SAFER Transport Act

Section 3 creates a Freight Fraud and Theft Advisory Committee to gather public input from various transportation stakeholders and law enforcement, which helps the government find practical ways to reduce freight fraud and theft.

Section 4 requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice to establish a memorandum of understanding to ensure that any identified freight fraud or theft is properly reported and handled by federal law enforcement.

Section 8 directs the administration to develop automated systems to flag suspicious activity in the registration system and gives victims of fraud a chance to respond, which helps protect legitimate motor carriers and brokers from fraudulent operators.

Section 10 requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to reimburse cargo theft victims for fines they paid for unsealed containers, providing direct financial relief to innocent victims of crime.

Section 5 completely phases out and bans the use of MC numbers within a 5-year period, forcing all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to transition exclusively to USDOT numbers.

Section 6 requires states to align the expiration date of commercial learner's permits and commercial driver's licenses with an applicant's work authorization expiration date, and mandates monthly reporting from states, which creates additional administrative burdens for state agencies and non-citizen drivers.

Section 11 imposes harsh criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to 5 years, for any person who knowingly and willfully submits a fraudulent certification in connection with transportation requirements.