MAP-21 and Trucking

Lately in the domestic transportation industry, there has been a lot of talk about MAP-21. Signed into law by President Obama in 2012, MAP-21 stands for Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century. There are many benefits of MAP-21 that will improve freight trucking across the United States. MAP-21 helps improve the process of investments for federal transportation funds. The result of this will improve roads, bridges, tunnels and infrastructure. The impact of the infrastructure upgrades will create jobs, establish safer transportation routes, help freight movement and improve the economy.

However, as a result of MAP-21, there are new requirements that many people in the trucking industry must adhere to by the deadline of October 1^st 2013. For example, truck drivers must register with the new National Truck Driver Registry to monitor them. Freight forwarders will see new regulations that they must follow as well. By October 1^st, all freight forwarders must register with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This also includes a mandatory broker bond of a minimum of $75,000. If a carrier also serves as a broker, they must register as both. And all transportation companies must disclose family ownership of other transportation companies if applicable.

While the benefits of MAP-21 are great for trucking, some logistics providers are concerned about the impact of the new requirements on the trucking industry. After October 1^st, we will have to wait to see what the impact will be on trucking. Shippers should be well aware of MAP-21 so that they can gain a better understanding of this important law on freight shipping.