FMCSA “virtual” trucking inspections began under Trump, not Biden

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has resumed in-person components of trucking company inspections after years of pandemic-era remote procedures, contradicting a recent report that claimed the policy was initiated by the Biden administration. The Daily Wire reported that the FMCSA in March scrapped a policy directed by the Biden administration to conduct "virtual" checks of trucking companies instead of visiting their facilities, stating that the policy was in place from 2020 until the Trump administration reversed it.

FMCSA records reveal that the agency began expanding remote compliance reviews in early 2020 during President Donald Trump's first term. On May 19, 2020, the FMCSA issued guidance allowing for remote compliance reviews to reduce exposure risks for carriers and safety investigators during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This guidance took effect immediately and remained in place until the emergency was lifted.

The agency later allowed remote focused and comprehensive investigations, with remote investigations increasing from 1,013 in FY2019 to 4,821 in FY2021. In March 2026, the FMCSA reportedly reinstated physical presence requirements for investigations, citing the need for substantive engagement with carriers, but still allows offsite investigations to close certain cases.