Proposed / WatchingProposal Date: July 28, 2026

SAFE Act Introduced to Address Chameleon Carriers

A bipartisan Senate proposal would require a federal study of chameleon carriers and direct FMCSA to develop and test an advanced automated screening tool. The bill is proposed legislation and creates no current carrier or driver requirement.

What Changed: U.S. Senators Todd Young and Andy Kim introduced the Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement Act, or SAFE Act, on July 28, 2026. The proposal would require the Government Accountability Office to study chameleon-carrier activity and would direct FMCSA to plan, develop, test, and implement an advanced automation tool to help registration personnel identify suspicious applications. Current Status: This is proposed federal legislation. It has not become law. No new registration filing, operating requirement, penalty, or driver requirement currently applies because of this proposal.

Who May Be Affected

Motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers, owners, officers, and affiliated parties could be affected in the future if the proposal becomes law and FMCSA implements the required screening system.

What Drivers / Owner-Operators Should Do Now

No new filing or application step is currently required. Carriers should continue keeping their ownership, management, business-address, insurance, equipment, registration, and operating information accurate and current. Continue monitoring official congressional and FMCSA sources.

Records That May Be Useful to Save

- Business formation documents - Ownership and officer records - USDOT registration confirmations - Insurance records - Equipment records - Registration-update confirmations - FMCSA correspondence

Official Source

Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young — SAFE Act Announcement and Bill Text

View Official Source

Last reviewed by Clear To Roll staff: July 29, 2026

Educational Information Only

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