The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is urging Congress to pass comprehensive legislation that would ensure the trucking supply chain continues to operate smoothly and without interruption.
"The SHIP IT Act is a comprehensive approach to reforming our trucking system in the United States," said David Ross, manager of government affairs of the AF&PA. "AF&PA is proud to support this forward-thinking legislation that will make key adjustments to the trucking supply chain."
On Jan. 24, U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.) introduced the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act. It aims to address the nation's truck driver shortage by offering incentives to recruit and retain drivers, adding flexibility for emergencies, and increasing shipping capacity, according to a news release.
Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.).
| Jim Costa/Twitter
The bill will also enable commercial drivers to have access to more rest facilities and parking spaces.
“Americans experienced a slew of freight disruptions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said. “Last year we addressed ocean shipping reform, and it’s clear that updates are needed for other parts of the supply chain. The SHIP IT Act will bridge gaps, keep costs down for consumers and make it easier for shippers to move products across the U.S.”
Approximately 71% of goods and products in the U.S. move through the country by trucks, Forbes reported. A shortage of truck drivers caused by the pandemic meant that even when goods were delivered to U.S. ports and unpacked from shipping containers, significant delays in moving those goods resulted in empty shelves in stores.
The American Trucking Associations predicted last year that the country will see a shortage of 160,000 truck drivers by 2030.
"Over the last few years, the forest products industry has seen the price of moving raw materials to mills and final products to customers continue to rise," Ross said. "This bill would help ease supply chain challenges by expanding truck parking capacity, helping the truck driver shortage by expanding the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant eligibility to those wishing to get a commercial driver's license (CDL) and streamlining the process of receiving this license by allowing individuals to go over state lines.
"The bill would improve truck driver retention and long-term road and bridge resiliency by providing a $7,500 tax credit to eligible truckers," he added. "Also creating a pilot program that would allow states to opt in to increase the gross vehicle weight limit allowed on federal highways, from 80,000 pounds on five axles to 91,000 pounds on sixaxles, which is federal bridge formula compliant, and axle weights limits to protect bridges and pavements and adds an extra set of brakes."
The supply chain delays caused by a shortage of truck drivers also contributed to the record-high inflation the country experienced last year, All Things Supply Chains reported. The blog post suggested that one way to address the shortage of drivers is offering incentives such as bonuses to attract more workers to the industry and offering lifestyle incentives to retain drivers.
"Like all sectors of the economy, papermakers have dealt with challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic," Ross said. "These include global and domestic supply chain issues, such as last year’s potential rail strike, ocean freight bottlenecks and limited truck availability. Nevertheless, the pulp and paper industry has stood resilient, strong, and ready to deliver sustainable and essential paper products that millions of Americans use every day."
According to Ross, the SHIP IT Act will address many issues the trucking industry faces.
"Reliable transportation helps deliver our essential products reaching their destination. We urge Congress to pass the SHIP IT Act," Ross said. "Transportation networks support U.S. manufacturing, including the forest products industry. This is an industry that accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states, including many small towns and rural communities."
The AF&PA represents companies across the nation that produce goods such as paper towels, boxes, notebook paper and lumber, according to its website. The organization says it is dedicated to safety and sustainability.
