The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s latest Unified Agenda offers a mix of continuity and change—but also raises questions about what will realistically make it across the finish line. Long-standing priorities such as Safety Fitness Procedures, revisions to the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rules, and requirements for Automatic Emergency Braking remain on the list. Meanwhile, several new proposals have appeared, many of which are deregulatory in nature. A closer examination FMCSA agenda reveals a “hurry up BUT wait” strategy that provides a general sketch of the administration’s plan without a clear indication of its rulemaking priorities.

Generally speaking, these rulemakings can be grouped into three categories: regulatory, deregulatory, and administrative. In the regulatory bucket are rulemakings that add new rules to the docket. Deregulatory rulemaking typically removes obsolete or unnecessary rules. Meanwhile, administrative rules make technical corrections or incorporate other rules by reference. It’s an interesting mix that leans towards deregulation and includes elements that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the motor carrier industry.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the agenda, however, is the clustering of projected publication dates in December 2025 and May 2026. Out of a total of 41 rulemakings, more than half (22) are slated for publication in December 2025. Similarly, 41% (17) are scheduled for a May 2026 publication date. What’s left are two rulemakings, both primarily administrative: one to codify efforts related to the Unified Registration System and another to incorporate the Out-of-Service Criteria by reference.

Such bunching signals placeholder dates rather than firm commitments, a tactic agencies sometimes use to satisfy administrative requirements for publishing an agenda, even when they lack a clear timeline for completing a rule, or, as is the case here, they lack confirmed political leadership. The Unified Agenda’s projected publication dates are not binding and are frequently shifting as priorities, resources, and political considerations evolve. For industry stakeholders, this means that the Unified Agenda should be viewed as a directional guide rather than a precise schedule.

For carriers and industry professionals seeking to anticipate government action and plan for future changes, the most effective strategy is to stay informed and prepared for adjustments as the FMCSA’s priorities evolve.