FMCSA Updates Carriers and Brokers Need to Know in 2025 (Updated Oct. 2025)

*This blog has been updated as of October 16, 2025 to include important corrections and relevant updates announced by the FMCSA for all freight professionals. Use this link to see the revised sections with October’s announcements.

This year is shaping up to be one of the most significant years for the U.S. trucking industry in the past decade. Fleet owners, safety managers, and drivers are about to experience two major regulatory shifts that will reshape how safety and compliance are managed across the country. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in the process of overhauling its Safety Measurement System (SMS). At the same time, several new federal trucking regulations are set to take effect in the coming months and years. Carriers and brokers must understand these changes, including their timelines, impacts, and how to stay compliant. 

This guide breaks down both the expected SMS changes and the latest trucking laws to help you understand what’s coming and how to prepare your business.

FMCSA Safety Management System Overhaul: Background & Benefits

The FMCSA’s SMS was designed in 2010 to help identify and target high-risk motor carriers for interventions and enforcement. Over the past decade, there have been industrywide concerns about accuracy, fairness, and transparency of the SMS scoring system. In response, the FMCSA began an internal review in 2023 to identify gaps and opportunities in the system.  

The updated system addresses how carriers are evaluated, emphasizing scoring fairness while holding businesses accountable for road safety. At the same time, the new scoring system aims to reward well-performing fleets by reducing regulatory burdens.

Importance of Comprehensive Transportation Insurance in 2025

New compliance standards for drivers will undoubtedly have a rippling effect on the transportation industry. It’s more important than ever to stay compliant and protect your business. 

PFA Transportation Insurance and Surety Services specializes in keeping brokers and carriers compliant while fully protecting their business. From auto liability to E&O insurance, we can help you understand all the policies available to you. At PFA, we are committed to helping you stay compliant and covered. 

5 Major SMS Changes Rolled Out So Far in 2025

1. Compliance Category Overhaul

One of the biggest changes in the SMS update is how compliance categories are organized. Previously, the system relied on “Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories” or BASICs. This system organized violations into seven categories. The new SMS organizes violations into just two categories: “Vehicle Maintenance” and “Vehicle Maintenance: Driver Observed.” This is to help agencies refine their tracking and interventions.

The “Unsafe Driving” category will now include drug and alcohol offenses and out-of-service violations. The agency is eliminating the controlled substance and alcohol category altogether. This change should only have a noticeable effect on fleets with recorded drug and alcohol violations. 

2. Simplified Violation Grouping & Weights

The new SMS model streamlines violation tracking by consolidating hundreds of specific violations into approximately 100 distinct groups. Severity weights have also been standardized, with most infractions now assigned a weight of either 1 or 2 points, rather than a variable range. This change helps level the playing field. A consistent scoring system makes it easier to interpret scores, both for carriers and enforcement officials.

3. Percentile Scoring & Utilization Factor

Another significant change involves how scores are calculated. The system now uses a proportionate percentile method, removing the complicated “event-size” groups. Scores will only be impacted by violations that occurred in the past 12 months, putting more emphasis on recent performance. The utilization factor, which considers the average miles traveled per truck, will increase from 200,000 to 250,000 vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per power unit. This makes the scores more representative for larger fleets and prevents skewed results due to outlier events.

4. Intervention Thresholds & Crash Accountability

FMCSA has also adjusted the thresholds that determine when a carrier is subject to intervention. The Crash Preventability Determination Program will still exclude non-preventable crashes from carriers’ safety scores. This adjustment allows enforcement resources to focus on companies with real safety concerns while protecting responsible carriers from unfair penalties.

FMCSA Updates on the Horizon: SMS Changes Still Pending in 2025

Phase Three: The Big Launch

The final phase of the Safety Management System overhaul is still pending. The FMCSA is expected to deploy its redesigned SMS website and launch new Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) enforcement strategies later this year. The official effective date will be published ahead of time on the Federal Register. 

This is expected to happen around mid-2025. Brokers and carriers should keep an eye on federal updates to stay prepared for the new enforcement regime.

Stakeholder Engagement & Webinars

Throughout this process, the FMCSA has engaged with the industry by holding webinars to answer questions and gather feedback. Two sessions were already held on January 16 and February 25, and a third is expected soon. These sessions give fleet managers and drivers a chance to stay up-to-date and clarify their concerns about the new rules.

Monthly Data Updates

Data transparency is a top priority. SMS data is now updated monthly, making it easier than ever to find accurate scores. Score updates are now published about ten days after data capture.

Federal Trucking Regulations and Legislation to Watch in 2025

Major changes are coming to the transportation industry. A national effort to support truckers is underway with the “Pro-Trucker Package” announced in June 2025. This package is part of a recent executive order, “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.”

