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Johnson, Costa Intro The SHIP IT Act
January 25, 2023
U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced a
sweeping overhaul of the interstate trucking supply chain system. The Safer
Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act
increases safety and shipping capacity for truckers; provides recruitment and
retention incentives for drivers; and includes flexibility during times of
emergencies or black swan events.
“Americans experienced a slew of freight disruptions during and after the
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Johnson. “Last year we addressed ocean shipping reform,
and it’s clear that updates are needed for other parts of the supply chain. The
SHIP IT Act will bridge gaps, keep costs down for consumers, and make it easier
for shippers to move products across the U.S.”
“Disruptions in our trucking supply chain continue to drive up costs and create
uncertainty for American consumers and producers,” said Costa. “We need to
recruit, train, and retain truck drivers to keep our supply chain moving, while
also updating best practices to improve trucking to fit our modern economy. That
is why we introduced this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the workforce and
make it easier to move products across the country.”
“The Shippers Coalition applauds the introduction of the Safer Highway and
Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking “SHIP IT Act.” This bill is vital
to strengthening our supply chain by increasing shipping capacity, lessening
burdens on truck drivers, modernizing the CDL process, and allowing additional
flexibilities during times of emergency. The 80+ members of the Shippers
Coalition appreciate Congressman Johnson’s steadfast leadership on these issues
and look forward to working with him to help this critical legislation become
law,” saidSean Joyce, Executive Director, Shippers Coalition.
“Hendrickson is a vital tier 1 supplier to the truck and trailer manufacturers
worldwide, supplying suspensions systems, axles, brakes, springs, slider box
systems, and bumpers. Hendrickson is proud to have one of its key manufacturing
facilities located in the great state of South Dakota. The Mitchell, S.D.
location, established in 1987, manufacturers trailer air ride componentry and
other important suspension parts. Hendrickson wholly supports legislative
efforts that aim to improve the trucking industry. A perfect example is the
“SHIP IT Act,” sponsored by Congressman Johnson. Anytime we can make the
recruitment of qualified truck drivers easier and with greater retention, that
is a positive step for the supply chain. Additionally, addressing the efficiency
of moving goods on our roadways aligns well with America’s need to become more
environmentally conscience, while keeping safety at the forefront. We are
grateful to have Congressmen, like Representative Johnson, lead these
significant and important issues,” said Matt Joy, President & Chief Executive
Officer, Hendrickson.
“The SHIP IT Act is commonsense trucking reform legislation that will help dairy
companies overcome many of the current supply chain challenges facing our
industry. The legislation would bring the U.S. supply chain into the 21st
century to meet the needs of shippers, reduce regulatory burdens that cost
shippers millions of dollars a year, create good paying jobs, and support the
ambitious sustainability goals of dairy businesses. IDFA is grateful to Reps.
Dusty Johnson and Jim Costa for their leadership on this issue, and we urge
swift passage of the SHIP IT Act in both chambers of Congress,” said Michael
Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association.
“Milk is a perishable commodity that needs to move quickly along the supply
chain from the farm to the consumer. The damages wrought by the COVID-19
pandemic and the supply chain snarls that followed have shown how important it
is to find safe, efficient means of transporting goods across the country. We
commend Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-CA) for their
bipartisan Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act.
This measure includes important provisions that will improve transportation
efficiency and sustainability within the U.S. dairy industry,” saidJim Mulhern,
National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO.
“Consumer Brands is grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Congressmen
Johnson and Costa in championing new legislation that will safely allow for less
empty miles driven, a more robust and well-trained trucking workforce and a
stronger national supply chain. The SHIP IT Act offers tangible solutions that
stand to immediately address pressing supply chain challenges. We call on
Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation and take meaningful steps to lower
consumer costs, enhance efficiency and support safety,” said Tom Madrecki, Vice
President of Supply Chain, Consumer Brands Association.
Background:
America is experiencing an 80,000-truck driver shortage, which has a negative
ripple effect for every part of the supply chain.
The median age of the truck driver in the industry is between 51- and 52-years
old.
There is one parking space available for every 11 semitrucks on the road—yet
there is a need for even more trucks to deliver freight.
The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP
IT) Act:
 Modernizes
the authority for certain vehicle waivers during emergencies, allowing waivers
in response to disease and supply chain emergencies
Allows truck drivers to apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
grants
Incentivizes new truck drivers to enter the workforce through targeted and
temporary tax credits
Streamlines the CDL process, making it easier for states and third parties to
administer CDL tests
Expands access to truck parking and rest facilities for commercial drivers
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