Several initiatives delayed again into 2026.
On Friday, the FMCSA released their Spring 2025 Regulatory agenda, previewing timelines for key regulatory actions for the remainder of the year and into 2026. While other actions may be taken by the agency, the agenda focuses on the most impactful to industry and stakeholders, as measured through compliance time and estimated costs.
Highlights and background on relevant regulations for the domestic household goods industry are below:
MAP-21 Enhancements and Other Updates to the Unified Registration System
FMCSA indicated their intent to again move forward (beginning in March of 2026) with significant changes to the Unified Registration System (URS), along with updates for Agency procedures regarding granting, suspending, and revoking registration. These changes will impact entities across the transportation spectrum (freight forwarders, insurers, brokers, motor carriers.)
Property Broker Transparency Rule
FMCSA has again delayed rulemaking for property broker transparency requirements until May of 2026. Related to the broker realm, the last finalized guidance from the FMCSA in this area was issued in 2023 and covered definitions for brokers and bona fide agents.
Knowledge Exam for Household Goods Motor Carriers & Safety Fitness Procedures
The latest agenda has delayed the planned demonstration of knowledge for household goods motor carriers was also moved to May of 2026. Earlier approved legislation (MAP-21) allowed for the FMCSA to require agency registration in order to provide transportation of household goods. This would include successful completion of a to be developed proficiency examination and intent to comply with applicable Federal laws relating to consumer protection, estimating, consumers’ rights and responsibilities, and options for limitations of liability for loss and damage.
Joining this new deadline for rulemaking is a new motor carrier entrant exam, which has also been dormant on the regulatory agenda for the past several years. Also slated for May of next year is rulemaking on safety fitness procedures, the agency terminology for the process to to revoke permits and remove unsafe motor carriers from the nation’s roadways.
IAM will continue to follow proposed rules and stakeholder comment periods as issued by the FMCSA and will keep members apprised of opportunities for engagement and association positions as developed. For more information, or if you have any questions on the agency proposals highlighted, please contact Bryan Vickers (703-403-2882, bvickers@pacellp.com) with IAM’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Team.