FMCSA reauthorization bill would bolster agency authority

Washington – A Senate bill that aims to reauthorize the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would give the agency more authority to crack down on so-called “reincarnated carriers” and lead to more stringent electric onboard recorder rules.

Introduced Dec. 7, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act (S. 1950) would increase FMCSA’s ability to revoke the operating authority of a carrier that resumed operations, or “reincarnated,” under a new name after having previously been found to be an unsafe carrier.

Additionally, the bill would require EOBRs to be installed on all interstate commerce trucks and buses, applicants in the Department of Transportation’s operating authority registration process to pass a safety proficiency examination and submit a safety management plan, and DOT to support implementing FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.

At press time, the bill was awaiting approval in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.