforts have removed thousands of providers from the federal registry, with prior actions targeting nearly 3,000 training schools for failing to meet basic safety and curriculum requirements.

Critics of low‑quality CDL programs argue they contribute to poorly trained drivers entering the workforce, potentially increasing the risk of accidents, improper cargo handling, and highway safety issues. Supporters of the USDOT’s strategy believe the crackdown will improve overall training quality and help rebuild trust in the CDL system.

However, some industry stakeholders have cautioned that removing large numbers of training providers without expanding capacity among high‑quality programs such as community college‑based courses or established carrier training academies, could tighten access to training and further complicate driver recruitment efforts already challenged by labor shortages.

US Trucking Market Recovery Gains Momentum as Valentine’s Day Flower Shipments Rise

The US trucking market recovery may be gaining traction as Valentine’s Day flower shipments push refrigerated freight demand higher. After a prolonged downturn, tighter capacity and rising spot rates are offering early signs of stabilization across key transport lanes.

Spot market data supports the shift. The national average refrigerated spot rate reached 2.81 dollars per mile in January, a 10% increase compared with the same period last year and the highest level since late 2022. On key lanes out of Miami, off contract rates surged as much as 40% due to the concentration of imported floral freight.

The tighter market is partly the result of reduced capacity. Analysts estimate there are about 110,000 fewer heavy duty truck drivers active today than during the industry’s peak. Combined with carrier exits over the past two years, that contraction means even predictable seasonal demand can have an outsized impact on rates.

Cold weather has added further strain, increasing the need for refrigerated trailers to protect other sensitive goods. This has limited available equipment and strengthened carriers’ pricing leverage.

While the Valentine’s Day rush alone does not confirm a full recovery, the combination of higher rates, constrained capacity, and improved driver pay suggests the freight market may be stabilizing after a prolonged downturn. Sustained demand in the months ahead will determine whether this momentum continues.

2026 calendar is packed with key industry events that bring together carriers, drivers, manufacturers, and logistics leaders.

The 2026 trucking calendar is packed with key industry events that bring together carriers, drivers, manufacturers, and logistics leaders. These shows and conferences highlight where the market is heading—and what fleets should prepare for next.

March traditionally kicks off the year with the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in March 26–28 Louisville, Kentucky. As the largest trucking event in North America, MATS sets the tone for the year with major equipment reveals, technology demos, driver-focused sessions, and regulatory discussions.

May is dominated by ACT Expo ( May 4–7, 2026 Las Vegas, Nevada ) & Logistics Leaders Conference ( dates vary by organizer Chicago, Illinois ), 2 of the most influential events for fleet sustainability and innovation. The shows focuses heavily on alternative fuels, emissions reduction, electric and hydrogen trucks, and fleet efficiency strategies—topics that continue to shape long-term investment decisions.

June and July feature a mix of regional trucking conferences and safety-focused events. These smaller gatherings often center on compliance, driver training, insurance, and

operational best practices, making them especially valuable for small and mid-sized fleets.

August brings the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in Dallas, Texas. GATS places strong emphasis on driver engagement, recruiting, aftermarket products, and hands-on demonstrations, making it a popular event for both owner-operators and large carriers.

October wraps up the major event season with the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition (ATA MCE) - October 17– 20, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina. This is where policy, economics, and executive strategy take center stage, offering insight into freight forecasts and regulatory direction for the year ahead.

Together, these events provide critical checkpoints for an industry navigating change, competition, and recovery in 2026.