October brings several regulatory updates that carriers and drivers coming through Houston should keep on their radar. Here is a quick roundup based on Fleetworthy’s October 2026 compliance update.
FMCSA proposes ELP as an out-of-service violation
FMCSA has proposed making English language proficiency (ELP) non-compliance a formal out-of-service criterion. ELP is already a driver qualification standard under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2); the proposal standardizes how it is enforced at roadside. Comments are due October 9, 2026 under docket FMCSA-2026-0826.
Roadcheck 2026: medical cards top the list
CVSA’s International Roadcheck, held May 12–14, 2026, completed 54,575 inspections. About 19% of vehicles and 5.8% of drivers were placed out of service. The most common driver violation was not having a valid medical card, and ELP appeared among the top driver violations for the first time. Now is a good time to audit medical card expiration dates.
More ELDs revoked
FMCSA revoked five more electronic logging devices, bringing the total to 15 over two months. Carriers using a revoked device need to switch to paper logs or a compliant registered device. Check the FMCSA ELD revoked devices list to confirm yours is still approved.
Hours-of-service pilots moving ahead
FMCSA’s flexible sleeper berth and split-duty pilot programs have finished their pre-test phase, with formal pilots planned for 2027. The sleeper berth pilot would allow splitting the 10-hour break into two periods, with one at least 5 hours long.
What it means at the dock
Out-of-service orders and tighter driver supply mean more loads that miss appointments or sit waiting for a new driver. Having a 24/7 dock where freight can be dropped, stored and reloaded keeps those delays from turning into lost loads.
Source: Fleetworthy, “October 2026 Trucking Compliance Update.” Always confirm regulatory details with FMCSA before acting.
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