Trucking news and briefs for Monday, May 26, 2025:
Anti-fraud bill clears Senate committee
A bill that would restore the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to assess civil penalties against bad actors and more, aimed at combating the proliferation of freight fraud, has cleared its first hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
This week, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act to send it to the full Senate for a vote. While the title highlights consumer protections with HHG shipments, the bill extends beyond that niche and codifies FMCSA’s authority to act against unauthorized brokers and other fraudulent entities.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Restoration of FMCSA’s authority: Restores FMCSA’s ability to impose those civil penalties, enabling the agency to act swiftly against bad actors.
- Stronger regulation enforcement: Mandates that companies operating in the household goods sector and elsewhere must maintain a legitimate principal place of business, ensuring that companies cannot use P.O. Boxes or non-physical address to skirt regulations.
- Identifying fraudulent practices: Directs FMCSA to analyze trends and commonalities among companies who apply for authority, to identify potentially fraudulent operations before they can cause harm.
- State enforcement and consumer protection: Allows states to use federal funds to enforce consumer protection laws related to household goods transportation.
A House version of the bill has yet to see any action at the committee level.
[Related: Identity theft leads the way as freight fraud trends upward]
Averitt adds regional West Coast fleet as vetted partner
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) has announced that it is adding Best Overnite Express to its network of vetted partner carriers to enhance service coverage and transit times for customers shipping to and from the West Coast.
The partnership is part of Averitt’s longstanding approach to delivering consistent, high-quality service through a network of carefully vetted carrier partners, the company said. Each partner is selected based on shared values, operational excellence, and a commitment to delivering an elevated customer experience.
The addition of Best Overnite Express further strengthens this network, enhancing Averitt’s ability to provide seamless LTL solutions across the country while maintaining the service standards customers expect.
By teaming up with Best Overnite Express, Averitt can provide expanded direct LTL service into key California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona markets through Best Overnite’s established regional network. In return, Best Overnite customers will benefit from Averitt’s extensive network across the South and Southeast.
“This partnership is a win for customers on both sides of the country,” said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. “Best Overnite’s local expertise and commitment to reliable service align well with our values, and we’re excited to offer a stronger, more seamless shipping experience coast to coast.”
Southeastern Freight Lines celebrates 40th anniversary at 2 terminals
Southeastern Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 29) is celebrating 40 years of service at its service centers in Fayetteville and Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Both service centers opened in 1985 and have seen significant growth since their establishment. Fayetteville began operations with 20 dock doors and 12 associates and currently boasts 52 dock doors and 35 associates. Rocky Mount has expanded from its original 20 dock doors to 36.
“The Fayetteville service center’s impressive transit times and cargo claims loss ratio would not be possible without the outstanding efforts of our great associates,” said Kyle Goddard, Fayetteville’s service center manager.
To celebrate the milestone, the Fayetteville service center is recognizing two longtime associates – Customer Service Administrator Renee Norris and Linehaul Driver Jesse Whitford. Both hired in 1987, Norris and Whitford are the facility’s most senior associates, each contributing nearly four decades of service.
Likewise, the Rocky Mount service center is honoring Pickup and Delivery Driver Joe Johnson and Linehaul Driver Cecil Howard for their outstanding commitment and four decades of quality service.
“Celebrating 40 years of successful operations is a major milestone. Our great service center remains committed to serving our customers, community and associates with the same dedication and integrity that has defined the Rocky Mount facility from the start,” said Ross Vaden, Rocky Mount’s service center manager. “We are proud representatives of Southeastern Freight Lines, and it’s an honor to continue being good stewards of the company’s values.”
Over the years, the Fayetteville and Rocky Mount service centers have given back to their communities, most recently through Southeastern Serves – a program dedicated to having associates of all levels volunteer in their local communities to assist the less fortunate.
In alignment with the Southeastern Serves mission, the Fayetteville service center has actively supported numerous local nonprofits and organizations by dedicating both time and resources to impactful community efforts. Sharing the same commitment to service, the Rocky Mount facility has delivered holiday toys and school supplies to local children’s orphanages, among other efforts, to uplift its local community.
The Fayetteville facility was the 18th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Rocky Mount was the 17th facility to launch. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
