The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released its shutdown plan, outlining how trucking and highway operations will continue even if broader government activities pause. Thanks to dedicated funding sources such as the Highway Trust Fund and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), trucking oversight and most highway programs will remain largely unaffected.
Federal law also requires that activities protecting life and property continue, ensuring critical safety functions remain in place.
Trucking Oversight Remains in Place
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the trucking industry, will continue full operations. All 1,084 employees will stay on the job, with only 21 placed in nonworking status under the Deferred Resignation Program.
- FMCSA programs are supported by the Highway Trust Fund and fees collected through the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and licensing functions.
- DOT confirmed the agency has enough funds to continue running smoothly during a short-term lapse.
- Oversight functions such as compliance checks and safety enforcement will remain intact.
Highway Programs Fully Funded
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also remain fully operational. All 2,268 employees will stay on duty, and the agency has adequate cash reserves to continue reimbursing states for road projects for several months without disruption.
This ensures highway construction, maintenance, and expansion projects will not stall during the shutdown.
Hazmat Oversight Adjusted, But Still Active
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will scale back staffing but maintain critical safety enforcement. Out of 579 employees, 190 will be furloughed, while 63 remain specifically to protect life and property.
- Hazmat inspectors and investigators will continue field inspections, accident investigations, and enforcement actions.
- Permits and approvals will only be processed in emergency cases where safety is at immediate risk.
- Training, research, and rulemaking efforts will be temporarily suspended.
Vehicle Safety Standards Stay Unaffected
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will continue work as normal. All 574 employees remain active, with secure funding from the Highway Trust Fund, IIJA, and prior appropriations.
This means vehicle safety standards development, defect investigations, and enforcement will proceed uninterrupted.
Maritime Operations Continue With Limited Cuts
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) will keep most operations going, with 590 of its 790 employees working through the shutdown. Programs such as the Ready Reserve Fleet and Maritime Security Program will continue to ensure defense readiness and cargo availability.
Other Transportation Modes Face Reductions
While trucking and highway activities are protected, other DOT sectors will feel the impact:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): More than 11,000 furloughs are expected, though air traffic controllers and inspectors remain on duty.
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): Accident investigations and inspections will continue with fewer staff, but most regulatory and research work will pause.
- Transit Programs: These will continue unaffected, as they rely on multi-year appropriations.
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