The 1980 Motor Carrier Act

The industry of trucking is influenced by many things: technology, economy, and of course, government. In United States trucking history, few pieces of legislation stand as influential as the Motor Carrier Regulatory Reform and Modernization Act (MCA). In this article, we will discuss the background of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and its aftermath on the trucking industry.

The MCA was part of a sweeping movement of deregulation in the transportation sector started by the Nixon administration in 1970. The first of these acts would start with the Railroad Revitalization Act in 1976 that deregulated the railroad industry. Following suit, the MCA would deregulate trucking through various means such as removing restrictions on what could be carried, the routes the trucks can take, along with the regions they could service. The MCA had also allowed carriers to publish their own rates instead of rating bureaus.

The MCA was signed by President Jimmy Carter on July 1, 1980. In the years that passed, the number of new, low-cost firms soared. By 1990, the number of licensed carriers more than doubled. Reduced inventory also allowed more efficient and cheaper transportation, boosting customer satisfaction.

We hope you found this historical information on the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 gave you more insight into the world of trucking! At CB Radio Supply, we are here for all your radio needs and offer a wide range of customer service! Our free domestic US shipping and hassle-free returns is our guarantee you’ll be satisfied with your choices. Give us a call to speak with our expert staff today!