Bill requires USPS to track injury crashes involving trucking contractors
Legislators propelled forward a measure demanding the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to monitor severe accidents involving trucking contractors transporting mail. On Monday the House passed, by voice vote, the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2024.
According to an investigative report published by The Wall Street Journal, trucks contracted to haul mail for the U.S. Postal Service have been involved in 68 fatal crashes that resulted in 79 deaths since 2020.
Moreover, nearly 50 of the long-haul trucking contractors transporting mail for USPS during that period had safety records poor enough to earn a “Conditional” rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which required that they be placed on probation. In nearly 40% of those cases, the trucking companies violated rules intended to keep fatigued drivers off the road.
The proposed legislation mandates USPS to "gather, monitor, and publicly disclose data concerning fatalities and injuries resulting from traffic incidents involving mail-carrying vehicles."
Under the bill's provisions, trucking contractors must promptly report any accident leading to injuries or fatalities within a three-day window. Failure to comply could result in penalties, contract suspension, or even termination.
Additionally, USPS would be obligated to maintain an accessible online database containing comprehensive details regarding accidents resulting in injury or death involving contractors.