U.S. Representatives John Duncan (R-Tenn.), Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) have introduced H.R. 4727 to create a “national hiring standard” for motor carriers. If enacted, the bill would require that before contracting the services of carrier a shipper, broker, freight-forwarder or receiver ensure that the carrier is:
- registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA);
- has obtained the minimum insurance; and
- has not been given an “unsatisfactory” safety rating in the Safestat safety rating system.
As long as those entities do that, text in the legislation prohibits states from imposing liability “on an entity that hires a motor carrier for the transportation of property or household goods if such liability arises from a claim or cause of action related to the negligent selection of such motor carrier … for personal injury, death, or damage caused to cargo or other property by such motor carrier.
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