Moolenaar Introduces Freight Safety Accountability Legislation

Congressman John Moolenaar introduced the Patrick and Barbara Kowalski Freight Brokers Safety Act.The legislation would improve roadway safety by holding freight industry contractors accountable when they hire trucking companies that have a history of serious safety violations.

In 2022, Patrick and Barbara Kowalski, two lifelong Michiganders with ties to Michigan's Second Congressional District, were killed in a trucking crash that involved a company with several Department of Transportation safety violations. Shannon Mertz, Patrick and Barbara's daughter, sent a letter to Congressman Moolenaar about the tragedy that spurred the legislation.

"No family should experience the loss the Kowalskis faced. It was a preventable tragedy and this legislation ensures all freight industry contractors take safety seriously," said Moolenaar.

"Companies, like the one involved in my parents' accident, must be held accountable. My family and I are thankful for Congressman Moolenaar's responsiveness and efforts to prevent another family from experiencing the heartbreak we have felt," said Shannon Mertz.

The bill text can be found here. Specifically, this bill creates an economic incentive for brokers to prioritize safety by requiring a ten percent surcharge on contracts with trucking companies that have three or more Department of Transportation violations within a five-year period and directs the Secretary of Transportation to use funds generated by this fee to improve roadway safety. Additionally, the bill expands the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to investigate freight brokers and impose operating requirements following fatal crashes.

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