The American Trucking Associations is calling for broader federal action to address fraud, driver qualification issues, military freight oversight, and carriers that evade enforcement by repeatedly registering under new identities. In a September 11 blog post, ATA said recent federal enforcement efforts represent progress but argued that additional legislative and regulatory changes are needed to strengthen accountability across the trucking industry. One of ATA’s priorities is passage of Dalilah’s Law, legislation the association says would strengthen commercial driver licensing requirements. According to ATA, the proposal would reinforce English-language proficiency standards, require notifications when a commercial driver’s license becomes invalid, and increase oversight of truck driver training providers. ATA framed the legislation as part of a broader effort to improve CDL testing, training, and enforcement. The association also supports closing what it describes as gaps involving non-domiciled commercial licenses and illegal cabotage. ATA argues that consistent licensing and training standards would make it easier for carriers and regulators to verify whether drivers meet federal requirements. The organization is also seeking tighter controls over U.S. military freight transportation. ATA members involved in defense freight have reported concerns about shipments allegedly being awarded to providers without valid operating authority, required insurance, or demonstrated capacity to perform the work. The association has additionally raised concerns about contracting practices and freight awards that it says occurred outside normal competitive procedures. ATA is urging the Pentagon to fully implement freight-reform measures approved by Congress, strengthen auditing and compliance procedures, improve channels for reporting potential violations, and ensure military shipments are awarded through transparent processes. The association maintains that additional scrutiny is particularly important when carriers transport ammunition, military vehicles, sensitive cargo, and other defense-related freight. Another major focus is the problem of chameleon carriers—operators that regulators identify as attempting to avoid poor safety records, penalties, or other enforcement actions by reopening under new names or operating authority. ATA supports modernization of federal carrier registration and safety-data systems to improve identity verification and detect suspicious patterns earlier. The association’s Trucking Resurgence action plan calls for stronger new-entrant oversight, better integration of federal databases, and more effective use of existing technology. ATA has also supported proposals such as the SAFE Act and other measures intended to strengthen fraud detection and prevent noncompliant operators from repeatedly reentering the industry. ATA said federal agencies have recently increased coordination on fraudulent training providers, high-risk carriers, licensing practices, and information sharing.… [TheTopNews] Read More.
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