Transportation/Infrastructure: The U.S. is currently experiencing a massive shortage of trained truck drivers. At this time 48 states permit the issuing of commercial drivers’ license to 18 year-old drivers for intra-state commerce. However, current federal regulations require drivers in interstate commerce to be at least 21 years of age.
One legislative solution to bringing younger drivers into the trucking profession is S. 569, the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act, also called the “DRIVE-Safe Act”. This legislation would allow employers to provide CDL holders below the age of 21 with an extensive apprenticeship program that will prepare them to be able to drive in interstate commerce. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate as H.R. 1374.
NAW has actively been working with the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, as well as with allied trade associations through the DRIVE-Safe Coalition, to urge Congress to support and pass this important legislation. Click here to read the coalition letter of endorsement for S. 569, and click here to read the letter of endorsement from H.R. 1374.
