Rare is the day that both parties of Congress, as well as trade organizations, can all line up behind a bill. But with the introduction of the “Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act,” there is widespread support for the bill to move forward. Sponsored by U.S. Representatives, Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-CA), the bill is aimed at addressing more of the issues that have contributed to the truck driver shortage, among others.
One section of the bill is aimed at streamlining the process for new drivers to earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL). This could be especially helpful on the recruiting end of the equation. Another part of the bill would loosen trucking regulations during supply chain emergencies. The Act would also institute financial grants and tax credits and expand access to parking and rest facilities—something current drivers have long requested. Trade organizations throwing their support behind the bill include a shipper’s coalition, a consumer-packaged goods group, and several food and beverage organizations.
