The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act, introduced last week in the U.S. Senate, aims is to enhance safety training and job opportunities for young truckers while addressing the driver shortage in the trucking and logistics industries.
The legislation creates an apprenticeship training program that would allow drivers under the age of 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce legally. Most states allow drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license at 18 years old, but federal law prohibits drivers from participating in interstate commerce until they are 21.
The apprentices would be required to complete at least 400 hours of on-duty time and 240 hours of driving time with an experienced driver in the cab.
Trucks used in the program will be required to be equipped with safety technology.
“By expanding the opportunity for all commercial license holders to engage in interstate commerce, we can meaningfully address the driver shortage while improving transportation safety and give younger Americans the ability to be competitive in a strong economy, so they can fully benefit from a skilled career,” Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), one of the bill’s authors, said.
Earlier this year, companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Duncan Hunter (R-CA).