Experts attribute some US supply chain problems to a shortage in truck drivers
Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), introduced Wednesday a bill in an effort to reduce supply chain disruptions through trucking industry reforms.
Lummis stated Wednesday in a statement to Fox News Digital that one of the first steps to fixing the current supply chain crisis is to increase truck driver’s delivery of goods to stores across the country. Wyoming, a rural state is heavily dependent on trucking. However, streamlining commercial driver licensing and eliminating burdensome regulations will be a benefit to everyone, no matter where you live, in Manhattan or Cheyenne.
The Licensing Individual Commercial Exams Now Safely and Efficiently Act (LICENSE Act), sponsored by bipartisan Reps. Darin L.Hood (Republican-from-Ill.); Troy Balderson (Republican-from-Ohio); Henry Cuellar (D-Texas); and Josh Harder (D-Calif.) would make permanent several waivers that were implemented last November by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FMCSA (FMCSA), in response to COVID-19
FMCSA waivers extended commercial drivers licenses (CDLs), and commercial learners permitss (CLPs) validity. This, along with other regulatory adjustments, made it easier and faster to obtain such licenses.
The LICENSE Act would permit third-party license examors to administer CDL skills tests without completing a training program first. It also allows licensed drivers to accompany CLP holders and move from the truck’s front seat to the sleep compartment. States can administer driving skills tests for potential out-of state drivers.
Kelly stated that the pandemic continues and is affecting our supply chains. Arizonans are suffering from higher gas prices and increased prices at the grocery store. “Our bipartisan bill reduces red tape and increases our trucking workforce, so we can safely deliver vital supplies across the country quickly and safely.
American Trucking Associations endorsed senators’ bill. In a letter to Kelly and Lummis, they stated that the LICENSE Bill was a sensible solution to the regulatory obstacles that make CDL testing and training so difficult.
On December 16, 2021, President Biden introduced the ” Trucking Action Plan” in an effort to “strengthen America’s trucking workforce.” This plan allows for easier access to commercial driver’s licenses and encourages companies to offer Registered Apprenticeship programs. It also aims to strengthen veteran outreach.
American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear stated to FOX Business’ Mornings with Maria in January that there was a “chronic shortage” of trucking talent in America. This had led to cargo being left unloaded and unloaded at U.S. ports. ports.
He said, “I think a whole year of policies that have lead us there generally stems from rewarding people to not return to work,” adding that he believes that this has contributed to the “chronic lack of talent, not only in trucking, where we have 81,000 drivers, but also across all sectors of employment.”
According to a Labor Department report, December’s consumer price index increased by 7% compared with a year earlier. This is the fastest increase in inflation since June 1982 when it was 7.1%. CPI, which measures a variety of goods including gasoline and health care as well as groceries and rents, increased 0.5% in the month ended November.