Bill Overview
Title: Keep on Trucking Act
Description: This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from prescribing requirements relating to maximum hours of service for drivers operating property-carrying commercial motor vehicles. Additionally, drivers operating a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle on behalf of a motor carrier shall be permitted at least 10 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period off duty when they inform the motor carrier that they need immediate rest.
Sponsors: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-18]
Target Audience
Population: Truck drivers worldwide
Estimated Size: 3500000
- The primary group affected are truck drivers, specifically those operating property-carrying commercial motor vehicles.
- There are approximately 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, according to the American Trucking Associations.
- Globally, there are millions more truck drivers, as trucking is a major component of the transportation industry worldwide.
- This bill's stipulations regarding hours of service apply directly to their working conditions.
- Other individuals who may be indirectly impacted by changes in trucking operations include logistics and supply chain workers, warehouse operators, and consumers who rely on transported goods.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects truck drivers, a population of about 3.5 million in the US alone, although not all will be directly impacted as some may have schedules already aligned with the proposed changes.
- The budget constraints suggest that resources may need to be allocated to monitor compliance and handle disputes arising from interpretations of 'when they need immediate rest.'
- Truck drivers frequently cite work-life balance, safety, and rest as critical factors affecting their wellbeing, so the policy's influence may enhance wellbeing for those who require rest flexibility.
- Populations indirectly affected may include logistics and supply chain companies that rely on trucking punctuality, due to potential changes in delivery times.
Simulated Interviews
Truck Driver (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will help me take rest when I need it, improving my safety.
- I worry about potential pressure to keep driving without the regulations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Truck Driver (California)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This sounds great, as sometimes I really need an extra hour or two to rest, without worrying about fines or penalties.
- More freedom to decide my brakes is better for my family and me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Georgia)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The flexibility is nice, but I hope it doesn't clash with delivery deadlines.
- I trust the company to manage operations to support this need for rest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Truck Driver (Pennsylvania)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've never needed regulations to tell me when to rest, but this might help younger drivers.
- My established routine worked well already.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Logistics Manager (Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy is beneficial for drivers, it may complicate logistics and affect schedules by causing delays.
- It could increase stress in managing driver schedules around unforeseen rest needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Warehouse Operator (Illinois)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Unpredictable rest periods for drivers could impact my job, hoping for minimal disruption in delivery schedules.
- Aware that driver safety should come first.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Truck Driver Rookie (Minnesota)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This provides a sense of security starting in the industry, knowing I can rest as needed without penalty.
- It improves outlook on longevity and safety in my career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retail Store Owner (Florida)
Age: 48 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not directly affected but concerned about potential hiccups in stock deliveries impacting business.
- Empathetic to driver's needs but hopes for minimal disruption.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Supply Chain Analyst (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Buttoning up against potential delays under this policy and benchmarking best practices for integrating rest policies.
- Management might need to educate clients about possible delays.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Colorado)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy might ease some family stress by allowing for safer rest periods, but I worry about missing windows for deliveries.
- Companies would need to adapt logistics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $310000000, High: $710000000)
Year 3: $520000000 (Low: $320000000, High: $720000000)
Year 5: $540000000 (Low: $340000000, High: $740000000)
Year 10: $570000000 (Low: $370000000, High: $770000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $1300000000)
Key Considerations
- The potential impact on road safety and accident rates is significant and could influence indirect costs considerably.
- Driver health and welfare are crucial in assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy changes.
- Logistics and supply chain dynamics may shift with increased flexibility in trucking operations.