U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) recently led the introduction of a GOP bill that would set a national safety standard for brokers and shippers that contract with motor carriers for the transport of goods.
“As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I am proud to introduce legislation that will set a federal standard for vetting motor carriers to not only ensure safety, but to guarantee certainty for our supply chains,” Rep. Stauber said on Wednesday.
The congressman on June 21 sponsored the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act, H.R. 8809, which has five original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and would require the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish the new standard.
“When businesses select trucking companies to transport their goods, they should know that the trucks they are hiring are safe and roadworthy,” said Rep. Stauber. “Unfortunately, the lack of a national safety standard has led to countless accidents on our highways and interstates.”
If enacted, H.R. 8809 would set a new standard to ensure a motor carrier is properly registered with DOT, has obtained the minimum required insurance coverage, and has been confirmed by the FMCSA to follow all required safety standards, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Stauber’s staff.
The Transportation Intermediaries Association and C.H. Robinson endorsed the measure, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.