FMCSA “virtual” trucking inspections began under Trump, not Biden
A policy allowing FMCSA investigators to conduct certain motor carrier compliance reviews remotely was expanded during President Donald Trump’s first administration in 2020. The post FMCSA “virtual” trucking inspections began under Trump, not Biden appeared first on FreightWaves.
FMCSA Compliance Review Policy Analysis
-
Remote Investigation Origin: FMCSA records confirm remote compliance reviews were established in spring 2020 under the Trump administration.
-
Investigation Volume Metrics: Offsite investigations increased from 1,013 in FY2019 to 5,058 in FY2020.
-
Onsite Review Decline: Onsite comprehensive investigations fell from 5,494 in FY2019 to 2,064 in FY2021.
-
Regulatory Framework: May 2020 guidance allowed safety ratings without onsite visits per 49 CFR part 385.
Regulatory Oversight & Industry Compliance
Carriers were subjected to increased remote safety monitoring and compliance reviews during the pandemic period.
Agency staff shifted investigative workflows to include electronic record collection and video communication protocols.
Trucking Regulatory Oversight FAQs
Did the Biden administration initiate remote trucking inspections? ▾
No. FMCSA records indicate the policy was instituted in spring 2020 during the Trump administration.
What triggered the shift to virtual inspections? ▾
The May 2020 guidance cited the COVID-19 public health emergency as the justification for reducing exposure risks.
This dispatch has been curated by Press Glob under international press wire fair-use reporting standards. Access the original reporting directly below.
About Trade Admire Group
Trade Admire Group is a connected global business ecosystem orchestrating international trade, physical commodity sourcing, cross-border supply chains, and strategic intelligence across worldwide market corridors.
FreightWaves