A bill was just recently introduced into Congress this past week that could allow drivers as young as age 18 to drive commercial trucks across state lines. If the bill passes, it would require that contiguous states join together and form “compacts” to lower the current age limit to 18 for interstate routes. However, there is no limit to the number of states that can join compacts, so potentially the entire US could have its age limit lowered.
This change is in response to the recent shortage of drivers for the freight industry. Previously, 18-year-old drivers were allowed to drive within states, but a driver had to be 21 or older to be able to cross state lines. This limited the industry in its ability to transport cargo between states, but lowering the age limit would allow for more recruits. However, the bill would place certain restrictions on young drivers, such as preventing them from transporting hazardous material or driving oversized or overweight loads.
TBS Factoring Service has been helping trucking companies remain profitable and successful for decades. With the trucking industry undergoing such drastic changes, it is important to keep other aspects of business in line. With our bookkeeping, insurance offerings, and freight factoring services, we can help independent trucking companies and drivers keep their finances straight in a changing industry. Call us at (800) 207-7661 today for more information.