Trucking Associations Urge Congress to Address Dangerous Illegal Activity

Increasingly, trucking associations are urging Congress to swiftly tackle what they describe as a highly dangerous type of illegal practice on highways. Recently, eight associations lent their support for the Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement (SAFE) Act via a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The SAFE Act, introduced by Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman from Wyoming in February 2026, targets so-called Chameleon transportation companies. These firms are thought to be responsible for a significant proportion of accidents, safety breaches, and illegal activities on the roads.

Chameleon carriers frequently shut down and re-establish themselves under new names to evade penalties and liabilities. This practice often leads to numerous traffic violations and accidents.

Interestingly, risk assessment firms have noted that these illegal operators are four times more likely to cause accidents compared to legitimate trucking companies. Furthermore, Chameleon truckers often employ unlicensed drivers, which further complicates safety regulations. A tragic incident in February saw four lives lost when a truck driven by an illegal immigrant collided with another vehicle; this driver was linked to a Chameleon Trucking Network based in Chicago, according to the trucking association’s letter.

Historically, governments have struggled to track these elusive carriers, as they often use the same vehicles and personnel, all while exploiting gaps in registration systems. The SAFE Act aims to leverage advanced technology to more effectively identify these carriers before they can operate on the streets.

The letter supporting the SAFE Act was co-signed by numerous prominent organizations, including the American Trucking Associations and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Rep. Hageman expressed appreciation for the unity within the trucking industry regarding the SAFE Act.

“Chameleon truckers jeopardize the safety of America’s highways. They manipulate the system, disregard laws, and endanger families, while also undermining honest trucking professionals,” she noted.

The SAFE Act would introduce advanced testing tools for both companies and their drivers, providing vital updated data on the prevalence and dangers posed by Chameleon carriers, as indicated in the letter.

This appeal aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance road safety across the nation. Recently, Executive Order 14286 mandated that all truck drivers demonstrate proficiency in English, a step taken during President Trump’s tenure. In addition, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters had sent its own letter to Congress in March advocating for the SAFE Act.