The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved a comprehensive package of bills aimed at enhancing the safety of transportation and mitigating supply chain challenges. This is a crucial step in ensuring smoother and more efficient operations for our country’s transportation system. Learn more about each bill below.
Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act
This new bill aims to address the shortage of safe truck parking spots on the nation’s roads. The legislation proposes a competitive grant program to fund truck parking projects across the country. The bill was previously introduced and passed in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure before lawmakers adjourned in January.
The need for more truck parking is critical as there is currently only one spot available for every 11 drivers on the road, forcing drivers to spend an estimated 56 minutes each day looking for a safe place to park. In fact, finding a parking space is the biggest issue facing drivers that is not related to their employer, according to a survey of more than 800 leased owner-operators and company drivers.
A report from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that 98% of drivers regularly experience difficulties finding safe parking, and nearly 70% have been forced to violate federal driving rules due to lack of parking options.
Reps. Mike Bost, Angie Craig, Daniel Meuser, Troy Nehls, Eric Swalwell, Nancy Mace, Pete Stauber, and Brian Babin introduced the bill, which has bipartisan support.
LICENSE Act
This bill, previously introduced last year, aims to make some important changes to the licensing and testing process for commercial drivers. The main goal is to improve the application process for CDLs and provide more flexibility for new drivers.
As part of this effort, the bill proposes making two DOT waivers permanent. The waivers have already been extended several times during the pandemic, with no evidence that they compromise safety.
Among other things, the waivers would allow skills test examiners to administer the CDL knowledge test and driving skills test to applicants from any state or training background.
The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, including LaHood, Cuellar, Johnson, Balderson, Costa, and Harder.
CARS Act
This bill provides a 10% weight tolerance for stinger-steered automobile transporters delivering heavier hybrid and electric cars, this legislation aims to reduce the number of trips made by heavy-duty trucks while staying under federal bridge weight limits. This means fewer miles traveled and less wear and tear on our roads.
Propelled by Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas), the bill ensures that transporters can make the most of each haul without exceeding weight limits.
Dry Bulk Weight Tolerance Act
The bill gives a 10% weight allowance for dry bulk carriers traveling at or below federal weight limits to compensate for the movement of cargo during transit. By allowing flexibility, this bill boosts the efficient transportation of dry bulk goods such as agricultural produce while avoiding any unnecessary penalties for shifting weight during braking or other standard events.
The bill was co-sponsored by Representative Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas) and Representative Salud Carbajal (D-California).
H.R. 3447
This bill seeks to provide a 2,000-pound weight exemption for hydrogen-powered vehicles, similar to what is currently allowed for battery-electric and natural gas-powered heavy-duty trucks. The goal is to promote cleaner fuel technology advancements and reduce harmful emissions, while ensuring fair and equal regulatory treatment for companies investing in such vehicles.
Source: CCJ Digital
