Knott Introduces Legislation to Protect U.S. Roads and Supply Chains

WASHINGTON - Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13) introduced H.R. 8267 the Securing American Freight, Enforcement, and Reliability in Transport Actor the SAFER in Transport Act - a comprehensive measure designed to close loopholes exploited by bad actors in the nation's freight and transportation systems. The bill enhances federal coordination, modernizes fraud detection, and fortifies licensing and enforcement practices to keep America's supply chains secure.

The SAFER Transport Act directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a Freight Fraud and Theft Advisory Committee to identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions. It also requires a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DOT and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to formalize how agencies handle information related to freight fraud.

"For too long, criminals and bad actors have exploited weak enforcement and outdated systems to target our freight network," said Congressman Knott. "The SAFER Transport Act restores integrity, builds real guardrails, and gives our drivers and businesses the tools to stop fraud and theft. When we secure America's roads, we protect cargo, jobs, families, and our nation's economy."

In addition, the bill:

• Modernizes fraud detection systems and expands enforcement tools within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including the creation of criminal penalties for registration fraud tied to unlawful operations.
• Calls for an MOU between FMCSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve enforcement of cabotage restrictions on foreign carriers.

Senator Todd Young (R-IN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

You can read the bill text here.

The SAFER in Transport Act is supported by the American Truckers Associations, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and C.H. Robinson.

"The SAFER in Transport Act would implement critical steps towards modernization, weed out chameleon carriers, help prevent cargo theft, and enhance oversight and penalties. We applaud Rep. Knott's leadership to protect hardworking truckers and small businesses that are not equipped to fight large-scale fraud on their own." - Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations

"The SAFER Transport Act takes critical action to improve motor carrier registration standards, strengthen collaboration between DOT and DOJ, limit operations of foreign dispatch services, and hold fraudulent operators accountable," said TIA President & CEO Chris Burroughs. "We are grateful to Congressman Knott for his leadership in strengthening supply chain security and promoting safer roads."

"RILA appreciates Congressman Knott's leadership to strengthen supply chain security. The SAFER Transport Act intentionally addresses freight fraud and theft and complements the Senate's work on this critical issue. Leading retailers are supportive of these bicameral efforts to develop thoughtful, coordinated solutions that reinforce federal collaboration and protect the integrity of the transportation system which plays such a crucial role in ensuring consumers have access to the products they need and want." - Sarah Gilmore, Senior Director of Government Affairs RILA

"C.H. Robinson fully supports the SAFER Transport Act to strengthen oversight and enforcement to remove fraudulent operators from the freight marketplace. Improved resources at FMCSA with enhanced data-sharing and coordination are critical in protecting the nation's roadways and supply chains. We appreciate Congressman Knott's leadership in advancing these important solutions to serious problems affecting the freight transportation system." - Dorothy Capers, Chief Legal Officer, C.H. Robinson

Congressman Knott is also a cosponsor of H.R.2853, Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, or CORCA Act of 2025.

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