September 19, 2025 / By admin / Logistic • Transport / 0 Comments
ADVOCATING FOR OUR INDUSTRY IN THE CAPITAL
By Mark Fiorini, President of Westgate Global Logistics
Congressional site visits are a highly effective advocacy tool by helping to establish vital relationships while raising awareness of 3PL issues we face. I was privileged to represent Westgate and other TIA members as we gathered in Washington, D.C. at the TIA 2025 Policy Forum this month. We participated in an important day of meetings where we met with PA state representatives and their staff to ask for support with ongoing issues and concerns, while offering suggestions for improvement.
It was a successful effort in bringing attention to three major issues we face – freight fraud, modernizing outdated regulations and promoting safety by establishing a uniform standard for carrier selection.
Fighting Fraud In The Supply Chain
Being bipartisan, the freight fraud topic received a lot of attention and support because everyone can agree on preventing fraud and theft. There has been a 1,500% increase in fraud since 2021 and an estimated $35 billion in losses each year.
H.R. 880 / S. 337 also known as the “Household Goods Bill” aims to combat fraud and theft in the household goods moving industry by enhancing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) authority and providing tools to increase accountability.
Key provisions are:
- Reinstate the FMCSA’s authority to administer civil penalties for violations of unauthorized brokerage activities.
- Establish a principal place of business requirement.
- Identify fraud commonalities to strengthen enforcement.
Modernizing Outdated Regulations & Promoting Safety
The Surface Transportation Reauthorization is a congressional bill to fund and set the rules for freight safety and supply chain policy. We asked for support on the inclusion of these provisions in the bill text.
Broker Modernization Act
- Repeal 371.3(c) which was an antiquated regulation on broker rate transparency prior to deregulation, and no longer needed.
- Finalize MAP-21 broker certification which has not been enforced after being put in place nearly a dozen years ago.
- Clarify ‘Dispatch Services’ which in many cases today are being operated very similar to brokerages, but without the proper authority or insurance.
Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act (MCSSSA)
- Establish a uniform federal standard for carrier selection: regulatory clarity, reduces legal risks, and strengthens safety.
Ways to Advocate For Our Industry
Being an active member of Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has been a vital way to advocate for my business and our industry. If we aren’t the ones lobbying for the 3PL industry, who is? All of us work hard every day to provide great service to our customers, while attempting to build new customer relationships with the goal of establishing a reputation that will provide success for years to come. TIA sets the ethical standards for the 3PL industry, represents our interests before government bodies, and advocates for regulations that promote fair competition, safety, and efficiency in the transportation sector. I would highly recommend joining the TIA if you haven’t already or contributing to their PAC that raises funds to help build relationships with Members of Congress who can support our goals and initiatives.