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SAN DIEGO — The nation’s top transportation officer celebrated the contributions of the millions of commercial drivers who are engaged in advancing the country’s economy.
Speaking at American Trucking Associations’ 2022 Management Conference & Exhibition, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted the role of the women and men who work as truckers, and pledged to improve their ability to perform their jobs.
The secretary insisted the Biden administration is committed to ensuring the commercial transportation workforce remains central to the viability of freight corridors.
“I’m here with a purpose,” Buttigieg told a forum of several thousand in attendance on Oct. 25. “And the purpose is to express our administration’s understanding that trucking is absolutely vital to the supply chains that are the backbone of the American economy.” During his address, the secretary wore an “I [Love] Trucks” pin on his lapel. Stakeholders in the audience cheered Buttigieg’s message.
Implementing provisions in the $1 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Joe Biden signed last November, have potential for enhancing roadways used by truckers, Buttigieg argued.
Good afternoon, San Diego!
Glad to be back on the west coast to hear directly from truck drivers and owners on how infrastructure investments are making a difference for them on the job. pic.twitter.com/tTus7N1e8r
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) October 25, 2022
The IIJA is dedicating billions of dollars for infrastructure projects, as well as advancing recruitment and retention programs designed to respond to the industry’s driver shortage. “We are looking at a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen this industry,” Buttigieg said, referring to the infrastructure law.
“Supporting trucking is not just a priority for me, it’s at the heart of two central priorities for President Biden: Addressing supply chain disruptions so we can lower costs to families – a vital part of the fight against inflation and insisting that workers get the pay and the respect that they deserve,” he added.
Specifically to the workforce, a Women of Trucking Advisory Board, which the IIJA approved, is scheduled to host its initial meeting next month. The board is tasked with paving the way for increasing the number of women in trucking jobs. Earlier in the day, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello announced the industry is now short approximately 78,000 drivers, down slightly from last year’s estimate of 80,000.
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