In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Jared Flinn sits down with Larry Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy at the FMCSA, to shed light on what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration really does—and why it matters to carriers, drivers, and the entire freight industry. With decades of experience shaping key safety policies, Larry breaks down the FMCSA’s core mission, their role in reducing highway fatalities, and the programs they run to support commercial motor carriers, from CDL requirements and roadside inspections to entry-level driver training and hours-of-service regulations.

Larry also discusses how the FMCSA collaborates with state agencies across the U.S. to ensure driver and vehicle compliance, and how their long-term goal of zero trucking-related fatalities drives every decision they make. This conversation dispels myths, explains how the agency supports—not hinders—the trucking community, and provides valuable insight into how policy shapes daily operations for owner-operators and fleet managers alike.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned carrier, this episode offers clarity on one of trucking’s most misunderstood organizations.