Senator John Hoeven announced on Mar. 30 that Derek Barrs, Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has agreed to quickly complete an audit of North Dakota’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) program. The announcement follows a meeting between Hoeven and Barrs, during which Hoeven emphasized the importance of ensuring enough CDL operators are available for the state’s industries, especially as farmers prepare for early spring planting.
The timely completion of this audit is significant for North Dakota’s agricultural and energy sectors, which depend on reliable commercial truck drivers to transport equipment, seed, and fertilizer. Hoeven said that providing certainty about the availability of CDL operators is crucial for supporting local producers during this critical season.
Barrs committed to conducting an expedited review of North Dakota’s CDL program. According to Hoeven, “As a leading energy and agriculture state, North Dakota needs reliable commercial truck drivers. Our farmers rely on workers with CDLs to support their operations, and this is particularly important as we move into the spring planting season. That’s why we’re working with FMCSA to ensure this audit of the state’s CDL program is completed as soon as possible, and I welcome Administrator Barrs’ commitment to do just that. Once the review is completed in the next two weeks, the state can begin issuing non-domiciled CDLs again, supporting access to the trucking services our ag producers need.” He added: “We also look forward to hosting Barrs in the state in the near future to discuss this and other issues impacting our trucking industry, and appreciate his willingness to receive this input firsthand.”
Barrs stated that progress has been made on North Dakota’s audit and expects it will be finished within two weeks. Once concluded, North Dakota will be able to resume issuing non-domiciled CDLs.
Hoeven resides in Bismarck with his wife and family according to his official website. He was elected as U.S. Senator representing North Dakota according to his official website, after serving roles in banking—including president and CEO of Bank of North Dakota—and later as governor according to his official website. He earned degrees from Dartmouth College and Northwestern University according to his official website.
Currently serving on Senate committees focused on appropriations; agriculture; nutrition; forestry; energy; and natural resources according to his official website, Hoeven has maintained a platform centered around supporting energy production and agriculture while fostering economic growth as noted by his office.
Looking ahead, Barrs plans a visit with Hoeven in North Dakota so local business leaders can provide direct feedback about issues affecting commercial trucking.
