Oregon DOT announces fine increase for motor carriers, end of Trusted Carrier Partner Program
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced changes taking effect early next year that will impact the trucking industry.
On Friday, ODOT announced the following two major trucking industry-related changes going into effect on January 1, 2026.
- Increased fines for household goods moving companies –The fine for a household goods moving company found operating without a certificate in Oregon will increase from $1,000 to $3000.
- Discontinuation of the Trusted Carrier Partner Program — ODOT’s Trusted Carrier Partner Program will be discontinued due to budget constraints.
- Carriers qualified for the Trusted Carrier Partner Program by demonstrating an excellent operational safety record. Benefits included weigh station preclearance privileges, waiver of bond requirement, and only being subject to probable cause safety inspections and safety compliance reviews.
- Trusted Carrier Partner plates previously issued under the program do not need to be removed or returned. However, any Trusted Carrier Partner plates that remain on vehicles will hold no operational meaning or benefits on or after January 1, 2026.
“ODOT’s certification process involves background checks and adherence to approved rates and procedures to protect Oregonians from deceitful and unsafe practices, like charging too much, damaging items or stealing belongings,” said ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division Investigation and Compliance Manager Leah Cisneros. “We strongly recommend checking our website before hiring a moving company to make sure the company is ODOT certified.”