U.S. DOT Regulation of Shippers? Comments by the Transportation
Secretary Raise Questions of Shipper Risk
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's recent comments on Fox
News' "The Will Cain Show" have raised concerns
across supply chains that purchasers of transportation and
logistics services may face new liabilities and compliance
obligations for carrier drivers. Specifically, Secretary Duffy
emphasized potential liability for shippers who load cargo in
trailers hauled by carrier drivers who do not meet the English
language proficiency (ELP) requirements.
The comments raise questions about the authority of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to regulate shippers
and how those actions would align with President Trump's
deregulatory policy. This article addresses those issues and
outlines basic best practices for all shippers and warehouse
operators to implement for dock operations.
