America’s truckers keep our supply chain and our economy moving. They bring products to market, keep our grocery shelves stocked, and get packages to their destinations.
However, there is currently a shortage of interstate truckers and limitations on interstate Commercial Drivers Licenses are exacerbating this shortage. As I travel through the district and meet with Iowans, I constantly hear about the impacts of the trucking workforce shortage from trucking companies, farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers alike.
For example, an 18-year-old truck driver is permitted to drive 300 miles from a project in Sioux City all the way to Dubuque County. Still, according to current regulations, the same driver is not allowed to drive a truck three miles across the Julien Dubuque Bridge for a project across the state line in Illinois.
It makes no sense.
That’s why I introduced the REAL Trucking Act. This legislation will codify the ability for 18-to-20-year-olds to obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses for interstate trucking to get more Iowa truckers on the road and able to move products across state lines. Bolstering our trucking workforce will strengthen our supply chain and stabilize interstate commerce. It will also support family farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers by ensuring they can get their products to market. The more truckers we have on the road, the more efficient our supply chain will be. The more efficient our supply chain is, the lower costs will be. As Iowa families continue to grapple with high prices, streamlining our supply chain is a vital step to lower inflation.
This bill will also provide critical career opportunities for 18-to-20 year olds not interested in a four-year degree. Those who obtain their interstate trucking license will be able to kickstart their career and begin earning a living without the massive student debt associated with traditional higher education – by the way, these new truckers shouldn’t have to pay off the loans someone else took out for a gender studies degree. Ensuring students who complete trucking programs can obtain interstate Commercial Drivers Licenses following their courses will empower them to find success in trucking and fill one of the most important roles in our economy.
By getting more truckers on the road, we can strengthen our supply chain, connect Iowans with great career opportunities, and get Iowa products where they need to go while reducing costs across the board. The REAL Trucking Act – inspired by countless conversations with Iowans – is a win-win-win.
