By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act was introduced earlier this year to expand the trucking workforce and offer more flexibility.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Jim Costa (D-CA).

“Disruptions in our trucking supply chain continue to drive up costs and create uncertainty for American consumers and producers,” Costa said “We need to recruit, train and retain truck drivers to keep our supply chain moving, while also updating best practices to improve trucking to fit our modern economy. That is why we introduced this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the workforce and make it easier to move products across the country.”

Reports show the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers, and the average age of a truck driver is between 51 and 52 years old.

The SHIP IT Act aims to modernize the interstate trucking supply chain system by increasing the safety and shipping capacity for truckers. It also provides recruitment and retention incentives for drivers and includes flexibility during times of emergencies or black swan events.

“Over the past few years, Texas farmers, ranchers and consumers have seen how volatile our nation’s supply chain can be,” said Laramie Adams, Texas Farm Bureau National Legislative Director. “It is important for Congressional and agricultural leaders to work on commonsense solutions to help provide more stability in the food supply chain.”

The SHIP IT Act can benefit agriculture by

  • offering authority for certain vehicle waivers during emergencies;
  • allowing truck drivers to apply for workforce grants;
  • streamlining the CDL process;
  • assisting with truck parking difficulties.

Under the SHIP IT Act, eligible truck drivers would be granted funds to cover CDL costs that include course materials, supplies, graduation fees, licenses and certification. Established drivers would be granted a $7,500 tax credit and new truck drivers would be offered a $10,000 credit.

“TFB applauds Congressmen Dusty Johnson and Jim Costa for working on legislation to expand the trucking workforce and provide more flexibility by reducing regulatory burdens within the trucking industry,” Adams said. “We look forward to working with Congress to pass this bipartisan and much-needed legislation.”

For more information on the SHIP IT Act, click here.