WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a surprise announcement, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) head Annette Sandberg has resigned her post.

Sandberg put in her notice to U.S. president George W. Bush on Feb. 1, saying her resignation would take effect on March 1.

She also wrote a letter to FMCSA staff, explaining “We have made significant progress in the last few years in making FMCSA a strong model administration. Through working with our many partners in the industry and at the state and local level we have reduced injuries and fatalities on our nation’s highways.

“We have made significant progress in these last few years and I have truly enjoyed working with each and every one of you. I wish you all the best in the years ahead. Remember America counts on you.”

As Truck News went to press, there was no word on where Sandberg would be headed next. But the diplomatic representative of the FMCSA will be missed by the industry.

American Trucking Associations CEO Bill Graves had this to say, following the announcement: “The American Trucking Associations and its motor carrier members express their appreciation for a job well done by Annette Sandberg of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. She and her team of safety professionals consistently demonstrated a willingness to openly examine motor carrier concerns and issues while maintaining the highest commitment to highway safety.

“During her tenure, the truck-involved injury crash rate decreased 13 per cent while the truck-involved fatal crash rate dropped to its lowest point since the U.S. Department of Transportation began keeping records in 1975. While her focus on safety will be missed, ATA looks forward to continuing to work with FMCSA to save lives on our nation’s highways.”