Shifting Gears: Senate Hearing Signals Key Priorities for 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization
As Congress begins laying the groundwork for the next federal surface transportation bill, the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety held a key hearing titled “Shifting Gears: Issues Impacting the Trucking and Commercial Bus Industries.” The hearing spotlighted emerging Congressional priorities around safety, infrastructure investment, fraud prevention, regulatory modernization, and workforce policy, each carrying direct implications for the third-party logistics (3PL) and freight brokerage sectors.
TIA monitored the hearing closely as part of its long-term strategy to ensure that brokers and 3PLs are recognized as vital stakeholders in the reauthorization process. From cargo theft and congestion to FMCSA reform and independent contractor protections, Senators acknowledged the real-world challenges logistics professionals face every day.
Rate Intrusion
A key issue raised by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)’s testimony was rate intrusion or so called “broker transparency”. Their policy recommendation would require freight brokers and shippers to disclose proprietary pricing and contract information. Essentially, weaponizing a vestigial regulation from 1980 that was designed for a bygone era and industry model that no longer exists. This proposal helps no aspect of the supply chain while raising consumer costs, cutting jobs, reducing competition and putting small brokers out of business
TIA and a dozen other trade associations representing tens of thousands of trucking companies and shippers spanning agriculture to manufacturing oppose this effort including:
- The American Trucking Associations
- Truckload Carriers Association
- Intermodal Association of North America
Crackdown on Cargo Theft and Supply Chain Fraud
One of the most urgent themes raised was the growing crisis of organized cargo theft and fraud. Senators and witnesses emphasized that supply chain fraud is now costing the U.S. economy an estimated $35 billion annually, threatening freight integrity across all transportation modes. Witnesses called for a unified federal strategy, involving FMCSA, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, to identify and dismantle sophisticated criminal networks.
These calls align with TIA’s ongoing advocacy for two key pieces of legislation: The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA – S. 1404 / H.R. 2853), and the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act (S. 337 / H.R. 880). Both bills aim to increase federal enforcement resources and better protect legitimate transportation providers from fraud and abuse.
Truck Parking and Infrastructure Investment
The lack of safe, available truck parking also took center stage. Senators noted that congestion-related delays cost the U.S. economy over $109 billion annually – the equivalent of 435,000 drivers sitting idle for a full year. Witnesses highlighted how the shortage of parking not only impacts safety and operational efficiency, but also disproportionately affects women drivers and undermines workforce retention.
TIA strongly supports the administration’s actions to provide funds to support the construction of additional safe parking options, House appropriators adding funds in their proposed FY26 spending bills and the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 1659), which would provide dedicated federal funding to expand truck parking capacity nationwide. We continue to work with Congressional offices to ensure this critical issue is prioritized in the upcoming reauthorization.
FMCSA Reform and Data Modernization
Frustration with outdated FMCSA oversight was another recurring concern. Witnesses called for reforms to the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, urging better alignment with real-world operations, seasonal fluctuations, and risk factors. Meanwhile, FMCSA’s rollout of a Facial Recognition System (FRS) for carrier registration was noted as a step toward modernized, secure enforcement.
TIA is actively engaged with both FMCSA and Congress to improve CSA transparency, ensure effective implementation of the FRS system, advocate for broker inclusion in enforcement and compliance reforms. These efforts are critical to protect legitimate businesses from fraud and impersonation schemes.
Workforce Flexibility and the Independent Contractor Model
The hearing also explored the future of the independent contractor model, which supports more than 350,000 drivers nationwide. Witnesses emphasized that this model offers flexibility, entrepreneurial opportunity, and independence, all of which are essential to maintaining a resilient freight economy.
Industry leaders pushed back against reclassification efforts, warning that such changes would harm small businesses and destabilize the industry. TIA remains committed to protecting the contractor model and is closely monitoring federal actions that could jeopardize this critical workforce framework.
GET INVOLVED
As the 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill takes shape, TIA is working to ensure that brokers, 3PLs, and independent operators are not just protected – but empowered – in shaping the future of freight policy.
Join us in Washington, D.C. for the TIA Policy Forum, September 15–17, and make your voice heard. Connect directly with Congressional leaders, federal agency officials, and industry peers to help shape the policies that shape your business! [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER]
