Congress Wants to Relaunch That Under-21 Trucker Program – Again?!

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro – Back from the Dead… But Should It Be?

Here we go again.

Congress just introduced a bill to relaunch the under-21 truck driver apprenticeship program, the same one that’s been dragging like a trailer full of wet cardboard. The goal? Let 18-to-20-year-olds haul freight across state lines — with restrictions, of course — all in the name of “fixing the driver shortage.”

But here’s the question every trucker’s asking:
If it flopped the first time, why are they bringing it back?

Let’s break it down Diesel-style — what this really means for the industry, the rookies, and the OGs out here already grinding.

What Is This Program, Anyway?

So here’s the quick backstory:

This Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAPP) was first rolled out as part of a 2021 infrastructure law.

It aimed to let CDL holders under 21 haul interstate freight — something they currently can’t do under federal law.

The deal included heavy supervision, extra training, tech monitoring, and a whole list of “safety” boxes to check.

Sounds structured, right? Except…
It barely got rolling. After two years, fewer than a handful of carriers and drivers even signed up. Straight-up flop.

Now, Congress wants to revive it, rebrand it, and push it again — with some tweaks.

Why It Flopped the First Time

Let’s be real: truckers saw through this from the start.

Here’s what went wrong:

Insurance nightmares – No one wants to insure an 18-year-old hauling 80,000 pounds at highway speed.

Too much red tape – Carriers didn’t want to jump through all the compliance hoops.

Low trust from experienced drivers – Most vets felt this was a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Young folks weren’t flocking to it – Turns out, Gen Z ain’t lining up to live in a sleeper for 3 weeks at a time.

Now Congress thinks a re-launch — with a little polish — will magically fix it.

Who’s Pushing for This?

Supporters include:

Large carrier groups and lobbyists who want a bigger driver pool (translation: cheaper labor).

Lawmakers trying to “solve” the driver shortage without fixing the real issues (pay, treatment, parking, etc.).

Some tech-forward carriers who think cameras and training software can make 19-year-olds road-ready.

But let’s call it what it is — a move to bring in younger, cheaper labor into an industry already bleeding experienced drivers.

Truckers Aren’t Having It (And For Good Reason)

Ask any driver at a truck stop how they feel about this and you’ll hear:

“Fix what’s broken before adding rookies.”

“This job’s hard enough when you’re 30 and focused.”

“They don’t even want to fix parking, but they want teens out here in a storm?”

Let’s be clear — this isn’t about hating on young drivers. There are plenty of 19-year-olds with great work ethic.
But trucking is a beast. It’s not just backing into docks and hitting cruise control. It’s mental pressure, time management, fatigue, and real-life danger.

The Industry Needs New Blood — But This Ain’t It

Here’s what would actually help:

Better pay and benefits for ALL drivers

More respect and flexibility on the job

Improved parking, training, and support

Recruitment from career schools and military programs with real mentorship

You don’t fix turnover and burnout by adding younger drivers who aren’t fully ready.
You fix it by making the job worth staying in.

Bottom Line – Another Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound

Congress relaunching the under-21 apprenticeship program feels like déjà vu. The first version barely got off the lot, and nothing’s changed since.

It’s a flashy idea on paper. But in reality?
It solves none of the root problems — and risks adding more chaos to an already broken system.

Instead of rebooting a failed experiment, how about fixing what’s chasing drivers out of the industry in the first place?

Call to Action – Don’t Rely on DC to Save You

Waiting on lawmakers to “save” trucking is like waiting on dispatch to finally be on your side — you’ll be waiting forever.

👉 Start building income off the road, while you’re still trucking. Learn how AI and content creation are helping drivers build freedom at OffDutyMoney.com

👉 Want to help new drivers without sugarcoating it? Point them to LifeAsATrucker.com
— real talk, from real drivers.

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