For the Most Part, Oversight and Highway Projects Remain Funded
Transport Topics
Trucking operations are set to roll on even as Washington grinds to a halt, according to the Department of Transportation’s shutdown plan.
Most highway and trucking programs will operate without interruption because they receive funding from the Highway Trust Fund and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act rather than annual appropriations. Federal law also requires agencies to maintain functions that protect life and property.
Trucking Oversight Remains Intact
At the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates the trucking industry, all 1,084 employees remain on the job. Twenty-one of those are in nonworking status under the Deferred Resignation Program.
The plan says FMCSA positions are primarily funded by authorized contract authority and paid out of the Highway Trust Fund. The agency also collects fees under its Licensing and Insurance function and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which support those programs and their staff positions. DOT emphasized the agency has sufficient liquidating cash to operate through a short-term lapse in appropriations.
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During a lapse, FMCSA’s obligation limitation follows the IIJA. Once Congress enacts an appropriations bill or continuing resolution, DOT will adjust the limitation to match that law.
Highway Programs Fully Protected
The Federal Highway Administration will continue normal operations with all 2,268 employees on duty. No furloughs are expected, and DOT said the agency has enough liquidating cash to support several months of reimbursements to states for road projects.
Hazmat Inspections Continue, With Some Cuts
Oversight of hazardous materials shipments will continue despite staff reductions.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration expects 190 of its 579 employees to be furloughed, with 63 employees specifically retained to protect life and property. Inspectors and investigators will remain at work, checking shippers and carriers, conducting accident investigations and issuing enforcement actions where needed to address imminent safety hazards.
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PHMSA will process permits and approvals only for emergencies that imminently threaten safety. Emergency Preparedness Grants payments will continue, as will intermittent support for financial operations to ensure timely payments to contractors and grantees. Information technology systems necessary for safety functions and cybersecurity will remain operational.
Activities considered noncritical — including hazardous materials training, rulemaking and research — will be suspended until funding is restored.
Vehicle Safety Standards Work Uninterrupted
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees vehicle safety standards, is also unaffected. All 574 employees remain on duty, with 13 in nonworking status under the Deferred Resignation Program.
Funding is secured through prior appropriations, the Highway Trust Fund and the IIJA. The agency will shift staff payroll to alternate funding sources, including carryover and supplemental funds during the lapse.
DOT’s plan notes no significant disruptions to NHTSA’s work.
Maritime Operations Continue With Reduced Staff
The Maritime Administration would maintain most operations, with 590 of its 790 employees continuing to work. The Ready Reserve Fleet and Maritime Security Program would continue using carryover balances, ensuring vessels remain available for national defense needs.
Other Transportation Modes Face Deeper Cuts
While trucking and highway programs are largely shielded, other parts of DOT face sharper strain.
The Federal Aviation Administration projects more than 11,000 furloughs, though air traffic controllers remain on duty without pay, and inspectors continue field inspections.
The Federal Railroad Administration will continue accident investigations and inspections with reduced staffing, while most regulatory and research functions stop. Transit programs funded by multiyear appropriations will continue without interruption.
