The FMCSA is a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). FMCSA is headquartered in Washington, DC and employs more than 1,000 people in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. The mission of the FMCSA is safety, with a goal of reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
The FMCSA develops regulations that balance motor carrier safety with industry efficiency. It uses safety information systems prioritize higher-risk carriers for inspections. It works to educate carriers, commercial drivers and the public. The agency partners with law enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry, safety groups and labor unions to improve safety.
In Focus: FMCSA Safety Intiatives
Border and International Safety
The FMCSA works with the governments of Canada and Mexico to ensure that these countries’ motor carriers, drivers, and vehicles operating in the US meet the same safety standards as U.S. carriers.
Commercial Driver’s License Program
FMCSA develops and monitors the commercial driver licensing standards for drivers, carriers, and states.
COMPASS
COMPASS is a program to modernize FMCSA’s Safety Systems with new information technology systems.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
FMCSA develops federal regulations for carrier safety, industry productivity, and new technologies.
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs)
FMCSA enforces HMRs, which are designed to ensure the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials.
Household Goods Program
FMCSA regulates interstate household goods movers and requires them to register with the agency.
New Entrant Safety Assurance Process
FMCSA ensures motor carriers applying for a new USDOT number understand safety and hazardous materials regulations.
Performance & Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM)
PRISM links federal motor carrier safety records with the state’s vehicle registration system.
Research and Analysis (R&A)
R&A work is aimed at gaining fundamental and applied knowledge in order to develop new methods and technologies to enhance truck and bus safety and security.
Safety Education and Outreach
FMCSA works to educate all highway users about safety, including passenger car drivers, truck drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.