Bill would let 18-year-olds haul imported goods on in-state routes

What does this do?

Federal law currently requires commercial truck drivers in interstate transportation to be at least 21 years old. Trucks carrying imported goods from a port to another in-state location have been treated as interstate transportation, blocking drivers aged 18 to 20 from those routes. HR 6691 would reclassify that port-to-in-state movement as non-interstate for commercial driver's license purposes, allowing drivers as young as 18 with a valid state commercial license to legally operate on those routes.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects commercial truck drivers aged 18 to 20 and trucking companies operating near ports. Businesses that receive imported goods and ports handling large cargo volumes, such as seaports and land border crossings, would also be impacted.

Why does it matter?

Extending driving eligibility to younger drivers on these routes could affect the overall commercial driver workforce near ports. Supporters link the change to addressing truck driver shortages, while critics have raised safety concerns about younger drivers on commercial routes.

Where does it stand?