Trump Admin Ends Biden’s Remote Trucking Inspections
Trump administration scraps Biden’s remote trucking inspections, reinstating in-person audits for safety.
1 min read
Trucking safety has taken a major turn as the Trump administration has officially ended the Biden-era policy of remote inspections, reinstating in-person investigations to ensure compliance and safety standards. The shift comes after a fatal crash in February 2021, where a truck driver with an expired medical certificate and multiple safety violations caused a multi-vehicle collision, killing one person.
Remote Inspections Led to Safety Gaps
The incident exposed significant gaps in safety oversight, as the trucking company involved had not conducted proper inspections, and the driver was not employed by the company. The investigation was closed after a brief phone call, highlighting the limitations of remote audits.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration mandated remote inspections, replacing in-person visits with virtual checks. This policy continued even after the pandemic, until the Trump administration reversed it in March 2023. According to an internal FMCSA memo, remote audits hindered the ability to fully assess compliance and safety measures.
Reinstating In-Person Investigations
The FMCSA emphasized that onsite investigations must involve substantive engagement, including collaborative questioning with the trucking company. The memo outlined that investigators must submit detailed reports for review, ensuring thoroughness and legal sufficiency before closing an audit.
The decision to revert to in-person inspections comes amid a broader crackdown on the trucking industry, particularly targeting illegal immigrant drivers and unqualified operators. The Department of Transportation has taken over 28,000 drivers out of service for failing English-proficiency tests and has canceled more than 30,000 foreign licenses.
Broader Implications for Safety and Oversight
The change marks a significant shift in regulatory approach, prioritizing physical presence to enhance safety oversight. The administration’s focus on improving compliance and preventing future tragedies underscores the importance of rigorous inspection methods in the trucking sector.
