Trucking Industry Groups Urge Congress to Strengthen Safety Oversight

A Call to Modernize Entry Level Carrier Monitoring

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) are jointly pressing Congress to reinforce safety standards across the trucking industry by upgrading the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) New Entrant Safety Assurance Program.

In a letter sent on March 31 to key congressional leaders responsible for transportation policy and funding, the two organizations emphasized that a more robust, prevention driven safety framework is essential to ensuring that newly established carriers operate responsibly from the outset. They argue that strengthening early stage oversight will not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance long-term compliance and roadway safety.

Earlier Intervention to Prevent Risk

At the center of the proposal is the need for faster and more consistent safety audits for new motor carriers. ATA President Chris Spear and OOIDA President Todd Spencer highlighted that increasing FMCSA resources would allow regulators to engage with new entrants sooner an approach they believe is critical to preventing unsafe practices before they take root.

Earlier intervention, they note, can significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent operations, improve adherence to federal safety regulations, and create a stronger culture of accountability across the industry. By closing gaps in early oversight, regulators can better identify high-risk carriers and ensure that only compliant operators remain active.

Rethinking the Safety Audit Process

A major concern raised in the letter is the current window that allows new carriers to operate before undergoing a formal safety audit. The organizations are advocating for a shortened or eliminated delay, or alternatively, a two-phase evaluation system that conditions operational authority on passing an initial screening.

They also stress the importance of returning to in-person safety audits. While remote evaluations were expanded in recent years, ATA and OOIDA argue that they often fall short in detecting compliance violations, verifying documentation, and identifying potential fraud. On-site inspections, they contend, provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of a carrier’s legitimacy and safety practices.

Strengthening Education and Compliance from Day One

Beyond enforcement, the groups underscore the importance of education during early safety reviews. They believe that audits should serve not only as compliance checks but also as structured learning opportunities for new entrants.

Clearer guidance on critical regulatory areas such as driver qualification standards, hours of service (HOS) rules, vehicle maintenance requirements, and drug and alcohol testing protocols would help carriers build a solid operational foundation. This dual approach of enforcement and education could lead to improved safety outcomes and reduced long-term violations.

As Spear and Spencer noted, “earlier and more consistent engagement, combined with meaningful entry standards, will strengthen oversight, reduce chronic noncompliance, and improve overall safety performance.”

Legislative Momentum Builds in Washington

The push from ATA and OOIDA comes at a pivotal moment, as Congress prepares to debate major transportation funding measures and broader policy reforms. Lawmakers are currently working toward finalizing fiscal 2027 appropriations while also advancing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill both of which could shape the future of trucking regulations.

Among the proposals under consideration is Dalilah’s Law, legislation designed to enhance commercial driver license (CDL) enforcement and clarify state responsibilities in verifying driver eligibility. The bill, led in the House by Representative David Rouzer, focuses particularly on tightening English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers.

A companion measure introduced in the Senate by lawmakers including John Cornyn, Ted Budd, Shelley Moore Capito, Cynthia Lummis, and Tommy Tuberville seeks to address inconsistencies in how federal CDL standards are enforced at the state level. Supporters argue that uneven enforcement creates vulnerabilities that could impact roadway safety nationwide.

A Broader Push for Accountability and Safety

Advocates of the legislation stress that stronger oversight is necessary to ensure that every commercial driver on the road meets federal standards. As Senator Lummis stated, the goal is to ensure public confidence that operators of heavy commercial vehicles are properly trained, legally certified, and fully compliant with safety regulations.

The bill is named after Dalilah Coleman, a young girl seriously injured in a 2024 crash involving a truck driver who, according to federal officials, did not meet legal requirements to operate commercially. The case has become a focal point in ongoing discussions about driver qualification standards and enforcement gaps.

As negotiations continue in Washington, the trucking industry is making it clear that proactive safety measures, enhanced regulatory oversight, and consistent enforcement must remain top priorities. Strengthening the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program represents a critical step toward building a safer, more reliable freight network one that supports both industry growth and public safety.