Rep. Knott Introduces SAFER Transport Act to Combat Rising Freight Fraud and Cargo Theft
The SAFER Transport Act is in the early stages of the legislative process. It was sent to three House committees on April 13, 2026, and it must be reviewed by these groups before it can move forward. Since the bill was introduced, no further action has been taken by these committees.
Most bills like this struggle to pass because they include complex changes to immigration and licensing rules. While the goal of stopping theft is popular, the specific details may face debate.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
The bill explicitly prohibits motor carriers from knowingly using unauthorized alien drivers for domestic point-to-point cargo transport. Combined with mandatory work authorization checks for CDL applicants, undocumented individuals would be effectively barred from working as commercial drivers. This closes off a pathway to employment in the trucking industry.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Senator Todd Young (R-IN) outlines the SAFER Transport Act, which aims to coordinate interagency efforts between the DOT and DOJ to punish freight fraud. The bill would strengthen CDL requirements and phase out legacy MC numbers to prevent scammers from hiding their criminal histories.
The SAFER Transport Act would require the Secretary of Transportation to phase out Motor Carrier (MC) numbers within five years. It also grants the FMCSA authority to withhold or revoke registration for individuals convicted of certain felonies, aiming to keep dishonest actors out of the industry.
The SAFER Transport Act includes provisions for automated tools to flag suspicious activity in the FMCSA registration system. It also requires the DOT to report freight fraud directly to the Department of Justice and establishes a new Freight Fraud and Theft Advisory Committee.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
SAFER Transport Act
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