By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA
New York Governor Katy Hochul recently signed in to law legislation paving the way for a Young Adult Commercial Driver’s License Class A program for 18-20 year olds. New York is the last state to require intrastate CDL drivers to be 21. The bill was spearheaded by NY Senator Tim Kennedy, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and NY Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Agriculture Committee. “New York’s trucking industry is central to our state’s economy, ensuring that products make it to market in a timely manner,” said Lupardo. “This legislation will help address the shortage of truck drivers by attracting younger drivers, at a time when many are in the process of choosing their careers.”
The American Transportation Research institute believes that trucking makes up 3.7% of jobs in New York State. However, as the workforce continues to age, it is believed that nearly one million new drivers will be needed within a decade. By allowing eighteen to twenty year olds an opportunity to acquire a Class A CDL license instead of a Class B license, it is hoped to reinvigorate interest in the industry among a new generation.
According to the Trucking Association of NY (TANY), “The legislation was a priority issue for TANY during the 2021 legislative session and a critical piece of our workforce development initiative. As we continue to focus on encouraging high school students to consider careers in the trucking industry, it was imperative that they have the opportunity to obtain their Class A CDL prior to the age of 21. To address safety concerns regarding younger drivers operating large commercial vehicles, the legislation provides for training that closely mirrors the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's entry-level driver training requirements and requires a minimum of three-hundred (300) hours of behind-the-wheel training under the immediate supervision and control of an experienced driver.” Details of the federal entry level driver training program can be found here.
Senator Tim Kennedy, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee said, "As New York and our nation build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic, we know employers are struggling to fill positions. For the trucking industry, this problem is compounded by the short supply of commercial truck drivers that has weighed heavily on our nation's economy and supply chains for decades. This legislation will directly address that shortage, while simultaneously opening up opportunities for younger New Yorkers entering the workforce and preparing our labor pool for additional advancement under the federal infrastructure bill.”
Kendra Hems, President of TANY, added, “On behalf of the members of the Trucking Association of New York, we thank Assemblywoman Lupardo and Senator Kennedy for their leadership on this important workforce development issue. We applaud them for sponsoring this critical legislation that will create more jobs and help alleviate a national truck driver shortage. For years our industry lost highly qualified individuals because we’ve not been unable to hire anyone under the age of 21. This legislation will change that by providing those under 21 with the opportunity to enter the trucking industry and get the skilled training they need under the supervision of highly qualified professionals.”