Stop Scamming Truckers Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8799

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Last Updated

2026-06-01T17:19:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Stop Scamming Truckers Act (H.R. 8799)

Purpose

This bill aims to prevent private companies from sending misleading communications about United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers that could be mistaken for official messages from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or the Department of Transportation. It seeks to reduce unnecessary costs for motor carriers, especially small businesses and owner-operators, by requiring clear disclosures in such communications.

Key Provisions

• Required Disclosure: Any private entity sending a communication about USDOT number registration, renewal, updating, or compliance must include a specific statement in legible font (at least 12-point in print or matching body text size in digital formats) on the first page or without scrolling. The statement reads: "This communication is from a private company. We are not the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation, or any other Federal Government agency, and we are not affiliated with the United States Government."
• Prohibited Actions: Private entities cannot use government-like names, seals, logos, or designs, or imply that payment to them is required for obtaining or maintaining a USDOT number.
• Private Right of Action: Recipients of non-compliant communications can file a lawsuit in federal district court. Courts may award actual damages (including money paid), statutory damages of $500 to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. Plaintiffs do not need to prove they were actually deceived.
• Enforcement Limits: The bill does not restrict existing FMCSA or Department of Transportation authority and allows stronger state laws to remain in effect.
• Definitions: Clarifies terms like "USDOT number communication" (any written or digital message about USDOT registration or compliance) and "covered entity" (private businesses sending such messages).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The legislation introduces new federal disclosure rules and a private lawsuit option for deceptive practices involving USDOT numbers, which were not previously regulated in this specific manner. It adds a 5-year statute of limitations for these claims.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens and Businesses: Protects motor carriers from confusing or costly private solicitations by ensuring transparency, potentially lowering expenses for small operators.
• On Government Agencies: Does not alter FMCSA operations or authority but may reduce public confusion about official communications.
• On International Relations: No direct effects identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Motor carriers and prospective carriers (particularly small businesses and owner-operators).
• Private companies that offer USDOT-related services or communications.
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Department of Transportation.
• Individuals receiving such communications who may pursue legal action.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill creates a new civil remedy allowing individuals to sue without proving actual harm or intent to deceive, which expands private enforcement options. It maintains federal and state enforcement flexibility while focusing on consumer protection in commercial communications.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2026-05-13: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-13: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Stop Scamming Truckers Act — issued 2026-05-13 — PDF (5 pages)