Outgoing FMCSA Administrator Darling Appreciates Truckers
Safe trucking is the “linchpin” of the economy and needs to focus on promoting its image, said outgoing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator T.F. Scott Darling III in his final news conference Jan. 19.
“I’ve got a different image of truck and bus drivers [since coming to FMCSA], a different respect. They’re truly professionals,” Darling said. “I want the industry to figure out how to tell that story. I’m going to be telling it every day. I appreciate everything they do, and the importance they have to this nation.”
With autonomous vehicles on the horizon, Darling said “trucks are not going anywhere,” and he doesn’t anticipate a significant shift in driver hours of service regulations any time soon. The aim will continue to be to have qualified, healthy and rested men and women driving vehicles that are “up to standards.”
Darling was sentimental about his time at the agency, and several times got teary-eyed. He expressed he felt honoured to have served in President Obama’s administration.
As far as his advice to the next FMCSA Administrator, he says “Get out there and talk to folks about issues and then come back and communicate that” to the powers that be. “Get out there and be with your constituents.”
Darling joined the FMCSA in 2012 as chief counsel and spent two years as Administrator.
