For the first time, trucking now has a dedicated caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has formally launched the Congressional Trucking Caucus, creating a space on Capitol Hill focused entirely on trucking-related policy, safety concerns, and the long-term health of the industry.
A congressional caucus is a group of legislators who come together around shared priorities and objectives. In this case, the focus is on trucking.
According to a letter filed on Dec. 12 to register the caucus, the group will be “dedicated to issues related to the trucking industry and the policies that promote integrity, safety, and the growth of our nation’s trucking economy.”
Who is leading the Congressional Trucking Caucus?
The caucus is being co-chaired by a mix of Republican and Democratic representatives from across the country. Those lawmakers include Reps. Dave Taylor of Ohio, Shomari Figures of Alabama, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Pat Harrigan of North Carolina, Doug LaMalfa of California, and Mary Miller of Illinois.
Organizers say the caucus is intended not only to address legislation that affects trucking but also to serve as an educational resource for members of Congress who may not have direct experience with the industry.
Why lawmakers say the caucus is needed
Rep. Dave Taylor pointed to both the size of the trucking industry and recent safety concerns as reasons for launching the caucus.
“Generating nearly $906 billion in revenue in 2024, America’s trucking industry powers our economy by creating 8.4 million jobs and securing American supply chains,” Taylor said. “After several tragic accidents occurred recently because of CDL drivers who could not read the road signs, it’s evident that change is needed to protect American lives on the road. I’m proud to launch the Congressional Trucking Caucus alongside my colleagues to create a forum for discussing policy solutions to keep all drivers safe on American roads, support hardworking truck drivers, and ensure the accessibility of reliable transportation across our Nation.”
Supporters say the caucus gives lawmakers a formal venue to discuss safety standards, workforce issues, and policies that impact carriers and drivers nationwide.
Industry groups back the new caucus.
The launch of the Congressional Trucking Caucus has already drawn support from major trucking organizations, including the American Trucking Associations, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, and the Truckload Carriers Association.
Henry Hanscom, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the American Trucking Associations, emphasized the role trucking plays in everyday life and the importance of having informed lawmakers involved.
“America’s trucking industry is essential to our economy, our national security, and our way of life. Over 8.4 million hardworking Americans deliver more than three-quarters of the nation’s freight, and 80 percent of communities rely solely on trucks to receive their goods,” Hanscom said. “The American Trucking Associations commends Reps. Taylor and Figures for forming this bipartisan caucus that will prioritize issues important to truckers. We look forward to working with them to expand the Congressional Trucking Caucus’ size and influence on Capitol Hill and to advance legislation that will help keep our industry strong for the long haul.”
What this could mean for drivers and carriers
While the caucus does not create new laws on its own, it establishes trucking as a dedicated policy focus within Congress. For drivers and carriers, that could mean more informed discussions around safety, workforce standards, and regulatory decisions that affect day-to-day operations.
By bringing trucking issues into a formal bipartisan forum, supporters believe the caucus can help ensure the industry’s voice is heard as transportation policy continues to evolve.
As the caucus grows and attracts more members, industry groups say they plan to stay engaged and provide input on issues that matter most to the people moving freight every day.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
