Key Points

  1. The FMCSA has closed 9,970 truck driver training school locations nationwide in its two-year enforcement campaign.
  2. The closures are due to rigorous crackdowns by investigators and safety inspectors, as well as schools that falsely self-certified compliance with federal training requirements.
  3. Nearly 800 schools remain under regulatory review, and Homeland Security Investigations is increasingly supporting investigations into suspected fraud and other violations.

The FMCSA's Enforcement Campaign

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been cracking down on truck driver training schools nationwide, resulting in the closure of nearly 10,000 locations. The agency has been investigating schools that have been found to be violating federal regulations, including those that have falsely self-certified compliance with federal training requirements.

FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs has instituted a zero-tolerance policy for anyone not meeting federal regulations, which are minimum safety standards. The agency is sending notices to training providers operating at least one school that have not certified completion of driver training instruction within the past year.

The wave of shuttered truck driving schools stems from FMCSA removing training providers found to be violating federal regulations. Under the Trump administration, FMCSA has been raiding trucking schools to examine regulatory compliance in a push to remove unqualified trainers operating CDL mills that fast-track driving credentials to unsafe drivers.

At a Glance

Main AgencyFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Regulatory body overseeing truck driver training schools
Locations Closed9,970
Number of truck driver training school locations closed nationwide
Schools Under Review800
Number of schools under regulatory review
Investigations SupportedHomeland Security Investigations
Agency supporting investigations into suspected fraud and other violations

Where the Sides Stand

Truck Driver Training Schools

Position: Opposed to FMCSA's crackdown

Role in the story: Operators of closed schools

Motivation: Loss of revenue and reputation (our reading)

FMCSA

Position: Supporting stricter regulations

Role in the story: Regulatory body

Motivation: Improving road safety and preventing fraud

Behind the FMCSA's Crackdown

Behind the FMCSA's Crackdown

FMCSA's enforcement campaign is increasingly being supported by Homeland Security Investigations, which is targeting schools suspected of fraud and other violations. The agency's webpage listing removed truck driver training providers from 2025-2026 contains nearly 7,000 provider entries with names and locations.

As FMCSA continues removing noncompliant training providers, the agency's enforcement campaign is gaining momentum. Recently, the Department of Transportation gained greater resources to combat illegal activities in trucking when it was accepted into a White House task force to combat fraud that is managed by Vice President J.D. Vance.

What This Means for the Trucking Industry

What This Means for the Trucking Industry

The FMCSA's crackdown on truck driver training schools is a significant development for the trucking industry. With nearly 10,000 locations closed, the industry will need to adapt to the new regulatory landscape.

Key takeaways for the industry include:

  • The FMCSA will continue to crack down on noncompliant training providers.
  • The agency will prioritize investigations into suspected fraud and other violations.
  • The industry will need to ensure that all training providers are compliant with federal regulations.

Risk & Opportunity Assessment

Commercial RiskHighThe FMCSA's crackdown on noncompliant training providers poses a significant risk to the commercial viability of the trucking industry.
Competitive RiskMediumThe closure of nearly 10,000 truck driver training school locations will lead to a reduction in the number of qualified drivers entering the market, creating a competitive disadvantage for trucking companies.
Regulatory RiskHighThe FMCSA's increased enforcement efforts and stricter regulations pose a significant risk to the trucking industry's ability to operate profitably.
Reputation RiskMediumThe FMCSA's crackdown on noncompliant training providers may damage the reputation of the trucking industry as a whole.
Technology DisruptionLowThe FMCSA's crackdown on noncompliant training providers does not pose a significant risk of technology disruption to the trucking industry.
Commercial OpportunityMediumThe FMCSA's crackdown on noncompliant training providers may create opportunities for compliant training providers to expand their market share.