by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
A new apprenticeship program might help settle a debate over whether 18- to 20-year-old truck drivers can safely haul interstate freight. However, the program has struggled with low participation levels as carriers cite unexpected challenges to joining it to draw from the driver pool.
Trucking industry drivers comprise interstate drivers or those hauling freight across state lines. Existing law in 49 states, including Arkansas, allows 18- to 20-year-old intrastate drivers or those hauling freight within a state, but cargo crossing state lines must be transported by a driver at least 21.
Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association, said the minimum age to engage in interstate commerce should be reduced from 21 to 18 and that employees and their employers are responsible for determining who’s qualified for a job.
The trucking industry continues to debate whether the age of interstate truck drivers should be reduced from 21 to 18.