H.R. 6642: Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement Act

This bill, known as the Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement Act (or ROUTE Act), proposes changes to federal regulations governing the operation of commercial motor vehicles by young drivers. Specifically, it aims to allow certain drivers under the age of 21 to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce under limited conditions. Here are the key points of the bill:

Eligibility Criteria

• To be considered an "eligible driver," an individual must:
  • Hold a commercial driver’s license that is limited to intrastate operation (driving only within one state).
  • Be at least 18 years old but less than 21 years old.

Operational Limitations

Eligible drivers would be permitted to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, but there are specific conditions they must follow:

• The operation must be conducted within a 150 air-mile radius of the driver's normal reporting location.
• Drivers must return to their normal reporting location and be released from work within 14 consecutive hours after beginning their operation.
• Drivers are required to take at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty after each driving period.
• The normal work reporting location must be in the same state where the driver holds their commercial driver’s license.

Additional Provisions

The bill includes a clerical amendment to update the official code, indicating the addition of the new section regarding limited interstate operation for drivers under 21. This aims to facilitate the implementation of the new rules established by the bill.

Implications

This legislation addresses a growing concern about the shortage of truck drivers by potentially expanding the workforce to include younger individuals who currently are restricted from major interstate driving duties. It also aims to balance safety regulations with the need for greater flexibility in the trucking industry.

Relevant Companies

• UPS (United Parcel Service): As a major player in the logistics and transportation industry, UPS may benefit from having access to a younger workforce for its operations, potentially helping to alleviate driver shortages.
• FDX (FedEx Corporation): Similar to UPS, FedEx could utilize eligible drivers to enhance their delivery capabilities, especially in regions where they face staffing challenges.
• XPO (XPO Logistics): XPO Logistics may find it advantageous to integrate younger drivers into their operations to increase efficiency and meet growing demands in freight transport.