U.S. DOT’s “Pro-Trucker Package” Draws Cautious Applause, Sharp Debate From Drivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled what he’s calling a “Pro-Trucker Package” on June 27, 2025, framing it as a direct response to President Trump’s executive order to improve conditions for America’s truck drivers. The announcement, first posted on transportation.gov and quickly dissected on The Truckers Report forum, mixes infrastructure dollars, regulatory rollbacks, and stepped-up enforcement. The reaction from the cab: “Good first step. Now deliver.”

1. $275M for truck parking
USDOT is advancing more than $275 million in grants to expand parking nationwide. The headline project: $180 million for Florida to add 917 new truck parking spaces along the I-4 corridor in Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.

“40% of truckers spend over an hour a day searching for parking – costing our national economy billions in wasted time. It’s also a safety issue – forcing truckers to park in harms way.”

2. Killing the speed limiter mandate
USDOT is withdrawing the proposed rulemaking that would have mandated speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks. Duffy argued it’s a hazard when drivers can’t match the flow of traffic or pass safely.

3. Hours-of-Service pilot programs
FMCSA launched two pilots to give drivers more schedule control, including a “Split Duty Period” and the ability to pause the 14-hour clock. The goal: reduce fatigue by letting drivers rest when they need to.

4. Modernizing driver resources + slashing red tape
FMCSA is overhauling outdated online tools, updating the Consumer Complaint database, and making DataQ more transparent. The agency also proposes cutting 1,800 words from federal regulations and renewing focus on unlawful double brokering.

5. English Language Proficiency enforcement
Duffy rescinded a 2016 policy that stopped placing drivers out-of-service for ELP violations. As of June 25, drivers who can’t speak/read English well enough to talk with police, read road signs, or make log entries can be placed OOS. Since June 25, 1,200+ drivers have been taken off U.S. roads for failing English checks.

“Allowing drivers who cannot read stop signs…threatens the safety of every American on our roadways.”

6. California funding fight
DOT is withholding $40M in Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funds from California, saying it’s the only state not enforcing English requirements. Another $160M is at risk over how CA issues commercial licenses.

7. Non-domiciled CDL audit
Going forward, only H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders can qualify for CDLs. CA was ordered to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs, audit all active licenses, and revoke/reissue noncompliant ones.

On parking: “A great start, but we need more”
Drivers have called the parking shortage a crisis for years. The I-4 project resonated. Forum posts echoed Duffy’s line: “If the government forces us to pull over we need a place to pull over. Well this is a great start”. Still, 917 spaces in Florida won’t solve a national problem. The sentiment: build faster.

On speed limiters: Overwhelming approval
This was the least controversial piece. Drivers have long argued limiters create rolling roadblocks. Duffy’s safety argument — “dangerous to have those speed limiters in place” when you need to pass or match traffic — was quoted approvingly. One poster: “Thank you President Trump and Sean Duffy for helping out the trucking industry”.

On HOS flexibility: “Finally listening”
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer said truckers have “urged Washington to… give drivers greater control over their hours-of-service” for years. Rank-and-file drivers agreed, saying the 14-hour clock forces them to drive tired or park in unsafe spots. The pilot programs are being watched closely.

On English enforcement: Applause and pushback
Duffy’s “stop signs” line got heavy play. Many drivers posted “about time.” But others asked why shippers and carriers aren’t being targeted: “When is Sean going to do his job and go after carriers that hire non-english speakers”. The California funding cut also split drivers — some cheered the “loud and clear message”, while others noted the $40.68M funds 450,000+ CHP truck inspections.

On “America First” CDL rules: Resonated with many
Duffy’s quote — “I want American truckers on American roads… Trump it’s America first. I want to put our American truck drivers first” — was circulated widely. Drivers dealing with freight rate pressure tied it to fraudulent CDL schools and illegally issued licenses, which Duffy vowed to investigate.

American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear praised “data-driven measures… that reduce regulatory burdens”. OOIDA’s Spencer called it “transformational actions from President Trump and Secretary Duffy”.

Forum drivers were less effusive. The recurring theme: “This is just the start,” a phrase Duffy used himself. Posts noted that “updating websites, building new truck parking, and withdrawing rulemakings require multiple steps”.

Bottom line from the drivers: Parking money, no speed limiters, and HOS flexibility address long-standing complaints. ELP and CDL enforcement tap into safety and job-protection concerns but raise questions about targeting and unintended consequences. As one driver put it, paraphrasing the package: “For too long Washington, DC has made work harder for truckers. That ends today”. Now they want to see the trucks, the spots, and the rule changes — not just the press release.