Congress this week passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes several provisions designed to protect truck drivers, bolster national security, and overhaul the way military families are relocated.
One of the most significant quality of life victories in the bill addresses a long-standing grievance for drivers hauling sensitive cargo. The legislation mandates that military installations provide well-lit, gender-specific restroom access for drivers hauling arms, ammunition, and explosives.
Previously, drivers entering secure safe haven parking areas often lacked access to basic facilities. The new law requires these restrooms to be located near parking areas and establishes a formal complaint process for drivers to report installations that fail to comply.
Cracking down on "waste, fraud, and abuse"
The bill introduces aggressive oversight to the transportation of military freight.
Key reforms include:
- The "override" authority. The Commander of Surface Deployment and Distribution Command can now override "improper or excessive" actions taken by individual military installations against trucking companies.
- Vetting carriers. The DoD must now audit its Freight Carrier Registration Program to ensure service providers have active DOT authority and to help officials clearly distinguish between asset-based carriers and brokers.
- New training. Mandatory training will be provided for Transportation Officers and service providers using the Global Freight Management system.
- Accountability. DoD is required to establish a complaint process for government and industry stakeholders to notify the Department of potential noncompliance with federal laws and agency rules regarding the transportation of military freight.
Fixing the military move crisis
Following the high-profile failure and June 2025 cancellation of the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC)—a sole-source contract that was plagued by planning failures—the NDAA sets strict new benchmarks for future relocation contracts. The bill requires any future contracts to ensure that moving and storage companies can support military readiness and ensure the safe, reliable transportation of the possessions of military families.
The bill establishes a new Defense Personal Property Management Office and mandates studies into the adequacy of reimbursement costs for service members. It also specifically orders an evaluation of the Coast Guard's relocation process to address delays and property damage.
“Our members provide a vital service to DoD," noted Mike Matousek, director of the American Trucking Associations Government Freight Conference, "and these reforms should improve highway safety, national security, and our partnership with a customer that our carriers are honored to serve.
The bill, which had been championed by ATA, heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
