U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Monday that his office will inject $217 million into the trucking and bus industries in its effort to modernize licensing systems and crack down on fraudulent operators.
Grants distributed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will target technology upgrades and workforce development.
"The Trump Administration has the backs of American truckers," Duffy said in a statement. "While they work hard to keep our shelves stocked and our businesses moving, USDOT is working to restore safety and integrity to their industry. We’re also investing in the next generation of truckers with modern systems that help root out the bad actors that have plagued the industry for years.”
A significant portion of the money will go toward helping states overhaul their commercial driver's license (CDL) systems. Duffy's office said the upgrades are aimed at ensuring drivers of heavy trucks are properly trained and licensed, while simultaneously weeding out corruption within the licensing pipeline.
The $217 million will be split across several specific grant initiatives:
- The High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant ($56.5 million): Focuses on safety programs along high-risk crash corridors, the secure transport of hazardous materials, and public safety education.
- The Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant ($52 million): Assists states in modernizing national CDL networks and strengthening compliance with federal rules.
- The High Priority Innovative Technology Development Grant ($105 million): Funds high-tech integration to make roadside inspections and law enforcement investigations more effective.
- The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant ($3.5 milllion): Provides career training tuition for current and former members of the U.S. armed forces, as well as civilian candidates, entering the commercial driving workforce.
Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible but must do so by 11:59 pm ET on June 17, 2026, DOT said.
FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said the programs rely heavily on localized partnerships to find success.
"By partnering with states, training providers, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, we are helping build a stronger transportation workforce, improving safety outcomes, and delivering on the Administration’s mission to move freight more safely and efficiently," Barrs said.
According to the agency's notices of funding opportunity, eligible applicants for the grants include state agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit industry groups.
