WASHINGTON – The Biden administration met with trucking on Thursday because it looks like it will help add new drivers and solve a problem critical part of the US supply chain crisis.
The White House said COVID-19 “exacerbates longstanding workforce challenges in the trucking industry, including high turnover rates, an aging workforce, long hours away from home, and lost jobs.” meantime.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh will join National Economic Council Director Brian Deese for a roundtable at the White House with trucking industry leaders, including business and labor leaders.
The Departments of Transport and Labor are launching a joint initiative “Promoting Good Jobs”. The White House said it was “asking industries, labor, and all levels of government … to address the challenges facing the trucking workforce and begin to build their workforce.” next generation trucking.”
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration will soon launch a pilot program for drivers ages 18-21 under the new infrastructure law.
Team President Jim Hoffa in December first The Detroit News opinion piece states that “there is no shortage of experienced truckers. However, the problem is that these drivers are paid and treated fairly from their employers.”
He added “truckers are being taken for granted by big businesses even after all they’ve done to keep America afloat during the hardest days of COVID-19.”
The White House said the Department of Transportation is providing $30 million to help states expedite the issuance of commercial driver licenses. They are also accelerating the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs.
Last month, the Ministry of Transport forecast that freight tonnage would increase by 50% by 2050 to 28.7 billion tons. Trucks, which currently carry 65% of US freight tonnage, are expected to remain the predominant freight carrier.
The American Cargo Association (ATA) says the industry in 2020 employs 3.36 million truckers. It is estimated that this year the driver shortage will reach a high of just over 80,000 drivers.
