Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/925196
Logbook 12 | Overdrive | January 2018 A congresswoman has introduced legislation that would expand a pilot program that allows some 18- to 21-year-olds to drive trucks across state lines. U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) introduced the Waiving Hindrances to Economic Enterprise and Labor (WHEEL) Act, which would expand a pilot program that requires partic- ipants to be veterans or active-duty military service members and be- tween the ages of 18 and 21. Tenney said recruiting those who are eligible has been challenging, so the legislation would broaden the criteria for participation in the pilot program. Under current federal law, individuals in this age group may ob- tain a commercial driver's license, but they are prohibited from operating trucks across state lines. "We already allow qualified drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 to drive from Long Island to Buffalo without a problem, but prohibit them from crossing the George Washing- ton Bridge from Fort Lee, New Jersey into New York City," said Tenney. Chris Spear, president and chief executive officer of the American Trucking Associations, said Tenney's bill "is a critical step toward address- ing the trucking industry's growing driver shortage." Tenney's bill, which has seven cosponsors, has been referred to the House Committee on Transpor- tation and Infrastructure's Subcom- mittee on Highways and Transit. – David Hollis Bill would expand young driver program Drivers ages 18-21 currently can obtain a CDL in each of the 48 contiguous states, but they are prohibited from operating trucks across state lines. A Stevens Transport driver and retired 28-year U.S. Army veteran won the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes 2017 Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence award — and with it, a new Kenworth T680. Gregg Softy was recognized last month during a ceremony at the Chamber's Washington headquarters as part of the contest, which is sup- ported by Kenworth and Fastport. Softy, a native of Athens, Alabama, is a retired lieutenant colonel and was nominated for the award by Stevens Transport. The other finalists were: • Wayne Roy, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, U.S. Xpress; and • Daniel Shonebarger, U.S. Navy veteran, Melton Truck Lines, and the winner of Truckers News' Truck- ing's Top Rookie award. Roy and Shonebarger each re- ceived $10,000 for being finalists. – Overdrive Staff U.S. Army veteran Gregg Softy was named the winner of this year's Transition Trucking award. Stevens driver wins new T680 10 CALIFORNIA DMV employees and trucking school owners and employees were charged in a conspiracy involving fraudulent commercial driver's licenses. The scheme involved altering Depart- ment of Motor Vehicle records to show fraudulent passing scores for applicants who had not taken the test, along with trucking school owners who bribed DMV workers to alter the records. FMCSA RENEWED its Medical Review Board's charter for two more years. MRB is composed of five members from medical institutions and private practice who advise the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding medical standards for commercial drivers.