This is one reason why it is so important for us to stay politically aware of what is happening within and to our industry:
I have reported several times on the pending legislation regarding the Senate’s and House of Representatives’ bills that would affect us. Yet despite my level of awareness, I missed this important piece. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act currently has an “Interim Hiring Standard” provision that indicates only companies with “Satisfactory” carrier ratings are safe with which to do business. This ignores that many smaller carriers have never been rated or inspected.
The Commercial Carrier Journal reports that the broker advocacy group, Transportation Intermediaries Association, issued a call to action on this issue and they report that Rep. Jimmy Duncan (R-Tennessee) will offer an amendment to allow “unrated” carriers the same provisions under that “Interim Hiring Standard.”
CCJ’s article ends with a great quote I’ll post here as well:
“This amendment is necessary,” TIA says, “to ensure that 447,665 unrated carriers, who are mostly small family-owned businesses, are not penalized by a flawed federal safety rating system.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Stay informed and contact your elected officials to make sure your voice is heard.