Particularly since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, numerous truckers have voiced instances where they were refused restroom access while waiting at shipping or receiving facilities.

In response to this pressing issue, the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, HR3869, seeks to stop this issue and provide professional drivers with access to the facilities they need and deserve.

Sponsored by Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, the bill advocates for a straightforward solution: requiring shipping and receiving facilities with accessible restrooms for employees and customers to extend the same privilege to truck drivers during the delivery or pickup process. Importantly, this legislation does not mandate the construction of new restroom facilities.

Recently, the Trucker Bathroom Access Act gained traction with its seventh co-sponsor, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., who pledged his support on May 17. Joining him in sponsoring this bipartisan initiative are representatives including Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., Jefferson Van Drew, R-N.J., Brian Babin, R-Texas, Tracey Mann, R-Kan., Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., and Chris Pappas, D-N.H.

“Truckers are this nation’s backbone, and we owe them for the tireless contributions they continue to make to keep our country moving,” Nehls.

Notably, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) stands firmly behind this bill. Last year, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh testified about this issue during a House hearing.

“I never thought we’d be sitting here in the House of the Congress of the greatest nation in the world talking about giving people the right to use the restroom when they’re trying to do their job,” Pugh said. “But, unfortunately, I guess that’s the way we’ve gotten in society.”

OOIDA urges its members to reach out to their respective lawmakers and advocate for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act’s support. People who want to support this effort can take action by visiting FightingForTruckers.com.

Source: Land Line

The post Efforts to Provide Truck Drivers with Basic Necessities, like Restroom Access, Continue appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Last week, Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., joined as a co-sponsor of the Trucker Bathroom Access Act (HR3869), originally introduced by Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas. This bill mandates that shipper and receiver facilities with accessible restrooms for customers and employees extend the same access to truck drivers during deliveries or pickups, without necessitating new restroom construction.

Pappas’ endorsement brings the total co-sponsors to six, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Despite shared agreement on the issue, securing co-sponsors has been a gradual process. Nehls initially introduced the bill in the previous Congressional session and reintroduced it last June.

Instances of truck drivers being denied restroom access surged at the onset of the pandemic in 2020, with many facilities maintaining restrictions since then. Nehls has labeled the act a “no-brainer” due to its zero cost to businesses. However, he noted during a House hearing last year that certain lobbyists had attempted to thwart the bill’s progress.

“I just want to put on the record to all the lobbyists and trade associations that are trying to sink this bill, ‘I really don’t care what you think on this issue,’” Nehls said. “Just imagine if Congress banned lobbyists from using restrooms as you wait outside these committee rooms or offices. Imagine if you were told – all you lobbyists – ‘Go outside and find a tree.  Go find a fire hydrant. Go outside and relieve yourself, because we’re not going to let you do it in here.’ How long do you think that would last? What do we want to do, treat our truckers like cats and dogs?”

Several trucking organizations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the Women in Trucking Association, and the American Trucking Associations, endorse the Trucker Bathroom Access Act.

“If a business provides restroom access to customers or employees, they should provide the same access to truck drivers who are loading or unloading cargo at the business,” OOIDA wrote.

Truckers are urged to visit OOIDA’s Fighting For Truckers website to rally support from their lawmakers.

Source: Land Line

The post Sponsors, Support Given to Trucker Bathroom Access Act appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.