Ms. SNOWE (for herself and Mr. BROWN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
A BILL
To require brokers to disclose and pay independent truckers for any fuel surcharges received from shippers that relate to fuel costs paid for by the truckers.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Trust in Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs Act' or the `TRUCC Act'.
SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE AND PASS THROUGH OF MOTOR CARRIER FUEL COSTS.
(a) In General- Section 14102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(c) Disclosure and Pass Through to Cost Bearer- A motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, providing or arranging truckload transportation or service using fuel for which it does not bear the cost, shall provide to the person that bears the cost of such fuel--
`(1) a payment in an amount equal to the charges, invoiced or otherwise presented to the person directly responsible to the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, which relate to the cost of the fuel; and
`(2) at the time payment is made under paragraph (1), a written list that specifically identifies any freight charge, brokerage fee or commission, fuel surcharge or adjustment, and any other charges invoiced or otherwise presented to the person described in paragraph (1).'.
(b) Billing and Collection Practices- Section 13708(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`(b) False or Misleading Information- No person may cause a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to present false or misleading information on a document or in an oral representation about the actual rate, charge, or allowance to any party to the transaction or transportation.'.
