Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would make it easier for younger truck drivers to work across state lines.
The Ceasing Age-Based Trucking Restrictions (CAB) Act, H.R. 6691, would amend Title 49 of the United States Code to state that the transportation of goods from a port of entry and another place within the same state do not constitute interstate transportation.
Under current law, truck drivers must be at least 21 years old to move interstate commerce even if the trip starts and ends within the same state. The bill, if enacted, would remove an age-based restriction.
“The CAB Act is about putting American workers first and fixing a system that doesn’t make sense,” said U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), who introduced the bill.
“Right now, we’re blocking capable young Americans from taking trucking jobs, forcing companies to increasingly rely on foreign drivers who are unable to read English or understand road signs. If an 18-, 19-, or 20-year-old can safely drive a truck in their home state, they shouldn’t be sidelined by a federal technicality,” Mast said. “This bill removes an unnecessary barrier, strengthens our supply chain, and ensures these jobs go to qualified Americans.”
The bill was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.