The U.S. Senate has confirmed Derek Barrs as the new leader of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Barrs has more than three decades of experience in public safety and previously served as head of the Florida Highway Patrol. He also held multiple roles with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and was a member of American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

President Trump selected Barrs in March, and his nomination was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in July. He is the agency’s first full-time administrator since Robin Hutchison departed in January 2024.

Trucking groups were quick to praise Barrs’ confirmation. 

“Mr. Barrs’ confirmation was long overdue, and with rising concerns about motor vehicle safety enforcement, his leadership is urgently needed to drive accountability, strengthen state-level compliance, and ensure only qualified commercial drivers operate on our nation’s roadways,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA.

“For months, we have said Mr. Barrs is the right choice for this role, and his leadership will only strengthen the strong partnership truckers already have with Secretary [Sean] Duffy and the team at U.S. DOT to improve highway safety,” said Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association.

Barrs’ confirmation also received a warm reception from CVSA’s executive director Collin Mooney.

“Together, CVSA and FMCSA will continue to make meaningful progress toward reducing crashes, saving lives, and promoting a culture of safety,” he said.