Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-112) and Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) are planning on introducing resolutions in their respective chambers urging U.S. Congress to pass legislation allowing CDL drivers under 21-years-old to drive commercial motor vehicles over state lines.

Mullins posted a memorandum to all Pennsylvania House members asking for co-sponsors on December 6, 2023.

Rothman posted a memorandum to all Pennsylvania Senate members asking for co-sponsors on January 2, 2024.

PMTA is encouraging members and the entire trucking community to call their legislators and ask them to support the resolutions.

Both memorandums refer to the national truck driving shortage, which according to the American Trucking Associations is around 78,000 drivers.

The memos state this shortage is expected to increase with the need for new drivers rising to 1.2 million over the next decade and state, “To ensure Pennsylvania’s economic security and supply chain efficiency, we must expand the pool of qualified drivers.”

Both include the line, “to date, 49 states, including Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. allow under-21 CDL holders to operate Commercial Motor vehicles in intrastate commerce,” and go on to address how current Federal regulations require CDL drivers to be at least 21 years old to operate in interstate commerce.

“In other words, an under-21 Pennsylvania truck driver is currently permitted to pick up a shipping container at the Port of Philadelphia and haul it 300 miles across the state to Pittsburgh, yet the same driver is prohibited from transporting the same freight on the eight-mile journey across the Delaware River to the East Camden Rail Yard,” Mullin’s memorandum states.

Both memorandums state, “allowing CDL drivers under the age of 21 to participate in interstate commerce will significantly broaden the pool of qualified drivers to address the current shortage while mitigating the future need for CDL drivers. Not only will this benefit the Commonwealth, but it will also benefit the CDL drivers who will have earlier access to career opportunities enabling them to establish themselves in the industry and find family-sustaining jobs.”

Mullins and Rothman are now seeking support from other Pennsylvania lawmakers to co-sponsor the resolution and bring attention to this critical issue.

To contact your legislator:

-          Find them here: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/#address

-          If you’re reaching out to a HOUSE member:

o   Have some notes or facts with you and prepare what you want to say. This call should take no longer than a minute or two. Be prepared to talk to a staff member of your legislator or leave a voicemail.

o   Call the number or email the address listed under contact information.

o   State your name, and say you are a resident of (city, county, townships etc.)

o   Tell them you are calling to urge your representative to co-sponsor Kyle Mullins resolution on the truck driver shortage posted December 6, 2023.

o   Explain WHY. Do you have a personal story of how this would impact you and your business? Now’s your chance to tell them. Be clear, concise and polite.

o   Say thank you for taking the time to address something impacting Pennsylvania’s supply chain.

-          If you’re reaching out to a SENATE member:

o   Have some notes or facts with you and prepare what you want to say. This call should take no longer than a minute or two. Be prepared to talk to a staff member of your legislator or leave a voicemail.

o   Call the number or email the address listed under contact information.

o   State your name, and say you are a resident of (city, county, townships etc.)

o   Tell them you are calling to urge your senator to co-sponsor Greg Rothman’s resolution on the truck driver shortage posted January 2, 2024.

o   Explain WHY. Do you have a personal story of how this would impact you and your business? Now’s your chance to tell them. Be clear, concise and polite.

o   Say thank you for taking the time to address something impacting Pennsylvania’s supply chain.

-          After the call:

o   If you left a voicemail, consider posting on social media and tagging your legislators and/or emailing them.