Senators introduce trucking workforce legislation

From Transport Topics. Legislation aimed at training drivers younger than 21 to drive trucks across state lines was recently unveiled by a group of senators. Led by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy, or DRIVE-Safe, Act aims to enhance safety training, as well as employment opportunities for truckers. Specifically,…

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From Transport Topics.

Legislation aimed at training drivers younger than 21 to drive trucks across state lines was recently unveiled by a group of senators.

Led by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy, or DRIVE-Safe, Act aims to enhance safety training, as well as employment opportunities for truckers.

Specifically, the bill would establish an apprenticeship program to allow commercial driver license holders under 21 years old to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

“Today, 18-year-olds can drive more than 200 miles from New Albany to Gary and back, but they aren’t allowed to drive two miles from New Albany to Louisville,” Young said March 10, referencing towns in and around his state. He is a member of the Commerce Committee, which oversees trucking policy. “The DRIVE-Safe Act will eliminate this ridiculous regulation and in doing so address the driver shortage while providing new career opportunities for young Hoosiers.”

There currently is a federal ban on interstate travel for truck drivers under 21.

“Now more than ever, young Montanans need more opportunities to get comprehensive job training, access higher paying work, and grow their careers early on,” added Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), a co-sponsor. “This bipartisan bill will do just that, allowing younger truck drivers to get top-of-the-line apprenticeships that kick their careers into gear, all while providing a big boost to the thousands of communities across the Big Sky who rely almost exclusively on trucks to move goods in and out of the state.”

See the complete article online at Transport Topics.

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