According to FMCSA, the funding will support projects involving state agencies, law enforcement organizations, training providers, and industry groups connected to the trucking and bus industries.

The agency said the grants are intended to strengthen roadway safety, improve commercial driver qualification systems, support workforce development efforts, and expand technology used during roadside inspections and investigations.

Funding Will Support CDL Systems, Enforcement, And Driver Training

FMCSA said part of the funding will help states modernize commercial driver licensing systems and improve compliance with federal CDL requirements.

Other funding areas include safety enforcement training for law enforcement personnel and technology programs designed to improve inspection and investigation efficiency.

The agency also said grant funding will support career training programs for current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces transitioning into trucking and transportation careers.

“These grant programs reflect FMCSA’s commitment to advancing safety while supporting the continued growth of the commercial motor vehicle industry,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs. “By partnering with states, training providers, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, we are helping build a stronger transportation workforce, improving safety outcomes, and delivering on the administration’s mission to move freight more safely and efficiently across the country.”

Several Grant Programs Are Included in the Funding Announcement

FMCSA said the available funding includes multiple grant categories connected to commercial vehicle safety, licensing, technology, and workforce development.

The High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant Program supports projects tied to crash reduction efforts, hazardous materials transportation safety, commercial vehicle enforcement initiatives, safety data improvement projects, and public education connected to commercial vehicle safety.

FMCSA also announced funding through the High Priority Innovative Technology Development Grant Program, which focuses on technology systems connected to commercial vehicle safety networks and enforcement operations.

Additional funding includes the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant Program, which helps states improve CDL system performance, strengthen licensing compliance, and modernize driver qualification systems.

FMCSA also said the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program will continue supporting organizations that provide training opportunities for military veterans and other individuals entering trucking and transportation careers.

Applications Remain Open Through June 17

FMCSA encouraged eligible organizations to submit projects as soon as possible.

According to the agency, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 17.

Additional grant information, eligibility requirements, and funding details are available through FMCSA’s grants page and Grants.gov.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced the availability of nearly $90 million in grants for states and organizations running commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs. These grants aim to enhance compliance with federal safety regulations and ensure the integrity of the National CDL Program, which works to maintain a safe and qualified driver workforce on the road.

This program, which awarded $55.1 million in CDL Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants last year despite $84 million being available, has seen an increase in funding to $89.4 million for 2025. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments; public and private educational institutions; non-profits; small businesses; and other entities. Historically, the majority of these funds have gone to state Departments of Transportation and motor vehicle departments.

Safeguarding the Roads with the National CDL Program

FMCSA’s National CDL Program is built on the principle of “One Driver. One License. One Record.” This approach is crucial for maintaining accurate driver histories and preventing unsafe drivers from exploiting system loopholes. The program’s focus aligns with FMCSA’s overarching goal of improving highway safety across all states by ensuring only skilled and qualified individuals hold CDLs.

Key Program Changes for 2025

Significant changes have been made to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for 2025 grants. The FMCSA has removed provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and climate change considerations that were part of the evaluation criteria during the previous administration.

Under the prior guidelines, applicants were encouraged to integrate considerations like energy efficiency, environmental impact, and opportunities for underserved communities into their proposals. These criteria included evaluations of projects promoting energy efficiency, environmental protections, and equity-focused hiring or outreach plans. For example, projects that included electric vehicle purchases or strategies targeting underserved communities would receive added attention.

Moving forward, FMCSA will base funding decisions on merit, using criteria such as technical merit, budget cost analysis, program-specific metrics, past performance, and other review-based criteria. The DEI and climate change provisions, previously grouped under “Other Review Information,” will no longer be part of funding evaluations.

Applying for 2025 Grants

Organizations aiming to access these funds must demonstrate the merit of their projects in alignment with FMCSA’s updated evaluation categories. By reinforcing technical and program-specific excellence, the FMCSA is focusing exclusively on operational improvements and measurable outcomes.

This adjustment reflects the evolving priorities of the FMCSA as it works to streamline the grant application process and ensure that funding directly addresses safety and operational integrity within the trucking industry.

For more information and detailed guidelines, organizations are encouraged to review FMCSA’s full list of Merit Evaluation Criteria and NOFO updates for 2025.

These grants offer a vital opportunity for states and organizations to strengthen their CDL programs while contributing to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s roadways.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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