WASHINGTON
– As labor shortages plague the trucking industry and supply chain issues
continue to impact Americans across the country, Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and
Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are
calling
for more Americans to be eligible to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
and operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
“We write to you with growing concern for the labor
shortage faced by the trucking industry. The truck driver shortage, coupled
with the nation’s ongoing supply chain issues, has been extremely detrimental
to the economy. If left unaddressed, inaction to grow America’s pool of truck
drivers threatens to drive up shipping expenses, prolong delays, and burden
already-strained consumers with additional costs… With these concerns in mind,
we urge the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to allow
persons 18 years of age and older to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
and operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce to get American goods
and services moving again,” the senators wrote
to FMCSA Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi.
“Our nation’s commerce hinges on interstate
trucking, but the age of entry for this profession blocks the youngest members
of our workforce from the career field…Those seeking an alternative pathway to
an expensive four-year degree may find the three-year gap between high school
graduation and the eligible age for interstate trucking inhibitive. It should
be our policy to aid and encourage these capable workers.”
Ernst
and Grassley are joined on the letter by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom
Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy
Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry
Moran (R-Kan.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).
Full
text of the letter can be found
HERE.