In order to maintain road safety and regulatory compliance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is critical to the oversight of the trucking sector in the United States. But recent scrutiny has made some wonder if the FMCSA has enough resources to carry out its mandate.

The FMCSA was founded in 2000 and is in charge of policing safety laws, examining commercial vehicles, and encouraging truck drivers to drive safely. In the wake of a recent fatal trucking accident that resulted in the death of a Colorado motorist, however, questions have arisen regarding the FMCSA’s ability to adequately regulate the business in a letter.

Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) recently wrote a letter to FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White, expressing grave concerns about the agency’s capabilities.

Suggesting that the FMCSA may be overwhelmed, Hickenlooper writes that the “FMCSA does not have the resources or capacity to thoroughly audit and oversee the vast number of commercial trucking companies moving goods across U.S. supply chains. For example, financial resource constraints, the sheer volume of commercial vehicles, and the complex logistics involved in conducting safety audits can impede the FMCSA’s ability to consistently and comprehensively enforce safety standards.”

Hickenlooper accused trucking companies of “inadequate compliance” with the regulations, stemming from “lax oversight” from the agency. The Senator requested further information on how many safety audits have been failed by trucking companies. He concludes by suggesting the FMCSA increase its number of auditors and increase oversight on trucking companies.

The White House’s fiscal 2025 budget included $964.5 million for the FMCSA’s fiscal cycle beginning on October 1. This includes $438.1 million for the safety operations division and $526.4 million for motor carrier safety grants. Should this be increased? Does more auditing need to occur? Is Hickenlooper correct?