“Truckers keep America running,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a press release. “While the country sleeps, truckers grind through the night to help keep shelves stocked, families fed, and businesses humming. It’s a job that requires grit and dedication.”

These updates are being rolled out at the same time as other pre-planned compliance updates start to take place.

1. Medical Examiner & Physical Qualification (Updated October 2025)

UPDATE OCTOBER 2025: The FMCSA re-issued a temporary waiver allowing interstate CDL drivers, CLP holders, and motor carriers to continue using paper copies of the medical examiner certificate as proof of medical certification. This temporary waiver took effect October 13, 2025 and is valid until January 10, 2026. The ME certificate is valid up to 60 days after it is issued. ¹

2. New Updates to Payment Methods (Updated October 2025)

ADDED OCTOBER 2025: As of September 30, 2025, the FMCSA no longer accepts paper payments for any transactions. A debit card or credit card is required to process payment. Individuals with recurring bills, like insurance filing fees, can find payment instructions on their monthly invoice. Paper checks and money orders will are no longer acceptable forms of payment. For more help, individuals are encouraged to call the FMCSA Contact Center at 1 (800) 832-5660.²

3. Speed Limiter Mandate: Now Removed from 2025 Plan

One of the most anticipated changes in trucking was tighter enforcement on speed limiters, but as of July 24, 2025 this regulation has been withdrawn. The FMCSA was previously expected to require trucks over 26,000 pounds with electronic control units (ECUs) to require speed limiters. 

4. Enhanced Safety Technology Requirements: ESC and AEB

Truck safety technology is advancing. All heavy-duty vehicles will be required to have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. The final rule for AEB was published in January 2025. Class 7 and 8 vehicles must comply by 2027, while smaller Class 3 through 6 trucks must comply by 2028.

5. Mandatory English Proficiency

English proficiency rules have renewed enforcement in 2025. As of June 25, FMCSA requires that all commercial drivers be able to speak and read English well enough to converse with officials, read traffic signs, and fill out required paperwork. 

Drivers who cannot sufficiently respond to officials in English will receive a violation and be placed out-of-service. This change came as an executive order from the White House. While English language proficiency was already a requirement, it has not been strictly enforced until now.

6. Enhanced CDL Reviews for Non-Domiciled Drivers

Drivers who hold Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) but are not based in the United States will face stricter background checks and documentation requirements in 2025. Carriers should prepare files early, as these added steps may cause delays in processing and renewals.

7. Transition from MC to USDOT Numbers

By October 1, 2025, all carriers will transition from using MC numbers to USDOT numbers. This registration overhaul will require a coordinated effort between fleet owners and drivers to stay compliant. Fleet owners should prepare to update vehicle markings, company records, and internal systems.

What Fleets Should Do Now

Carriers and fleet operators should remain vigilant. Monitoring both FMCSA and DOT rulemaking activity is essential. Prepare for new requirements by auditing current processes, catching up on medical checks, and training staff on English proficiency. 

Don’t forget to update company records to reflect the move to USDOT numbers, and regularly track your SMS preview scores to plan corrective actions before enforcement ramps up. 

Carriers and brokers looking to ramp up compliance efforts should review their current transportation insurance and liability coverage policies. PFA offers tailored insurance and surety solutions designed to support your business at every stage. 

How Freight Brokers Can Stay Ahead in 2025

With 2025 comes a new set of FMCSA SMS reforms and expanded federal trucking regulations. This presents a unique opportunity for proactive carriers to distinguish themselves. By staying informed, investing in appropriate technology, and committing to full compliance, you can protect your operations and achieve a competitive advantage.

Don’t Cut Corners on Compliance

Don’t forget, staying compliant isn’t just about safety scores. The FMCSA requires freight brokers to carry a $75,000 surety bond or trust agreement to protect shippers. Drivers and fleet owners will be transitioning their business to these industry changes over the next several years. Brokers can protect their business with the right transportation insurance and liability coverage. 

Contact PFA Today to Get Started

At PFA Transportation Insurance and Surety Services, we are committed to helping you operate worry-free. Our team of experts brings 20 years of experience to help you navigate these industry changes and avoid costly disruptions. Let’s work together to keep your business safe, compliant, and ready to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.

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FOOTNOTES:

1. This section originally highlighted the FMCSA decision earlier this year to phase out paper records and transition to a digital format for medical examiner certificates. Since the initial publishing date of this article, new updates have been announced. We have updated this article to highlight the most accurate information. ↩︎
2. This section was added to bring attention to this major change by the FMCSA. We understand there may be a lot of confusion about monthly premiums for your surety bond now that paper payment is no loner allowed. PFA is here to help. Simply call us or fill out our quick contact form, and a real person will get back to you quickly to answer any questions. ↩︎