Lawmakers Reach Deal on Transportation Bill, Including National Freight Strategic Plan Provision

Lawmakers reached a deal on the transportation bill that will continue funding surface transportation programs for two years. The deal was reached as part of a conference to iron out differences between separate legislation. Press reports said the bill was expected to pass this week.

Text of the bill is (here).

According to an explanatory statement, the bill:

• largely maintains the Senate approach providing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) additional authority over imported motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, though it strikes a provision related to financial responsibility requirements for importers and modifies a provision relating to conditions of importation.
• includes several provisions amending registration requirements under federal law for commercial motor vehicles (CMV), freight forwarders, and brokers.
• addresses the financial responsibility of freight-forwarders and brokers. These provisions direct rulemakings to establish minimum financial solvency and bonding requirements for these entities. The conference agreement includes exemptions for air carrier and customs brokers who are already subject to financial responsibility requirements under federal law.
• calls for the development of a National Freight Strategic Plan, encourages state freight plans and advisory committees, and provides incentives for states that fund projects to improve freight movement.

Email documents@brokerpower.com for a copy of the explanatory statement.

(See ITT’s Online Archives 11110903 for summary of November 7, 2011 introduction of S. 1813, also known as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21)