Boozman backs $755 million truck parking bill

KUAR | By Jeff Della Rosa/ Talk Business & Politics

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., recently announced his support for a bipartisan bill to increase truck parking capacity and improve existing truck parking infrastructure. The bill would provide $755 million for truck parking projects through 2026.

Boozman joined Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.; Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; and Jon Tester, D-Mont., to introduce the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. Legislators introduced similar bills last year supported by American Trucking Associations and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

“Truckers play a crucial role in our supply chain,” Boozman said. “Arkansas truckers have shared with me the difficulties they frequently experience in finding a safe location to park as they transport goods and products across the country. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is an investment that will make it easier for these drivers to find reliable parking and improve efficiency while protecting all motorists on the roads.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/04/boozman-backs-755-million-truck-parking-bill/

John Boozman

Trucking groups applaud White House plan to address industry labor issues

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Trucking industry groups support a new White House program addressing the ongoing workforce challenges in the industry that have worsened amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Thursday (Dec. 16) news release.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced Thursday a Trucking Action Plan that includes four strategies to strengthen the industry workforce. The program comprises a 90-day apprenticeship program for employers, accelerates the issuance of commercial driver licenses (CDLs), identifies states with CDL roadblocks, and focuses on recruiting, training and retaining drivers from underrepresented communities.

“We are encouraged that the Biden Administration has not only recognized the importance of adding new and well-trained Americans to the trucking workforce but has announced a path forward with what we believe will become a robust training opportunity for future commercial truck drivers,” said Bill Sullivan, executive vice president of advocacy for trade group American Trucking Associations (ATA).

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/trucking-groups-applaud-white-house-plan-to-address-industry-labor-issues/

Truck driver shortage increases to 80,000; nearly 1 million new drivers needed over next decade

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The driver shortage has risen to a record high of 80,000 amid traditional demographics challenges and issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

He said the shortage is determined based on the amount of available freight and the number of drivers needed to haul that. During the Great Recession, he noted a significant decline in freight demand led to a driver surplus.

The shortage is up from 61,000 in 2018, he said. However, the driver shortage declined in 2019 and before COVID in 2020 as freight demand softened.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/10/truck-driver-shortage-increases-to-80000-nearly-1-million-new-drivers-needed-over-next-decade/