Contact:  Jon Kent @ (202) 223-6222                                    For Immediate Release
Geoffrey Powell @ (410) 609-2580                                                
Tom Mathers @ (202) 466-02222                                                   

 

NCBFAA Supports Duncan Bill Safe Harbor

 

Washington, DC: In a letter to Congressman John Duncan (R-TN), National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) President Geoffrey Powell expressed support for H.R. 4727, which would limit NCBFAA member liability when hiring motor carriers.

The proposed bill would create a “limited safe harbor” from liability for shippers, brokers, forwarders and/or receivers provided they ensure that each motor carrier they hire is:

  • Properly registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
  • Has obtained the minimum insurance.
  • Has not been given an “unsatisfactory” safety rating.

“By creating clear, objective standards, your legislation will provide our members greater certainty in their selection, so that they will not be considered negligent in their hiring of a carrier,” President Powell said. “The absence of this kind of standard places our members at constant risk of liability.”

The NCBFAA is working with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) to effect passage of this “well-considered legislation.”

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA represents more than 970 member companies with 110,000 employees in international trade - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.

 

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