Washington — Derek Barrs says he’ll make roadway safety his “highest priority” if confirmed as the leader of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
During a July 16 hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Barrs frequently referenced his past in law enforcement and transportation leadership. He appeared alongside nominees to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Nominated by President Donald Trump in March, Barrs served as chief of the Florida Highway Patrol from January 2001 to January 2020 after spending a decade as deputy sheriff in the Madison County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Barrs, who has filled multiple roles with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, also is part of the American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board. He’s currently an associate vice president at HNTB Corp., a transportation infrastructure association.
If confirmed, Barrs would become FMCSA’s first permanent, Senate-confirmed administrator since Robin Hutcheson, who was confirmed in September 2022 and resigned in January 2024.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced Barrs, describing him as “passionate about safety” and “a proven leader and problem-solver who works to understand both people and the issues they face.”
Scott touted Barrs’ 2019 collaboration with the Florida Trucking Association to form the Troopers and Truck Drivers initiative. Under the effort, Scott said, “a trooper would spend a workday in a truck with an experienced commercial motor vehicle driver, while a new truck driver would spend a day on patrol with an experienced trooper.”
“This exchange,” Scott added, “facilitated a deeper understanding of both the roles and responsibilities, ultimately making the highway safer for truckers, citizens and law enforcement personnel alike.”
Asked by Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) about planned strategies to reduce truck crashes, Barrs advocated for effective traffic enforcement and “preventive” inspections geared toward “finding those violations well before they happen so we can prevent those crashes.”
Barrs agreed with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) that safe truck parking is a “necessity,” calling for effective use of federal grant funding as well as possible engineering or “redesigning” of current parking locations.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) asked Barrs for input on Trump’s recent Executive Order requiring drivers to be placed out of service for failing an English proficiency test involving a driver interview and an assessment of highway traffic sign recognition.
“It’s extremely important that that driver is able to at least have a conversation, understand the commands and understand our road signs for safety,” Barrs said. “It’s safety first, and that’s where I believe my experience comes into this as understanding the effects that it places on roadside [inspection], as well.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association also backs Barrs’ nomination. A July 15 report in the association’s Land Line magazine cites a July 14 letter in which OOIDA President Todd Spencer wrote:
“During Mr. Barrs’ time as a leader at CVSA, we appreciated his willingness to hear the concerns of small-business truckers and take them into account during the alliance’s work, and we believe he will continue this commitment to working with the men and women who make their living behind the wheel as administrator.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who chairs the committee, concluded the hearing by reminding committee members they have until close of business on July 18 to submit questions for the record. Barrs must respond by the end of the day on July 21.
The committee will vote on a date to be determined on whether to advance the nominations to the full Senate.
