WIT Statement on Confirmation of Derek Barrs to Lead FMCSA

Women In Trucking Association (WIT) applauded the U.S. Senate’s confirmation on Oct. 7, 2025 of Derek Barrs to serve as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

President Trump nominated Barrs to lead FMSCA on March 25. The mission of FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

“WIT congratulates Chief Derek Barrs for his confirmation as Administrator of the FMCSA,” says Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “We look forward to working with Chief Barrs and continuing a collaborative relationship with FMCSA to ensure the safety and security of trucking professionals.”

With continuous priorities on motor vehicle safety enforcement in trucking, many industry observers say Barrs’ leadership of FMCSA is urgently needed to drive accountability, strengthen state-level compliance, and ensure only qualified commercial drivers operate on U.S. roadways.

Barrs has nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement as well as in the CMV industry. He has served in various law enforcement capacities for the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol. Most recently, he has been a consultant on traffic-related and commercial motor vehicle safety projects across numerous states.

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