FMCSA Set to Launch a Panel to Address CMV Operator’s Issues - Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator announced that it would be setting up a new panel to work in the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. The panel is to be made up of commercial motor vehicle drivers. The panel's main aim is to convey the issues being faced by the industry drivers to the FMCSA, for instance, matters to do with safety, hours of operation amongst other driver experiences.

The U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao stated that the Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators and truck drivers had been America's heroes as they kept the economy running during the tough pandemic times. The 20 to 25 member panel will have drivers form all CMV operator sectors, including straight truck drivers, motor coach drivers, hazardous materials drivers, agriculture haulers, amongst many others. The intention is to get all the opinions and stories that drivers might need to tell.

FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck reiterated that The Department of Transportation and the current Administration is of the idea of listening to drivers to understand their position directly. He added that he understands that the problem solvers are not in Washington, but they are the drivers who work all across the nation to serve others, and the committee will help also solve their grievances.

FMCSA has been known for listening to drivers and trying to hear them out; the same is expected to continue revitalizing FMCSA's priorities around driver needs. For instance, in May 2020, FMCSA made updates based on what the Agency that advocates for drivers’ safety heard from drivers as far as the hours-of-service are concerned.