The Battle Over the Next Highway Bill: Trucking Industry at a Crossroads
As Congress gears up to reauthorize the next surface transportation bill, the trucking industry finds itself at the center of a heated policy debate. Nearly 2,800 organizations, drivers, and advocacy groups have weighed in with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), offering drastically different visions for the future of freight. From the push for bigger trucks to questions about automation, driver training, and safety oversight, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Supply Chain Advocates Push Safety and Workforce Protections One influential supply chain organization has submitted a list of priorities that focus on driver safety and protecting the workforce. Their recommendations emphasize: Preserving Hours of Service (HOS) protections. They oppose weakening these federal fatigue-prevention standards or allowing states to opt out. Strong guardrails for autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment. They want legislation requiring stricter ...