In “Operation Open Roads,“ the governors offer recommendations including lowering the driving age to 18, dropping the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for private employers, removing education and licensure requirements, adjusting hours drivers could work and modifying weight, size and load restrictions.
While deregulation sounds like a solution, these were put into place for safety of drivers and others on the road. Any revision must consider the origin of the rule and consequences of removal.
Third District Congressman Frank Lucas joined a bipartisan group to encourage the U.S. Labor Department to use a workforce development grant program to prioritize truck driver training program. This would bolster recruiting without lowering standards in the industry.
Recent reports show the Port of Los Angeles backlog is decreasing, and major retailers have shelves stocked for the holidays. Projections indicate a profitable holiday shopping season.
This is good news for business, but the truck driver shortage isn’t going away.
