ARLINGTON, VA — National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer recently issued a statement regarding the re-introduction of the Develop Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Safe Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In his statement, Byer said, “The coronavirus pandemic has worsened America’s severe truck driver shortage and is threatening to undermine America’s supply chains when we need them most. Driver availability is at an all-time low, and it’s clear that action is needed to reduce barriers to entering the trucking industry.

“NACD applauds Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) for his leadership in recognizing the importance of finding solutions to this crisis by re-introducing the DRIVE-Safe Act. This legislation will help address America’s severe truck driver shortage by lowering the interstate commercial driving age to 18 and creating pathways to employment for a new segment of the workforce.

“We urge the House 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.”

Learn more about NACD at www.NACD.com.