Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act or the SHIP IT Act This bill expands programs and special permits for trucks and truck drivers. Specifically, a state may issue a special permit for certain overweight vehicles based on a Presidential major disaster declaration or a Department of Transportation (DOT) declaration (1) of an emergency (including non-natural or financial), or (2) that the United States supply chain is having issues. Currently, a state may issue a special permit only based on a Presidential major disaster declaration. DOT must also, subject to the availability of funds, award competitive grants to construct or improve commercial vehicle parking facilities. Under the bill, the Department of Labor must provide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants for entry level commercial motor vehicle driver training. The bill also establishes a limited tax credit, adjusted annually based on inflation, for eligible commercial driver's license holders. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must revise certain regulations related to commercial driver's license testing and permits, including to allow a third-party examiner to administer commercial driver's license tests. DOT must also establish a pilot program allowing states to issue permits for qualifying vehicles with six axles or more operating at greater than 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on a state's Interstate System. (Generally, the federal commercial vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds, with some exceptions.) The bill also exempts the battery weight from the gross vehicle weight for certain commercial motor vehicles powered primarily by electric battery power. Finally, existing driving time exemptions are expanded for truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies within a 150-mile radius.
The bill's impact is significant as it amends title 23 of the United States Code to include provisions for increasing parking facilities for commercial vehicles, which have been a longstanding concern among industry stakeholders. Appropriations are authorized for expanding commercial vehicle parking capabilities, ensuring that truck drivers have access to safe rest areas. With an intended investment of up to $200 million over several years, this measure is expected to alleviate current shortages in commercial vehicle parking and improve overall highway safety. It also encourages the development of facilities that not only accommodate but enhance the working conditions of commercial motor vehicle operators.
House Bill 471, known as the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act, focuses on enhancing the safety and efficiency of interstate trucking through several key provisions. It allows states to issue special permits for overweight vehicles during emergencies declared by the President or the Department of Transportation, expanding upon existing limitations that only permitted such actions during major disasters. This flexibility aims to help facilitate the movement of freight during supply chain disruptions, ensuring that essential goods can reach their destinations without unnecessary delays.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 471 include the debate on regulatory oversight and the balance between facilitating efficient trucking operations versus ensuring highway safety and environmental considerations. The expansion of vehicle weight allowances could raise concerns regarding road wear and safety standards. Additionally, as states gain the authority to administer licenses and tests for commercial drivers including third-party examiners, there are discussions about maintaining the quality and safety of driver education and training, particularly in light of the introduction of new allowances for electric vehicles and the adjustment of regulations to encompass these changes effectively.