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119-s-3950119th CongressWALLET

SAFER Transport Act

Sponsored By: Senator Young, Todd [R-IN]

Introduced

Summary

Would replace MC numbers with USDOT numbers and tighten fraud controls on carriers and brokers to secure freight registration. It would add automated fraud detection, temporary suspensions, and criminal penalties while also clarifying broker rules and foreign dispatch registration.

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  • Motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders would have a 5-year phase out of MC numbers and must use USDOT numbers. The Administration could suspend flagged registrations with at least 30 days to respond and revoke authority for fraudulent conduct.
  • Drivers, training providers, and States would face tighter licensing and oversight. States would verify work authorization for commercial learner permits and commercial driver licenses and a federal Training Provider Registry would require providers to register within 1 year with audits and expedited removal within 120 days for fraud or closure.
  • Shippers, cargo-theft victims, and law enforcement would get new coordination and remedies. The bill would require an MOU with the Department of Justice within 180 days to share freight-fraud information and create a Freight Fraud and Thefts Advisory Committee to report findings in 2 years. It also requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to reimburse victims for fines on non-sealed containers.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 6 mixed.

Work authorization checks for CDL applicants

If enacted, States would have to confirm work authorization before issuing CLPs or CDLs to noncitizens and share needed information with FMCSA. If an applicant's work authorization expires sooner than the license, the CLP or CDL would expire on the work authorization date.

Limits on foreign carriers and drivers

If enacted, the bill would bar carriers domiciled in Canada or Mexico from moving domestic cargo point-to-point in the U.S. It would also bar carriers from knowingly using drivers who are not authorized by USCIS to work as commercial drivers. FMCSA would update related rules within 1 year and coordinate with Customs and Border Protection on violations.

Move MC numbers to USDOT IDs

If enacted, FMCSA would phase out MC numbers and require USDOT numbers instead. The agency would not issue or renew MC numbers during the 5-year phase-out and must ensure every carrier, broker, and freight forwarder has a USDOT number by 5 years after enactment. The bill also tightens broker and foreign dispatch registration and definitions.

CBP reimbursements for cargo-theft fines

If enacted, Customs and Border Protection would reimburse cargo‑theft victims for fines they paid for containers that were not sealed as required by the Safe Port Act regulations. The reimbursement applies only to victims who paid those CBP fines for unsealed containers.

DOT and Justice plan for freight fraud

If enacted, the Secretary and the Attorney General would sign an MOU within 180 days to share freight fraud and theft information. DOT would notify DOJ about fraud found in DOT work and DOJ would set up a process to receive and handle those notifications.

Criminal penalties for false filings

If enacted, the bill would make knowingly submitting a material false certification in FMCSA registrations or filings a federal crime. A person could be fined under title 18 and face up to 5 years in prison for willful fraud that leads to unlawful interstate transportation.

New federal CDL training registry

If enacted, FMCSA would run a public training provider registry for CDL schools. Existing providers would have 1 year to register a main business address or be removed. The agency would audit providers, require States to help, and must resolve complaints within 180 days. States would use an expedited removal process within 120 days for closed, fraudulent, or rule‑breaking providers.

New record rules for carriers and brokers

If enacted, DOT or the Board could require specific record forms for carriers and brokers. Those records would have to be kept or made available at the firm's main business address. DOT would still be able to investigate other locations or conduct virtual checks.

Automated fraud flagging for carriers

If enacted, FMCSA would build automated systems within 1 year to flag suspicious registration activity. The agency would review flags immediately, issue guidance to carriers and brokers within 90 days, and could temporarily suspend access while a review proceeds. Anyone suspended would get at least 30 days to respond before final action.

Monthly CDL reports from States

If enacted, each State would send DOT a monthly report by the last day of each month. Reports would list counts of CLPs, CDLs, foreign non‑domiciled CDLs, endorsements, and the number and justification for revocations, suspensions, and downgrades for the prior month.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Young, Todd [R-IN]

IN • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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