A new legislative proposal seeking to promote highway safety has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Initiated by Republican Senators Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Mike Crapo of Idaho, the proposal – known as the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act – seeks to establish a safety fitness determination managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This determination aims to set rigorous criteria that ensure trucking companies comply with licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.
According to a statement made on July 25th, senior member of the Commerce Committee on freight policy, Deb Fischer, said that the new legislative proposal is a practical solution to enhance highway safety and eliminate confusion surrounding motor carrier selection standards. The implementation of a single, uncomplicated federal rule would also boost America’s supply chain and provide much-needed clarity to the transportation sector.
Similarly, Senator Mike Crapo stated that the entire country benefits from safer interstates and highways. He also said, “The Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act directs the Department of Transportation to establish new safety standards for motor carriers, and sets interim requirements to help ensure shippers and manufacturers hire safe, reliable drivers that are properly licensed, registered and insured.”
The proposed legislation has received significant support from various stakeholders, particularly third-party logistics providers who currently lack a national standard for evaluating the safety of truck carriers. Transportation Intermediaries Association CEO Anne Reinke commended Senator Fischer’s efforts and thanked her for her continued support in addressing highway safety and supply chain confusion related to motor carrier selection. Reinke also acknowledged Senator Fischer’s leadership and advocacy for major issues that affect motor carriers, brokers, the driving public, and highway safety.
Earlier this year, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced a version of the bill in the House. Co-sponsor Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) emphasized the importance of establishing safety standards, stating that manufacturers face a significant challenge when choosing trucking companies to transport their goods since there is no established standard to guarantee the safety and suitability of these trucks for road use. The absence of a data-driven approach to assist manufacturers in selecting the most reliable carriers has resulted in hundreds of thousands of road and highway accidents.
Representative Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), another co-sponsor, stated that the bill requires the government to establish new safety standards. In the interim period, it also implements a three-check system for motor carriers. This system aims to inform anyone hiring these carriers about their safety records and whether they prioritize safe driving practices or have a history of compromising safety and causing accidents.
Stakeholders Advocate for Firm Federal Guidelines
Various stakeholders have expressed their support for the proposed legislation. Currently, third-party logistics providers do not have a national benchmark to ascertain the safety of truck carriers, as highlighted by the senator’s briefing.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide Chief Legal Officer Ben Campbell underlined the pressing need for a stringent federal guideline. He stated that without a robust federal standard, we are left dealing with a chaotic mix of standards that could potentially harm the country’s economy and public safety. Moreover, some shippers and brokers have begun to eliminate motor carriers from their network based on their safety evaluations. This action adversely affects small carriers with five trucks or less, who constitute 90% of the market.
The proposed law holds the promise of transforming road safety by establishing thorough national criteria to guarantee the proficiency and dependability of transportation service providers. The anticipated regulation aims to tighten and enrich the selection process, potentially improving American road safety, reinforcing the supply chain, and offering significant clarification to the transport industry.
Contact us
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact Flick Law Firm for a free consultation. Our expert legal team can help you understand your rights and explore your options. Call us today at (816) 221-0501 to schedule a consultation.
