FMCSA to Attend October 2025 Broker-Carrier Summit: Here’s Why You Need to Be There

Tired of seeing bad actors dominate headlines and damage your hard-earned reputation in the freight industry? So are we. Double brokering, fraudulent paperwork, and stolen identities are not just occasional hiccups. They have become real threats to brokers, carriers, and the shippers they serve. There is a rare opportunity this October to speak directly to the people who can make a difference.

At the upcoming Broker-Carrier Summit (BCS) in October 2025, Kenneth H. Riddle, Director of the Office of Registration at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will take the stage to provide updates, answer questions, and listen to your real-world concerns.

“FMCSA is pleased to attend and contribute at the 2025 Broker-Carrier Summit in Indianapolis,” said Riddle. “Our presence at the Summit underscores our commitment to open dialogue and collaboration with the motor carrier industry.”

Why You Need to Be in the Room This October

Every load you book or haul is influenced by FMCSA policy. Whether you are battling fraud, trying to stay compliant, or just looking for straight answers, this is your chance to get them. The rules that guide our industry are evolving, and staying informed can protect your bottom line.

“This event provides a unique opportunity for us to listen directly to brokers and carriers, gain insight into the challenges they’re facing, and share critical updates on FMCSA’s new registration system development and fraud prevention measures being implemented,” Riddle explained.

This year’s BCS offers more than conversation. It is about practical guidance, regulatory clarity, and direct access to decision-makers. Attendees will network with brokers and carriers facing the same challenges. They will also gain insight into how their voices can contribute to smarter, more effective industry policies.

Bring Your Questions, Leave with Answers

The FMCSA’s presence at BCS signals that they are paying attention to the daily challenges of freight professionals. From fraudulent carrier profiles to confusion around compliance, the concerns are well known. This time, someone with the authority to respond will be present.

“Our goal is to ensure that our work is informed by real-world perspectives and that industry stakeholders have the information and resources they need to operate effectively and safely,” Riddle emphasized.

He’ll deliver an FMCSA Update followed by a live Q&A session. This is a rare opportunity to get clear, candid responses from a federal leader. Brokers and carriers alike will benefit from being able to voice concerns and receive real-time guidance that applies directly to their business.

Key questions to consider bringing include:

• What steps are being taken to stop double brokering?
• How can we prevent identity theft during carrier onboarding?
• What tools are available to verify a carrier’s compliance?
• Are there any changes coming to the broker-carrier registration process?
  

“Listening sessions and in-person conversations at events like this Summit are so important—they help us understand what’s working, what’s not, and where additional clarification or support may be needed,” Riddle noted.

Meet Ken Riddle: From Army Colonel to FMCSA Leader

Ken Riddle brings a unique combination of discipline, leadership, and logistics experience to the role. Before joining the FMCSA, Riddle served for 30 years in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His career included deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with leadership at nearly every level of command.

Riddle graduated from The Citadel in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Today, he leads the FMCSA’s Office of Registration, where he oversees critical safety and registration standards for motor carriers. He is married to Maria Dwerlkotte of Marysville, Kansas, and is the father of two daughters, Hannah and McKenzie.

What the FMCSA Does and Why It Matters

Whether you are a solo operator or part of a national brokerage, the FMCSA plays a central role in how you conduct business. Established on January 1, 2000, the FMCSA’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The agency was created following the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 and operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation.

FMCSA activities impact the freight industry in many ways. These include:

• Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL): Developing testing and licensing standards for CMV drivers.
• Regulatory Enforcement: Identifying and removing high-risk carriers from highways.
• Technology and Research: Investing in programs to improve safety and operational efficiency.
• Safety Grants: Providing states with funding for roadside inspections and safety programs.
  

“This Summit is a chance to have those conversations face-to-face,” said Riddle. “We understand that skepticism exists, but when industry stakeholders take the time to speak up, ask questions, and share feedback, it genuinely makes a difference.”

FMCSA Policy Impacts Daily Operations

The decisions made by the FMCSA ripple through every part of freight. Whether through new compliance initiatives or shifts in enforcement focus, staying updated is the only way to maintain stability in your operations. FMCSA policy affects the standards for carrier selection, driver qualifications, and even equipment maintenance.

Beyond day-to-day oversight, the FMCSA also:

• Publishes safety data that brokers rely on to vet carriers.
  Supports international cooperation to unify safety rules across North America.
• Monitors carriers with histories of abuse or unsafe practices.
• Regulates the safe transport of hazardous materials.
  

“Balancing safety with operational practicality is a focus area for FMCSA,” Riddle added. “We take industry input seriously and use it to shape outreach, training, and decision making.”

Staying informed means staying ahead. Attending the Broker-Carrier Summit gives you a seat at the table where policies are discussed and clarified, not just handed down. Regulations are not going away, but your ability to understand and influence them starts with being in the room. This October, that room will be in Indianapolis. Make plans to be there.