SAFER Transport Act Now Tackles Double Brokering In Trucking

SAFER Transport Act Targets Freight Fraud And Safety Concerns

New federal legislation known as the SAFER Transport Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate with provisions that could affect truck drivers, carriers, and freight operations. Lawmakers say the proposal focuses on cargo theft prevention, supply chain security, and improvements to CDL oversight.

The bill responds to growing concerns about freight fraud schemes, registration vulnerabilities, and licensing compliance issues within the trucking industry.

Why The SAFER Transport Act Was Introduced

According to legislative materials, the SAFER Transport Act aims to address a reported increase in cargo theft and fraudulent freight activity. These incidents may include fictitious pickups, double brokering, and hostage loads that disrupt shipments and create financial losses.

To respond, the legislation proposes several enforcement tools designed to improve coordination between federal agencies and strengthen oversight of motor carrier registration systems.

Key provisions include:

• Creation of a Freight Fraud and Theft Advisory Committee
• Reporting requirements for freight fraud cases to the Department of Justice
• Updates to federal carrier registration systems
• Ownership transparency requirements for carriers and brokers
• Potential denial of registration for applicants tied to certain felony offenses

Lawmakers indicate these measures are intended to help identify fraudulent actors and protect legitimate carriers.

CDL Issuance And Training Oversight Included

The SAFER Transport Act also contains provisions related to commercial driver licensing and training oversight. Legislative language outlines potential changes designed to improve compliance and transparency.

Proposed measures include:

• Stronger CDL issuance requirements
• Monthly reporting by states on CDL and learner’s permit issuance
• Expanded audits of CDL training providers
• Increased transparency in licensing processes

These changes follow federal audit findings that identified compliance concerns involving CDL issuance and training oversight in multiple states.

Registration And Identity Fraud Provisions In The Bill

A significant portion of the SAFER Transport Act addresses identity fraud and registration vulnerabilities affecting motor carriers.

The proposal includes:

• Modernization of federal registration systems
• Automated tools to flag suspicious applications
• Phase-out of MC numbers in favor of USDOT numbers
• Requirements to disclose ownership changes
• Enhanced enforcement coordination across agencies
• Increased oversight of foreign dispatch services
• Strengthened enforcement of cabotage regulations

These provisions are intended to reduce identity theft and fraudulent carrier operations that may impact legitimate drivers and small fleets.

Industry Response To The SAFER Transport Act

Several transportation organizations have expressed support for the SAFER Transport Act, citing ongoing concerns about freight fraud and cargo theft within the industry. Supporters state the bill may help improve accountability and provide tools to detect fraudulent operators.

The legislative release did not detail formal opposition, though policy debates may emerge as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Potential Impact Of The SAFER Transport Act On Truck Drivers

If enacted, the SAFER Transport Act could influence truck drivers and carriers in multiple ways.

Potential impacts include:

• Increased CDL oversight and reporting requirements
• Greater scrutiny of CDL training providers
• Expanded enforcement against fraudulent carriers and brokers
• Changes to registration procedures
• Improved reporting and investigation of cargo theft

While the bill is still under consideration, the proposed measures suggest possible regulatory updates affecting licensing, compliance, and freight security practices.

What Happens Next For The SAFER Transport Act

The SAFER Transport Act has been introduced in the Senate and must advance through committee review and potential amendments before any provisions can take effect.

As lawmakers continue evaluating freight fraud and safety concerns, the proposal represents an effort to address vulnerabilities in licensing, registration, and cargo security across the transportation system.