OLYMPIA — March 6, 2026 —Sheri Call, president and CEO of the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA), applauded today’s passage of Substitute House Bill 2410, an industry effort to enhance commercial truck safety for the industry and all motorists.

The bill cleared the Senate Friday by a vote of 47-1-1 and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“Today’s passage of SHB 2410 is an important step forward in strengthening the safety of the commercial trucking industry in Washington state. The WTA developed this legislation proactively, working with real data and input from industry stakeholders to directly address commercial safety issues,” said Call. “As an industry, we recognize that more must be done to strengthen the professional licensing and training associated with commercial vehicles. It is our hope this proactive legislation will better inform commercial driver training, resulting in safer roadways for everyone.”

SHB 2410 establishes the Washington State Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council, which will recommend programs and projects designed to improve the safety of the commercial truck industry. The council’s recommended safety initiatives and administrative costs will be funded by increasing the Commercial Safety Enforcement Fee on commercial motor vehicles from $16 to $32.

“The fee increase is really an investment in our industry,” added Call. “The commercial trucking industry intentionally requested this fee increase because we know more must be done to heighten safety awareness for commercial drivers. This will also help recruit and retain new, qualified commercial drivers at a time when we are facing a labor shortage,” she said.

“Safety is paramount for our industry. We look forward to working with the Washington State Patrol and Department of Licensing, and the Traffic Safety Commission as we implement this new council and create new trainings to keep our drivers, and roadways, safe.”

About the Washington Trucking Associations
Since 1922, the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) has served as the unified voice for the trucking industry in Washington. Member-supported, WTA is dedicated to advocating sound public policies, providing excellence in education, training, and information, as well as promoting a safe, dependable, and efficient trucking industry in Washington. For more information, visit www.watrucking.org.