A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Congressman Rick Crawford, has introduced the DRIVE Safe Act to simplify federal apprenticeship requirements for young commercial drivers. The proposed legislation would allow individuals under 21 with a state-issued commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate commercial vehicles across state lines after completing a structured apprenticeship program.
The program requires apprentices to complete a 120-hour probationary period and at least 280 hours of on-duty time, with 160 hours spent driving. During this training, an experienced driver aged at least 26 with two years of commercial driving experience must accompany the apprentice.
Currently, federal law prohibits those under 21 from transporting goods between states, even though most states and the District of Columbia permit drivers as young as 18 to obtain CDLs for intrastate commerce. The bill aims to address truck driver shortages and improve supply chain reliability by opening more job opportunities for younger drivers.
Congressman Crawford explained the current situation: “Today, an 18-year-old truck driver can legally transport goods from West Memphis to Texarkana – a 270-mile route – so long as the trip remains within Arkansas. However, the same driver is prohibited by federal law from driving just 7 miles across the state line into Memphis, Tennessee. Allowing qualified 18-to-20-year-olds to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, just as they already do within their home states, is a commonsense step toward addressing workforce shortages and improving supply chain efficiency.”
Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) said, “From rural Maine to America’s busiest cities, truckers are essential for communities to get access to the goods they need. Federal rules should make it easier, not harder, for young people to get a start in the industry. This bill is a simple, pragmatic way to encourage more careers in trucking so families, small businesses, and communities can get the goods they need, when they need them.”
Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) added: “Our nation’s trucking industry is the backbone of our economy, employing millions of drivers who transport tons of goods and resources across the country every day. The current shortage of truck drivers has resulted in higher shipping costs and increased delivery delays – putting a great deal of strain on our economy. The DRIVE Safe Act is a commonsense piece of legislation that creates career paths for our young American workers by aligning federal law with the 49 states that already allow 18-to-21-year-olds to transport goods interstate. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation that will create greater employment opportunities, strengthen our supply chain, and promote a stronger economy.”
Rep. Carbajal emphasized workforce needs: “Our country’s supply chains are only as strong as the workforce that keeps them moving. The DRIVE Safe Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that not only helps address the truck driver shortage but also provides new opportunities for young Americans eager to enter the workforce.”
Rep. LaHood noted business concerns: “The commercial trucking industry is a vital economic driver that impacts critical industries in Illinois and across the country,” he said. “As I travel across my district, I hear about the persistent shortage of drivers and difficulties retaining personnel. This bipartisan legislation will expand the pool of applicants while maintaining high safety standards. I commend Chairman Crawford for introducing this commonsense bill that will help businesses of all sizes to grow and strengthen our supply chains.”
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez commented on local impact: “My four-year-old has better spatial and kinetic intelligence than a lot of 40-year-olds I’ve met. For folks like us who live near a state boundary, regulations based on state borders just don’t make sense. Young people who are gifted with spatial and kinetic intelligence deserve the opportunity to build a rewarding career and achieve the American dream,” she said.
Industry representatives also voiced support for the measure.
Mala Parker from the International Foodservice Distributors Association stated: “This legislation will help create a pipeline of well-equipped professional drivers to safely and efficiently deliver ingredients and supplies to more than 1 million professional kitchens that serve America’s communities every day.” She thanked Rep. Crawford and others for their leadership.
Henry Hanscom from American Trucking Associations called it “a common-sense proposal” that builds on existing apprenticeship programs while providing career pathways into interstate trucking for qualified younger drivers.
Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Samples Newton said: “We applaud Congressman Crawford for reintroducing the DRIVE Safe Act. This legislation provides young people a bridge between the traditional education timeline and the opportunity to start a career in the trucking industry, all while keeping safety at the heart of the profession.”
Rick Crawford has represented Arkansas’ 1st district in Congress since replacing Marion Berry in 2011 https://crawford.house.gov/. He was born in Homestead Air Force Base in Florida in 1966 before moving to Jonesboro https://www.congress.gov/member/eric-crawford/C001087; he graduated from Arkansas State University with a BS degree in 1996.
