WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Troy Balderson this morning led more than 60 Members of Congress in a letter sent to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calling on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to streamline redundant, burdensome, and costly barriers preventing haulers from pursuing in-demand careers.
"The licensing process for truck drivers should - most importantly - ensure high standards of safety and competence for those behind the wheel. Instead, redundancies and overly burdensome requirements are worsening driver shortages, and pushing the limits of our existing workforce," said Congressman Balderson, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "The American people are hurting from empty shelves to skyrocketing prices on everyday essentials. Our letter suggests safe steps that can help reduce the supply chain backlog by ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of motor fuel products that American consumers rely on."
Amid ongoing supply chain and price pressures plaguing the transportation industry, a national shortage of qualified drivers is making it difficult to deliver products in a timely manner. This shortage is particularly severe within the motor fuel industry, which requires additional hazardous materials license endorsements under federal law.
“The HAZMAT truck driver shortage is serious, and as we approach the Fourth of July travel weekend, the Energy Marketers of America looks forward to working with the Administration on providing short-term solutions to get qualified HAZMAT truck drivers on the road that will help alleviate prices at the pump. We thank the 67 House lawmakers, especially Congressman Balderson, who signed the letter to elevate this critical issue to top Biden Administration officials,” said Rob Underwood, President of the Energy Marketers of America.
“As we continue to work to untangle the supply chain, a significant tool at our disposal would be streamlining licensing and credentialing processes to make it easier for hard-working Americans to get into important jobs, like transporting fuel," said Edwin Gilroy, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the American Trucking Association. “Congressman Balderson’s suggestion to streamline and simplify the training for hazardous materials transportation, as well as pending legislation to reduce redundant background checks, are two positive steps in that direction and we believe deserve serious consideration.”
