U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced legislation Tuesday to overhaul the interstate trucking supply chain system.
The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act would increase safety and shipping capacity for truckers while increasing driver recruitment and retention incentives and allowing for increased flexibility during emergencies.
“Americans experienced a slew of freight disruptions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said. “Last year, we addressed ocean shipping reform, and it’s clear that updates are needed for other parts of the supply chain. The SHIP IT Act will bridge gaps, keep costs down for consumers, and make it easier for shippers to move products across the U.S.”
In light of the industry’s 80,000-truck driver shortage and parking space shortage, the SHIP IT Act would seek to modernize vehicle waivers during emergencies, allow truck drivers to apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants, incentivize new truck drivers to enter the workforce through tax credits, streamline the CDL process and expand commercial drivers’ access to truck parking and rest facilities.
“Disruptions in our trucking supply chain continue to drive up costs and create uncertainty for American consumers and producers,” Costa said. “We need to recruit, train, and retain truck drivers to keep our supply chain moving while also updating best practices to improve trucking to fit our modern economy. That is why we introduced this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the workforce and make it easier to move products across the country.”
The legislation is supported by the Shippers Coalition, which said the legislation was needed to address supply chain issues.
“This bill is vital to strengthening our supply chain by increasing shipping capacity, lessening burdens on truck drivers, modernizing the CDL process, and allowing additional flexibilities during times of emergency,” Sean Joyce, Shippers Coalition executive director, said.