Crapo Co-Leads Introduction of Legislation to Improve Highway Safety, Implement Motor Carrier Selection Standards

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) introduced the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act.  The bill would improve highway safety by requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a Safety Fitness Determination test for shippers and brokers to ensure trucking companies are licensed, registered and insured.

“The entire nation benefits when our interstates and highways are made safer,” said Crapo.  “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.”

“Our legislation is a common-sense measure to improve highway safety and end the confusion over motor carrier selection standards.  Implementing a single, simplified federal rule will also strengthen America’s supply chain and provide much-needed clarity for the transportation sector.  I want to thank Senator Crapo for his support to push this legislation forward,” said Fischer.

Currently, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) lack a reliable national standard to determine the safety of a truck carrier.  The Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act provides clarity to shippers and 3PLs by establishing a national motor carrier hiring standard.

The standard requires motor carriers to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), meet at least the minimum insurance requirement, and not have an unsatisfactory safety rating.  If this standard is followed, a 3PL would be considered to have selected a carrier in “a reasonable and prudent manner.”

The full text of the legislation is available HERE.