Each month, the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) Government Affairs department works to keep trucking industry stakeholders up to date on changes in the legislative and regulatory landscape.
Here’s a recap of recent activity.
TCA weighs in on DOL independent contractor rule
TCA submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Labor on April 28 regarding the agency’s proposed rule redefining employee and independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
TCA expressed support for the proposal’s return to a clearer, more predictable framework that emphasizes key factors such as control and opportunity for profit or loss.
However, the association urged DOL to further clarify how the “control” factor is applied in trucking, stressing that safety, compliance and customer‑driven requirements should not be misconstrued as employer control. TCA underscored the importance of preserving the independent contractor business model, which many owner‑operators rely on for flexibility, autonomy and small‑business growth.
Click here to read TCA’s comments.
Understanding FMCSA Motus: The future of USDOT registration
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is modernizing motor carrier registration through a new system called Motus, officially known as the USDOT Registration System. Motus will replace many functions of the current FMCSA Portal, giving carriers a single, more user‑friendly platform to manage USDOT numbers, operating authority and company details.
FMCSA urged all registrants to verify and update their information by May 14, 2026, ensuring company profiles, classifications and authorized users are accurate before transitioning. Maintaining active portal accounts is critical, as only verified company officials will be able to claim and migrate accounts into Motus.
Beyond improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden, Motus is also expected to enhance security. By tightening account verification and ensuring registration data is accurate and up to date, the system can help protect carriers from fraud and cargo theft. Clear, verified carrier identities make it harder for bad actors to impersonate legitimate companies or misuse dormant USDOT numbers.
Overall, Motus represents an important step toward stronger compliance, better data integrity and a safer operating environment for motor carriers nationwide.
Marijuana reclassified to schedule III, but trucking rules stay unchanged
On April 23 the Department of Justice (DOJ) reclassified certain medical marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III, marking a significant shift in how cannabis is categorized under federal drug law.
However, this change does not affect transportation safety regulations for commercial drivers.
The FMCSA has confirmed that marijuana remains strictly prohibited for truck drivers. CDL holders are still subject to federal drug testing rules and can be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties if they test positive for marijuana use, even in states where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use.
Marijuana continues to account for a large share of positive drug test results among commercial drivers, making it a persistent concern for industry safety officials.
TCA and other major trucking associations have also warned that the reclassification could create confusion among drivers and carriers about what is allowed under federal transportation regulation. Despite the scheduling change, enforcement of zero-tolerance policies in the trucking industry remains firm, with highway safety as the top priority.
The Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, with the Office of the General Counsel, issued a 49 CFR Part 40 Question and Answer. Like all ODAPC/OGC Qs & As, this Q&A constitutes official guidance and interpretation concerning 49 CFR Part 40.
To access Q&A FAQ sheets regarding 49 CFR 40.5 click here.
Upcoming Dates: Congress in District
TCA encourages members to meet with their legislators during district work periods. These meetings allow you to share how policies affect your business and the trucking industry, without traveling to Washington, D.C.
Personal conversations help legislators see firsthand the real-world impact of their decisions, making your perspective more memorable and influential. Building these relationships can strengthen advocacy efforts and increase the likelihood that your voice is considered in key policy decisions, such as funding for the Highway Trust Fund and the Gallons-Based User Fee.
Members of Congress will be back in their districts on the following dates:
House of Representatives:
- May 23-June 2
- June 12-22
Senate:
- May 2-June 1
Listen to the latest edition of TCA’s Capitol Recap podcast
TCA’s Government Affairs team talks appropriations, CORCA, size & weight and TCA’s upcoming Safety & Security Meeting and Call on Washington.
Listen on Spotify • Listen on Soundcloud
Hailey Betham serves as the manager of government affairs for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), where she leads the association’s federal and state legislative and regulatory efforts. In this role, Hailey is responsible for interpreting and communicating critical trucking-related regulations — including safety, labor and environmental policies — to TCA’s membership and congressional stakeholders on Capitol Hill.
Hailey regularly drafts and submits public comments on federal rulemakings, ensuring the voice of the truckload industry is heard and reflected in policy decisions. She also serves as the staff liaison on all matters related to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and other key federal agencies. A core focus of her work is on independent contractor (IC) policy, an area she has consistently championed throughout her career.
Hailey’s work is rooted in her experience engaging with local, state and national communities. She has used her experiences and community engagement as her backbone to push legislative goals at the state and federal levels. Because of this, she has well-rounded expertise in grassroots organizing, PAC fundraising, political campaigns and lobbying at the state and federal levels.
She describes herself as a compassionate, assertive and determined individual who thrives off the energy of others.
Hailey earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Cabrini University. Hailey is married to her husband, Michael, whose family has deep roots in the trucking industry. Together, they have two happy kids, Reagan and Reid. Outside of work, you can find Hailey hiking, reading a good book or just spending time with her family.
