GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (RFD-TV) — A new bill in Congress aims to lower the minimum age for commercial truck drivers to 18, a move supporters say could help attract a new generation to the industry. But not everyone agrees that it’s the right approach.
Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss the proposal and share the association’s perspective on the issue.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Pugh explained that while proponents cite a driver shortage, OOIDA views the problem as more of a retention issue rather than a lack of available drivers. He emphasized that many truckers leave the profession due to low pay, poor working conditions, and extended time away from home—factors that younger drivers would also face.
Pugh also expressed safety concerns, noting that allowing 18-year-olds to drive across state lines could increase the risk of accidents due to the experience required to handle commercial vehicles safely.
Before wrapping up, Pugh addressed the recent announcement from former President Trump of a 25 percent tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks, explaining that the measure is expected to impact pickup and vocational truck imports more significantly than long-haul commercial carriers.
