USDOT Announces $118 Million in Funding to Strengthen CDL Standards, Enhance Enforcement, Aid Veterans in Trucking
On December 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) unveiled a major funding initiative aimed at improving Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) standards, bolstering enforcement efforts, and supporting military veterans seeking careers in the trucking industry.
The department committed $118 million in competitive grant funding to state and local partners for projects across the transportation sector. These grants are designed to improve roadside safety, reduce crashes, enhance compliance systems, and expand training opportunities — particularly for veterans transitioning into trucking careers.
Grant Funding Breakdown
USDOT’s announced grants fall into three major categories: High Priority grants, Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation grants, and Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training grants.
High Priority Grants — $71.6 Million
High Priority (HP) grants are focused on reducing commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes, advancing safety data systems, and deploying innovative technologies to ensure CMV compliance. These funds support:
High‑visibility enforcement efforts targeting unsafe driving on high‑risk corridors
Public awareness campaigns to improve truck and bus safety
Projects that enhance the secure transport of hazardous materials
Deployment of new technology to monitor and enforce compliance with safety standards
These investments help states and local agencies leverage cutting‑edge tools to identify unsafe vehicles and drivers before they cause harm.
CDL Program Implementation Grants — $43.8 Million
The Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants support state compliance with federal CDL regulations by:
Strengthening oversight and administration of CDL issuance
Providing training and tools to prevent fraud in licensing systems
Improving how conviction data is processed between courts and state systems
Ensuring only qualified drivers are eligible to receive and retain CDLs
These grants help standardize and safeguard CDL processes nationwide, making it harder for unqualified individuals to slip through the system.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grants — $3.4 Million
The CMV Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) program is specifically dedicated to supporting current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces — including National Guard and reservists — and their families. Funds awarded through CMVOST help provide high‑quality, safety‑focused CDL training designed to prepare veterans for successful careers in trucking.
Why This Funding Matters for Trucking
These funding awards come at a pivotal time for the freight and trucking industries. With ongoing focus on safety, compliance, and workforce development, the USDOT’s investment helps address several long‑standing challenges:
Improved Safety and Enforcement
Investments in enforcement technology and high‑visibility operations help reduce crashes and roadside violations. Fleets benefit when unsafe drivers and vehicles are quickly identified and removed from service, reducing risk for carriers and the traveling public.
Stronger CDL Oversight
CDL issuance and licensing integrity are critical pillars of roadway safety. By bolstering state compliance systems and closing loopholes, these grants strengthen the foundation of commercial driver standards across the country.
Veteran Workforce Development
With ongoing driver shortages, connecting veterans with trucking careers is a strategic win for the industry. The CMVOST funding opens pathways for highly qualified individuals to receive the training and skills needed to enter the profession with confidence and safety awareness.
Technology Integration
The funding for innovative technology deployment supports data integration, real‑time enforcement tools, and smarter safety systems — all of which help carriers maintain compliance and prepare for the future of mobility.
Industry and Federal Perspectives
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized that the funding reflects the department’s commitment to safety: “Our number one mission is to ensure that every American gets home safely,” he said. The focus on enforcement, technology, and veteran support underscores a holistic approach to improving the trucking industry from both regulatory and workforce angles.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek D. Barrs echoed this perspective, noting that every dollar is focused on raising safety standards and ensuring only qualified drivers and compliant vehicles operate on the nation’s roads.
What This Means for Fleets and Drivers
Carriers and drivers should view these developments as both an opportunity and a challenge:
Enhanced Compliance Expectations: With more resources for enforcement and CDL integrity, carriers should double‑down on internal training and audit processes.
Veteran Recruitment Advantages: Fleets looking to expand or replace their driver rosters can benefit from increased access to CDL training resources tailored to veterans.
Risk Reduction: Safer roads and better‑trained drivers reduce insurance exposure, liability risk, and the costs associated with crashes and compliance violations.
Future‑Ready Operations: Technology investments supported by these grants can help fleets adapt to new data standards, enforcement protocols, and safety systems.
How Allcom Can Help as the Industry Evolves
As the trucking industry moves forward into a future with stronger CDL standards, enhanced enforcement, and increased veteran participation, carriers must adapt their risk management and compliance strategies as well.
Allcom Insurance is here to help you navigate the evolving landscape. Whether you need:
Guidance on insurance coverage that reflects new safety and enforcement realities
Risk assessment tools to align with strengthened compliance standards
Support for recruiting and insuring veteran drivers
Fleet risk mitigation resources that anticipate future regulatory changes
We can work with you to design coverage that protects your people, your assets, and your bottom line.
For tailored support and a comprehensive review of your insurance and risk strategy, contact Allcom Insurance at 866‑277‑9049 or email info@allcomins.com — we’re here to support your operation on every mile of the road ahead.