ATA and OOIDA Call for Stronger New Carrier Safety Audits

Key Details The American Trucking Associations and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association jointly pressed Congress to strengthen the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. In a March 31 letter to congressional transportation leaders, ATA President Chris Spear and OOIDA President Todd Spencer advocated for enhanced resources to conduct more timely and consistent safety audits of newly registered motor carriers. Why It Matters Earlier engagement with new operators reinforces safety practices, improves regulatory compliance, and prevents unsafe or fraudulent operations from entering the industry. The groups emphasized that a prevention-focused approach benefits everyone on the road and strengthens FMCSA's broader safety strategy. What They're Asking For ATA and OOIDA recommended shortening or eliminating the window allowing new entrants to operate without safety audits, or implementing a two-step review process. They also called for returning to standardized in-person audits instead of remote reviews, arguing that physical inspections better detect fraud and verify compliance. Additionally, they want stronger educational components during early audits, ensuring new carriers understand driver qualification standards, hours-of-service rules, vehicle maintenance, and drug testing requirements. Next Steps This push comes as lawmakers prepare to debate major transportation funding bills and consider tougher commercial driver license enforcement, including Dalilah's Law, which would strengthen English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers.