Federal Agencies Intensify Efforts to Combat Trucking Industry Fraud

Federal officials recently announced their interagency effort to identify and eliminate fraud in the trucking industry, reduce roadway fatalities, and protect the nation’s highway safety.

Through the actions of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), these agencies have pooled their recourses together to enact widespread change.

DOT’s actions

Along with removing over 28,000 unqualified drivers from roadways, cancelling 30,000 illegally issued licenses, and removing over 8,000 unqualified training schools from the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Training Provider Registry (TPR) over the past year and half, the DOT’s most recent steps toward enforcing greater safety and less fraud include:

• “The Emergency Removal of Training Providers,” which involves removing over 110 ELDT providers from the TPR due to not meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements;
• “Performing Targeted Investigations and Proposing Removals,” which involved non-compliance in terms of training driving space, instructors, documentation, and classroom location; and
• “Conducting a Nationwide Audit of Third-Party Skills Testers,” which involves holding states accountable for failing to compliantly authorize third-party testers.

DHS’s actions

The DHS has begun a criminal investigation across the commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial trucking spaces to identify fraud, financial crimes, exploitation, and potential human/drug trafficking activities, including:

• A synchronized investigation at over 200 CDL-related schools, carriers, employers, and businesses;
• Publicizing over 1,000 CDL-related leads from companies suspected of transportation-related offenses;
• Investigations concerning fraudulent and unauthorized activities related to CDL fraud, unauthorized employment, and fraudulent medical certification.

DOJ’s actions

The DOJ announced its upcoming creation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, which will:

• Protect U.S. borders and roadways to reduce fatalities, injuries, and criminal activity;
• Team up U.S Attorney’s Offices in IL, IN, MI, and OH with state police and federal partners.

Training & Drivers Under Increased Scrutiny

These recent enforcement actions demonstrate the increased scrutiny being placed on training providers, driver qualifications and compliance with federal requirements, including English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards.

Through J. J. Keller® Safe & Smart Training, and specifically our ELDT Trainer Certification and CDL-A Driver Training programs, we help organizations meet the ELP requirements as part of a broader approach for developing qualified drivers, preparing effective trainers and supporting regulatory compliance.