North American truckload leaders used a November 19 session in Mississauga to gauge how U.S. policy could reshape cross‑border operations in 2026. The Truckload Carriers Association’s safety lead outlined regulatory moves now in motion, and their likely timing across the next 12 months. The briefing centred on enforcement posture, driver pipeline pressures, and freight network bottlenecks. Speakers described a busy year ahead.
A change at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set the tone. Derek Barrs was confirmed administrator on October 7, 2025, following several interim leaders across recent years. “He’s been a breath of fresh air,” David Heller said of Barrs, noting an emphasis on consistent enforcement.
Parking capacity also returned to the fore, after a June 27 funding announcement for $275 million (C$370 million). Heller detailed the withdrawal of a federal speed‑limiter rulemaking, plus two pilot projects to add flexibility to hours‑of‑service.
Cross-border carriers weigh compliance risk
Policy on driver qualifications featured throughout the Mississauga discussion. Heller reviewed an April 28 executive order that sharpened English language proficiency enforcement, with out‑of‑service penalties restored in May 2025.
He cited earlier estimates that about 3.8 per cent of U.S. commercial drivers may not meet the requirement, a number that could reach 136,800. Executives flagged compliance planning for mixed fleets operating on both sides of the border. Several carriers expect added training and documentation checks.
Attention then shifted to non‑domiciled commercial licences. An interim federal rule could disqualify drivers whose credentials were issued improperly, and would tighten visa alignment for licence expiry dates.
The D.C. Circuit granted an administrative stay on November 10, 2025, pausing enforcement while the case proceeds. Heller outlined possible paths, from lifting the stay to a full reissue under normal rulemaking. Cross‑border recruiters are watching the court’s timetable.
Funding debates shape highway bill
Surface transportation programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act run through fiscal 2026, and the current law expires on September 30, 2026. Negotiators have begun to scope the next highway bill.
Topics in play include hair‑follicle testing, automatic emergency braking, younger CDL drivers, truck parking, and federal excise tax changes. Timing overlaps with the 2026 mid‑term cycle, raising stakes for a clean on‑time package. Early positioning suggests trade‑offs across safety, capacity, and cost.
The Mississauga session focused on how to pay for long‑lived upgrades. Fuel tax yields have lagged as diesel efficiency improves and alternative drivetrains grow. The last federal change to the diesel rate was in 1993, so the Highway Trust Fund has needed top‑ups from the general fund in recent years. Heller highlighted TCA’s support for a gallons‑based user fee set at 52.9 cents per diesel gallon. He said administrative costs would stay near 1 per cent under that approach.
Truck parking remained a unifying theme. Stakeholders linked safe rest capacity to collision risk, driver retention, and delivery reliability. “Truck parking is first and foremost,” David Heller said in a recent interview, underscoring a multi‑year push to expand spaces near major corridors. Carriers expect 2026 to bring new projects, clearer enforcement signals, and more frequent updates on pilot data. For cross‑border fleets, preparations are already under way.