🗣️ Trucking Testifies to Congress – But Will Washington Actually Listen?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro – Trucking Hit the Hill

Recently, some of the biggest voices in trucking rolled up to Capitol Hill to speak to a Senate subcommittee.

Topic?
The growing mess in the trucking industry — from busted infrastructure and labor shortages to freight volatility and policy nightmares.

It was the trucking version of going to the principal’s office… and politely asking not to get expelled from the economy.

But as any driver knows, talkin’ ain’t fixin’ — and Washington’s been talking for decades.

So what really went down in that testimony — and what does it mean for folks actually living it on the road?

What the Industry Told Congress

The leaders didn’t hold back. The testimony hit on:

• Freight Capacity Stress: With volatile demand and tight lanes, shippers and carriers are struggling to keep balance.
• Labor Shortages: The same “we need 80,000 more drivers” story we’ve heard for years — but now with higher turnover and lower entry interest.
• Infrastructure Fails: Bad roads, tight truck parking, and chokepoints that cost millions in lost time and fuel.
• Regulation Overload: ELDs, speed limiters, emissions, new driver tracking — stacking stress on small fleets and independent O/Os.
• Tech + AI: Rapid shifts in automation and freight tech that threaten to leave real drivers behind.

The panel nodded. Senators asked questions.
But behind the polite words? Drivers are wondering if anything will actually change.

What They Didn’t Say Out Loud

Here’s what mainstream media missed:

• Drivers are Burned Out – It’s not just about “recruiting new drivers.” It’s about why good ones are quitting.
• New Tech is Distracting from Old Problems – Fancy apps won’t fix the truck parking crisis or low detention pay.
• Rates Are Tanking – Small carriers are running cheap freight just to stay alive, while brokers and megas consolidate power.
• Regulation is Getting Political – From immigration and CDLs to environmental mandates, decisions are being made by folks who’ve never been in a cab.

The Senate heard from big names. But it’s unclear if they truly heard the people behind the wheel.

Multiple Viewpoints: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

• Fleet Execs: “We’re modernizing, but we need policy that supports safe, efficient operations.”
• Union Reps: “Protect drivers, not just profits.”
• Owner-Operators: “We’re left out of the conversation, but we haul the same freight.”
• Veteran Drivers: “Ain’t nothin’ new. Just more folks talkin’, fewer folks drivin’.”
• Politicians: “We value the trucking workforce”… until it’s time to vote on real change.

It’s a tug-of-war between efficiency, equity, and economics.
Guess which one wins most of the time?

The Industry’s Fight for Relevance

Make no mistake — trucking is essential. But we’re at a turning point.

• Big Tech’s coming for freight logistics
• Corporations are lobbying for automated trucks
• The media loves a good “driver shortage” headline

But who’s actually protecting the people who’ve been moving America all this time?

More drivers are realizing they can’t wait for D.C. to fix things.
They’re building their own exit plans, diversifying income, and planning for what happens if the industry never catches up.

The Bottom Line – Don't Wait on Washington

It’s good to see trucking make it into the halls of Congress.
But that doesn’t mean truckers are suddenly being heard.

Talk is cheap. Freight ain’t.
And fuel, time, and labor are getting more expensive while your pay and respect ain’t.

Whether change comes from D.C. or not, you need to protect yourself and your future.

Wanna Be in Control No Matter What Congress Does?

More drivers are learning how to make online income on the side — so when the freight slows or the policy shifts, they ain’t left scrambling.

It’s not just a backup plan.
It’s a freedom plan.

👉 Head over to OffDutyMoney.com
to start learning how to make money while you’re off duty or parked at a shipper.

Because politicians might forget you,
but your wallet never does. 💰

Stay informed. Stay mobile. Stay in the driver’s seat. 🚛