On September 26, a bipartisan group of House members reintroduced the DRIVE Safe Act. If enacted, the proposed legislation would make the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) program, which allowed commercial driver’s license (CDL)-holders aged 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles across state lines, permanent. The bill includes 120- and 280-hour probationary periods, with at least 80 and 160 hours dedicated to driving a commercial motor vehicle, respectively. Throughout the program, apprentices must be accompanied by an experienced driver who is at least 26 years old and has a minimum of two years of commercial driving experience.

IFDA strongly supports the passage of the DRIVE Safe Act because it addresses our nation’s truck driver shortage and ongoing supply chain issues. If enacted, it can help create a pipeline of well-equipped professional drivers to safely and efficiently deliver ingredients and supplies to more than 1 million professional kitchens that serve America’s communities every day. IFDA is quoted in lead sponsor Rep. Rick Crawford’s (R-AR-01) press release supporting the bill.

Write your representative in Congress and ask them to co-sponsor the DRIVE Safe Act!