Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, April 9, 2025:
Legislation introduced to fight staged-accident fraud
Members of Congress on Monday introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would make intentionally staging a crash with a motor vehicle a federal crime. The bill was introduced by Reps. Mike Collins (R-Georgia) and Brandon Gill (R-Texas).
Increasingly, con artists in passenger vehicles are intentionally colliding with commercial motor vehicles to file frivolous lawsuits, seeking damages that often exceed seven figures, a press release from Collins said. This has been evident in years-long litigation related to a staged-accident fraud scheme in New Orleans that targeted trucking companies and their insurers. To date, that case has resulted in 63 indictments, including plaintiff attorneys involved in the scheme.
“Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers, in the courtroom and on our roads,” Collins said. “Staged accidents take advantage of truckers’ high insurance coverage and make them prime targets for criminals looking for a quick payday, saddling truckers with millions of dollars in inflated damages, increasing insurance premiums for all Americans, and driving up the costs for every transported good. The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act will hold these fraudsters and their co-conspirators accountable and stop the ‘nuclear verdicts’ that are bankrupting truckers across the country.”
While the text of the bill was not immediately available, Collins said the legislation “establishes clear, enforceable criminal penalties for those who stage these collisions, as well as the attorneys, physicians and other co-conspirators who knowingly participate in this fraud.”
The trucking industry was quick to put its support behind the legislation, with American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and more supporting the bill.
“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs. “These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and contributing to soaring insurance premiums. ATA commends Congressmen Mike Collins and Brandon Gill for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would close legal loopholes that criminals are exploiting to attack America’s hardworking truckers. By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties that apply to all of the conspirators involved in staged collisions, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.”
Maverick names 2024 Drivers of the Year
Maverick Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 70) has named its 2024 Drivers of the Year. Justin Melvin was named their 2024 Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver of the Year, and Kenneth Thomas the 2024 Dedicated Driver of the Year.
This distinguished recognition is presented annually to Maverick drivers who go above and beyond in their commitment to safety, consistently upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism across all aspects of their role, the company said. The drivers not only set the bar for excellence but will also proudly represent the Maverick fleet as ambassadors of their professional driving community.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Justin. He has earned the respect of his students and peers and his vast knowledge and incredible work ethic will allow him to make a difference on our driver advisory councils,” said John Coppens, Vice President of Operations. “Justin has been recognized for his excellent abilities as a road trainer, specifically for always upholding the highest standards. In addition to his productivity as a driver and a road trainer, he has completed 1.9 million safe driving miles during his 18 years of service and has successfully trained 66 drivers.”
Melvin expressed shock upon being named the OTR Driver of the Year and said that a particular piece of advice has stuck with him since day one: “When I first started here, a tenured driver told me to drive my truck and secure it every day like my family was on either side of me and that made me think about how I was doing things,” he said. “Everyone has to start somewhere, and I want to make sure they are trained right.”
Justin Brown, Vice President of Dedicated Operations said Thomas “embodies the Maverick way. He has performed his job with integrity, respect and commitment for over 13 years, always delivering on time and claim-free. His commitment to excellence has allowed us to grow with our customer, creating additional jobs for other drivers. Thank you, Ken. We appreciate you.”
Thomas said he “was completely shocked” when he was named Dedicated Driver of the Year. “As I was walking back to the table, I didn’t even hear my name get called for Driver of the Year. When I realized, I was just overwhelmed with honor. This is all still fresh and new.”
