Our Story

The PrePass® suite of services is offered by PrePass Safety Alliance, a non-profit corporation focused on commercial transportation safety. As a public/private partnership (P3), The Alliance brings together federal, state and motor carrier industry decision-makers to advance safety and efficiency on our highways.

PrePass Safety Alliance, formerly known as HELP Inc. began in the late 1980s as a collaborative research project between a group of state transportation directors and trucking company executives. The goal was to make the roads safer and more efficient for motor carriers using technology to weigh trucks at highway speeds and allow compliant trucks to bypass weigh stations.

In 1991, the initial research effort was launched, named the Crescent Project to represent the shape of the west coast geographic “crescent” from British Columbia to Texas. After the participants pooled their transportation research funds to conduct the proof of concept, they collectively secured a grant from the Federal Highway Administration to test different technologies for creating productivity and efficiencies that would benefit motor carriers as well as enforcement and compliance agencies.

After testing a number of possible technologies, Radio Frequency Identification Detection (RFID) was selected for pre-clearance because of its superior accuracy and reliability. The Crescent Project’s studies also proved that automatic vehicle identification as well as weigh-in-motion technologies were feasible and could be readily deployed.

Although the Crescent Project proved without a doubt that the service was viable, there was no federal money available to deploy it. As a result, the pilot states incorporated HELP Inc. (now known as PrePass Safety Alliance) in 1993 as a non-profit P3 and contracted with a private firm to develop and deploy the technology and provide seed money to expand the system. Since 1993, many other states have formed relationships with The Alliance and deployed PrePass, creating what has become the largest, most reliable and widespread truck safety e-clearance system in the nation.

PrePass Timeline

1989

Research project developed between state transportation directors and trucking executives.

1991

"Crescent Project” formed to test technologies for weigh station bypass.

1993

HELP introduced weigh station bypassing in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

1993

HELP introduced its signature weigh station bypass service in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

2003

HELP launched PrePass Plus for electronic toll payment services.

2004

Customer Service Center opened in Sandy, Utah.

2013

The Carrier Portal launched with access to safety data, inspection activity and reports.

2015

ElitePass transponder released, combining bypassing and toll payments beyond E-ZPass.

2016

Achieved 500,000 trucks enrolled in the weigh station bypass service.

2017

Launched the INFORM™ data platform including safety data and tolling analytics.

2018

Announced the MOTION bypass mobile application.

2019

HELP Inc. changed its name and corporate identity to PrePass Safety Alliance.

2019

PrePass introduced MOTION app driver roadway safety ALERTS.

HOW WE OPERATE

PrePass Safety Alliance does not have shareholders or corporate interests. The Alliance’s Board of Directors is comprised of both public officials and private industry representatives. Representatives to the Board of Directors are appointed by the state agency serving as The Alliance member. The Board provides general oversight of PrePass programs and PrePass Safety Alliance initiatives, authorizes new technology and system enhancements, and plays a key role in developing best practices to assist carriers and states to maximize the use of the program.

In addition, the Board ensures that PrePass Safety Alliance is fully compliant with IRS rules governing 501(c)3 organizations, including provisions for its members to strictly adhere to conflict-of-interest requirements. The Board strives to make balanced decisions to ensure PrePass programs serve The Alliance’s tax-exempt purpose of providing solutions to support and enhance public safety.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE COMPLIANCE

State agencies build and maintain the weigh stations, but provide PrePass Safety Alliance access to install and maintain PrePass system infrastructure at no cost to states. This infrastructure may or may not include the installation of weigh-in-motion scales (WIMs). The Alliance works with public sector partners to promote the safe and efficient movement of freight. No funds are exchanged between PrePass Safety Alliance and state agencies for the operation of the program.

TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS

PrePass Safety Alliance is a member of all 50 state trucking associations and numerous national and regional associations. The Alliance works with these entities to sponsor educational and safety programs around the country.

Our Values

PREPASS SAFETY ALLIANCE MISSION

Everyone wants safer highways. As our nation’s roads become more congested every year and drivers can easily become distracted with various devices and stimuli around them, it’s crucial to find innovative ways to continually improve safety in commercial transportation and for all highway users.

PrePass Safety Alliance’s mission is making highways safer and more efficient through innovative data-driven solutions.

Through advanced technology, The Alliance and its Board of Directors are committed to increasing transportation system interoperability and performance, improving on safety processes and reducing delays, emissions and costs. By doing this, the economic and environmental benefits of the freight sector’s contributions will continue to support our nation.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE:
  • Always drive for safety
  • Committed to service
  • Act with integrity
  • Partner for results
  • Exemplify leadership
ONSHORED IN AMERICA

PrePass Safety Alliance was developed as a private-public partnership in the United States. With its corporate headquarters located in Phoenix, AZ and its customer support office in West Valley City, UT, The Alliance is dedicated to keeping jobs in the United States. As a result, PrePass Safety Alliance and its contractors perform all work in America.

Our Industry Partners

Truckers Against Trafficking

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is a 501(c)3 that exists to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the trucking and travel plaza industry to combat domestic sex trafficking. TAT achieves this mission by saturating trucking and related industries with education materials; partnering with law enforcement and government agencies to facilitate the investigation of human trafficking; and marshalling the resources of our partners to combat this crime.

SmartWay

EPA’s SmartWay program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and freight transportation efficiency. SmartWay provides a comprehensive and well-recognized system for tracking, documenting and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions. They also help companies select more efficient freight carriers, transport modes, equipment, and operational strategies to improve sustainability and lower transportation costs.