ARLINGTON, VA — The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President Eric R. Byer issued a statement regarding the Senate introduction of the Develop Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Safe Act (S. 3352).

“The U.S. is facing a truck driver shortage that is having serious negative impacts on our economy. If this shortage is not addressed, we will continue to see increased costs for carriers, shippers and the businesses like chemical distributors that rely on them, as well as higher prices for consumers. The DRIVE Safe Act can help ease this problem by lowering the interstate commercial driving age to 18, opening jobs to a new segment of the workforce while strengthening safety training programs.

 “NACD applauds Senate introduction of the DRIVE Safe Act. We thank Senators Todd Young, Jerry Moran and James Inhofe for showing their commitment to addressing this crisis by sponsoring this important legislation. We now urge the full Senate to move quickly in passing the DRIVE Safe Act to ensure our nation’s trucking workforce is able to effectively and efficiently conduct commerce across the country.”