DOT Embraces AI to Combat Fraud and Illegal Drivers
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is set to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics to tackle issues of fraud and the employment of illegal alien drivers, as announced by Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury. This initiative was detailed during his keynote address at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting.
Revisiting Regulatory Focus
Bradbury emphasized a shift from the previous administration’s priorities, which focused on diversity and climate goals, toward a more technology-driven approach. He stated, “This administration is embracing AI, leaning into it,” with plans to use AI to accelerate the rulemaking process, enhancing the efficiency of drafting proposed rules and digesting public comments.
Addressing Manpower Shortages
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has long faced a manpower shortage in its fight against fraud. Bradbury noted that new technologies could significantly enhance enforcement efforts. “We also want to use advanced data analytics to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of our enforcement efforts,” he said, specifically targeting fraud in the trucking industry.
Bradbury highlighted concerns from the trucking community, noting that the use of illegal foreign drivers is widespread and detrimental to American truckers, stating, “It’s driving down to unreasonable levels the compensation for truckers.”
Potential Applications of AI
While there is already a sophisticated “carrier vetting” industry in place, the integration of AI could further refine the process. Dale Prax, head of the Freight Validate tool, discussed several areas where AI could yield improvements:
- Imminent Hazard Out-of-Service Orders: AI could help identify high-risk carriers using real-time data signals related to crash trends and serious violations, allowing for quicker out-of-service orders.
- Principal Place of Business Abuse: AI could detect discrepancies in carrier addresses and flag those using P.O. boxes or registered agent locations.
- Recycled Phone Numbers: AI could quickly identify patterns of recycled numbers or undisclosed affiliations with other regulated entities.
- Chameleon Carriers: AI would facilitate the rapid identification of hidden affiliations, preventing potential fraud before incidents occur.
- CDL Mills: AI could identify training/testing pipelines that produce drivers accumulating violations, thus enhancing safety.
- Carrier Safety Ratings: Fast-tracking safety ratings for proven carriers and flagging high-risk carriers for review could be accelerated with AI.
- Finding Illegal Drivers: AI could compare immigration records with CDL documentation during audits to identify undocumented workers.
Conclusion
As the DOT continues to explore the use of AI for regulatory improvements, the implications for the trucking industry are significant. With the Supreme Court deliberating on broker liability in carrier selection, the need for reliable safety data is more pressing than ever. The integration of AI into DOT operations could provide brokers with essential information to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing safety across the industry.
