Fast Facts on the FAST Act

In early December, the United States Congress approved a five-year, $305 billion funding legislation to support national transportation infrastructure. With bipartisan support, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) will help to maintain and develop roads, railways, bridges, public transportation, highways, and motor vehicle safety until 2020.

The 1,300 page bill dives into reforms across all sectors of transportation. One of the biggest changes that may affect shippers, carriers, and dedicated fleet providers is the discontinuation of the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scoring program. CSA scores are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and measure the safety of motor carriers and drivers. These scores are no longer available to the public while the program is reformed to ensure it is a reliable way to score carriers on safety standards.

The FAST Act also establishes several studies to be conducted by the FMCSA over the coming years, including an insurance rule study and a truck driver detention time study. Other changes in the bill involve driver drug testing options, windshield-mounted technology allowances, and easier access for military veterans in obtaining a CDL.

Here are the major highlights so you can stay up to speed on the FAST Act and keep your supply chain operating smoothly: