Stauber Introduces Legislation to Improve Safety on America’s Highways and Interstates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced the introduction of the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act, legislation to require the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a national safety standard for brokers and shippers who contract with motor carriers for the transport of goods.

“When businesses select trucking companies to transport their goods, they should know that the trucks they are hiring are safe and road worthy. Unfortunately, the lack of a national safety standard has led to countless accidents on our highways and interstates. 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,” said Congressman Pete Stauber.

“Representative Stauber knows how important commercial vehicle safety is from his days in law enforcement. His thoughtful update of the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act establishes a standard for motor carrier due diligence that relies on the expertise of the professionals at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Currently there is no federal standard for due diligence when vetting motor carriers for safety, and the result is a confusing patchwork of standards that threatens the nation’s economy and public safety. We appreciate Representative Stauber’s focus on this important issue,” said Ben Campbell, Chief Legal Officer of C.H. Robinson.

“TIA applauds Congressman Stauber for the introduction of this updated version of the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard in the U.S. House of Representatives. TIA thanks Rep. Stauber for his continued leadership and support in addressing this critical issue. This legislation addresses the important issue of highway safety and ensures that only the safest motor carriers are selected and operating on our nation’s highways. We look forward to working with the 118th Congress to get this important legislation passed,” said Anne Reinke, President & CEO of Transportation Intermediaries Association. 

Currently, brokers and shippers lack a reliable national standard to determine the safety of a motor carrier. This new standard set by the Motor Carrier Safety Standard Act will ensure the motor carrier is properly registered with the Department of Transportation, has obtained the minimum required insurance coverage, and has been confirmed by the FMCSA to follow all required safety standards.