Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement Act; ROUTE Act
Summary
The Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement Act (ROUTE Act) aims to address the driver shortage in the trucking industry by allowing 18-20 year olds with intrastate commercial licenses to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, within a 150 air-mile radius of their work reporting location. The bill amends Title 49 of the United States Code to permit this limited interstate operation, subject to specific conditions regarding hours of service and reporting location. The goal is to provide younger drivers with opportunities in the trucking industry while maintaining safety standards.
Expected Effects
The ROUTE Act, if enacted, would expand the pool of eligible commercial drivers, potentially easing supply chain bottlenecks and workforce shortages in the trucking sector. This could lead to increased competition and potentially lower costs for consumers. However, it may also raise concerns about safety due to the relative inexperience of younger drivers in interstate operations.
Potential Benefits
- Addresses Driver Shortage: Helps alleviate the shortage of truck drivers, which can improve the efficiency of the supply chain.
- Creates Job Opportunities: Provides employment opportunities for individuals aged 18-20, especially in rural areas.
- Boosts Local Economies: Allows younger drivers to contribute to the economy within a limited geographic area.
- Enhances Training: Encourages structured training programs for younger drivers, improving their skills and safety.
- Increases Interstate Commerce Efficiency: Facilitates the movement of goods across state lines within specified limits.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Safety Concerns: Raises concerns about the safety of younger, less experienced drivers operating in interstate commerce.
- Increased Accident Risk: May lead to a higher risk of accidents due to the inexperience of younger drivers.
- Strain on Infrastructure: Could increase wear and tear on roads and bridges due to more frequent truck traffic.
- Competition with Experienced Drivers: May create competition with older, more experienced drivers for available routes.
- Enforcement Challenges: Could pose challenges for enforcement agencies in monitoring compliance with the 150 air-mile radius restriction.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The ROUTE Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By setting standards for drivers operating in interstate commerce, the act falls within the scope of this constitutional authority. However, the act must also be evaluated in light of the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states respectively, or to the people. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).