ROUTE Act would allow young US CDL-holders to cross state lines

A bill introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., aims to eliminate restrictions that prevent young commercial drivers from crossing state lines.

Currently, 18- to 20-year-old truck drivers are prohibited from interstate driving, but the Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement Act, known as the ROUTE Act, would instead limit how far they can travel from their home terminal to 150 air miles.

“Federal barriers prevent capable young Americans from entering the trucking industry. At the same time, we are removing illegal aliens who unlawfully obtained CDLs. That makes it even more important to open doors for American workers to fill these jobs and strengthen our economy,” Hageman said in a release.

“Wyoming and other rural states face needless challenges because federal regulation blocks young CDL holders from making short interstate trips. It makes no sense that drivers are allowed to travel from Gillette to Evanston but prohibited from driving right across the state line to Belle Fourche, S.D. America should never rely on illegal labor to move our goods.”

Affected drivers would be required to return to their reporting location within 14 consecutive hours and take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting their next shift, maintaining existing hours-of-service requirements.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supported the proposed legislation.

“OOIDA supports Representative Hageman’s commonsense proposal to allow truck drivers to operate within a 150 air-mile radius across state lines,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said.

“The current system creates situations that simply do not make sense, like allowing a driver in Kansas City, Kan., to haul clear across the state to its border with Colorado, but not deliver a few miles away in Kansas City, Mo. The ROUTE Act fixes this problem in a safe and practical way. A 150 air-mile operating radius gives drivers the chance to build skills in familiar conditions, receive the training they need, and stay closer to home while gaining experience. OOIDA appreciates Representative Hageman’s leadership in advancing a commonsense solution without opening the door to unsafe longhaul operations for inexperienced teenagers.”

The Wyoming Trucking Association also supported the bill.

“This bill reflects what rural states have needed for a long time,” said Kevin Hawley, president of the Wyoming Trucking Association. “It removes an unnecessary barrier for interested and qualified carriers, strengthens service to border communities, and supports the development of the next generation of professional drivers in Wyoming.”