WASHINGTON, D.C. — States, law enforcement agencies, schools, and workforce training organizations will soon compete for more than $217 million in federal transportation grants aimed at improving truck and bus safety, modernizing commercial driver licensing systems, and expanding trucking careers for military veterans and other workers.
What This Means for You
- Federal transportation officials are investing $217 million into trucking safety, licensing systems, and workforce training.
- States can apply for funding to modernize commercial driver’s license systems and strengthen enforcement.
- Veterans transitioning into civilian careers may gain expanded access to trucking and transportation job training programs.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the funding through multiple Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration grant programs focused on roadway safety, supply chain reliability, and workforce development.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commonly known as FMCSA, is the federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing safety rules for commercial trucks and buses.
Federal officials stated that the grants are intended to help identify unsafe operators, improve commercial driver oversight, and support technologies that strengthen roadside inspections and investigations.
“The Trump Administration has the backs of American truckers,” Duffy said. “While they work hard to keep our shelves stocked and our businesses moving, USDOT is working to restore safety and integrity to their industry.”
Funding Targets Licensing and Enforcement Systems
Part of the funding will help states modernize commercial driver’s license systems to improve oversight and compliance with federal standards.
A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is a specialized license required to operate large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and buses.
Transportation officials emphasized that the funding is designed to help ensure commercial drivers operating vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds are properly trained, qualified, and licensed.
The Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant Program will support states working to improve licensing performance, strengthen compliance with federal requirements, and enhance the integrity of the licensing process.
Additional grants will support training for law enforcement officers responsible for conducting commercial vehicle inspections and safety enforcement activities.
Technology and Safety Programs Also Included
The funding package also includes grants aimed at expanding transportation technology systems and improving data-sharing between state and federal safety networks.
The High Priority Innovative Technology Development Grant Program supports technology systems connected to intelligent transportation networks and commercial vehicle safety databases.
Intelligent transportation systems use digital communications, sensors, and data-sharing technology to improve traffic management and transportation safety.
Another funding category — the High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant Program — supports projects targeting unsafe driving behavior, hazardous material transportation safety, commercial vehicle crash reduction, and public education campaigns.
Federal officials noted that some projects may focus on high-risk crash corridors, areas with elevated commercial vehicle accident rates.
Workforce Programs Expand Opportunities for Veterans
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program will help industry groups and training providers prepare current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces for careers in trucking and transportation.
Derek Barrs described the grants as part of a broader effort to strengthen both safety and workforce development.
“These grant programs reflect FMCSA’s commitment to advancing safety while supporting the continued growth of the commercial motor vehicle industry,” Barrs said.
Barrs added that the agency is working with states, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, and training providers to improve freight transportation safety and workforce readiness nationwide.
Applications Due in June
According to FMCSA, states, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other eligible industry partners may apply for funding through the various grant programs.
Federal officials encouraged applicants to submit projects as soon as possible ahead of the June 17, 2026, deadline. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Additional details about eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and application criteria are available through the FMCSA website and Grants.gov.
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