Congressional transportation leaders review trucking policies

From Transport Topics.

Efforts to enhance the trucking industry’s workforce and provide additional parking to those currently operating trucks nationwide recently captured the spotlight on Capitol Hill.

While gun control and supply chain policy debates are likely to dominate Congress’ attention over the next few weeks, it is worth noting transportation policymakers recently acknowledged two of the industry’s urgent needs.

At a Senate hearing this month that featured President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, policymakers pressed for the continued implementation of a training program for truckers under 21 to operate commercial vehicles interstate. They also sought assurances on the goals and objectives of a soon-to-be-announced advisory board focused on women. The recruitment and retention of women is a priority for trucking industry stakeholders.

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), of the Commerce Committee, led the passage of the under-21 interstate apprenticeship pilot program, which was included in the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He shared his viewpoint June 8 with Robin Hutcheson, nominee to become the next FMCSA administrator.

“[The] pilot program will help address the driver shortage, provides new career opportunities for young Hoosiers and other Americans and helps us make the roads safer, all under the same apprenticeship program,” Young said. “Throughout the pandemic, America’s transportation and logistics sector stepped up to meet unprecedented challenges. And I know that because my state has a significant logistics presence.

See the complete article online at Transport Topics.