American Trucking Associations (ATA) and International Foodservice Distributors Association support the recent Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (DRIVE Safe Act).
The act promotes enhanced safety training for truck drivers and addresses an employee shortage in the commerce industry.
Under the act, new drivers will be required to complete 240 hours of driving time with an experienced driver in the truck cab and at least 400 hours of on-duty time.
In addition, a person can obtain a commercial driver’s license at age 18 but is not allowed to move goods across state lines until age 21. The issue is worst in some areas than others. It is particularly problematic in the Washington D.C. metro area. There, a driver under the age of 21 who resides in Virginia can drive anywhere in the state but is forbidden to make a short trip between Arlington and Bethesda, Maryland.
“This is a common-sense proposal that will open enormous opportunities for the 18 to 21-year-old population, giving them access to a high-paying profession free of the debt burden that comes with a four-year degree,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said. “Moreover, this bill would strengthen training programs beyond current requirements to ensure safety and that drivers are best prepared.”