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Recent years have discovered issues with the supply chain in the trucking industry. In order to keep the nation moving, officials are seeking solutions that were previously dismissed. Specifically, a new proposal would allow younger commercial drivers to cross state lines.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking to allow drivers under the age of 21 to participate in interstate trucking. The proposal comes with stipulations, but could the younger driver population pose a risk to the transportation industry?
Consideration for younger drivers
The proposal to allow younger drivers to travel further comes with a carefully considered safety risk attached. Still, industry owners may be hesitant to get on board. After all, one aspect of driver management is putting safe drivers on the road.
Things to consider may include:
- Accident Rate: Do new drivers pose a greater risk of accidents than older drivers? There are statistics to consider about what age demographic poses the greatest risk for collisions.
- Higher Labor Costs: Under the proposal, the younger drivers will require a certain number of apprentice hours. Operating two drivers out of one truck may be a consideration.
- Demographic Risks: While allowing younger drivers could result in a stronger workforce, the 18-25 age demographic has always had higher risks. Insurance breaks kick in at 25 years old, which is one consideration to factor in.
While the proposal could result in fewer job vacancies, there are still aspects to consider if you’re the owner of a trucking company. You want to safely meet the demand and alleviate risks to your business. Learning more about transportation industry regulations and laws may help protect your business from legal ramifications as new policies come into play. Contact us to see how we can help.