Torrissi Sponsors Legislation to Promote Opportunities for Young People in the Trucking Industry

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, Jr. (R-Hammonton) has become the co-lead sponsor of a bill to expand workforce opportunities for young people in the commercial trucking industry as many motor carriers struggle to attract new drivers to meet the rising demand for goods.

A-3315, sponsored by Torrissi and his colleague Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight (D-Jersey City), would task the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with establishing a program to increase the number of young drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state. Torrissi says the young driver program would bring more attention to careers in the industry, while allowing government and industry stakeholders to collaborate on issues relating to training, insurance, and driver retention.

“It’s more important than ever that we promote workforce opportunities for young people that pay well and don’t require a four-year college degree,” said Assemblyman Torrissi, himself a CDL holder. “This bill will bring government into the ongoing industry dialogue and help promote trucking as a viable career path for New Jerseyans from all walks of life.”

Their proposal comes on the heels of legislative and regulatory action at the federal level to promote workforce development in the trucking industry. This includes the establishment of a federal apprenticeship program allowing drivers between the ages of 18-20 with an intrastate CDL to operate in interstate commerce under very specific conditions.

The bill has currently been referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee where it awaits further action.