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Senate Bill Targets Trucking Companies That Reopen Under New Identities to Escape Penalties

Lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday targeting carriers that reopen under different business structures to escape penalties and enforcement actions. The Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement Act directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to identify connections between new registration applicants and previously sanctioned operators. The agency would screen for common ownership, managers, drivers, equipment, addresses and contact information. FMCSA would also examine insurance records, asset transfers and company formation dates. Final registration decisions would rest with agency personnel, with applicants able to appeal flags. The bill covers trucking companies, brokers, freight forwarders and intermodal equipment providers. Sponsors characterized the measure as essential to road safety. The legislation also requires the Government Accountability Office to study the prevalence of such operators nationwide and estimate related fatalities, injuries and property damage within one year.