Arkansas Trucking Association

A Federal Reserve survey has found that the economy was rebounding in late February through early April. The new survey cites a range of factors, from vaccinations to the payments of up to $1,400 for individuals from President Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package.

Four Arkansas cities and their surrounding areas face demotion and possible economic repercussions if a proposed statistical change is adopted by the federal Office of Management & Budget.

The OMB received a recommendation to double the core population required for designation as a metropolitan statistical area from 50,000 to 100,000. If the population threshold is changed, current Arkansas MSAs that are based around Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff and Texarkana would be redesignated as micropolitan statistical areas.

ATA Applauds Cotton, Westerman for Supporting Bipartisan Trucking Bill

On March 10, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton and Congressman Bruce Westerman along with a group of bipartisan legislators introduced the DRIVE Safe Act. The Arkansas Trucking Association applauds Sen. Cotton and Rep. Westerman for their support of this bill that addresses the growing shortage of professional truck drivers by expanding job opportunities for younger members of the trucking workforce, while also strengthening safety training and technology safeguards for select candidates looking to participate in interstate commerce early in their careers. 

The DRIVE Safe Act addresses a federal regulation that prohibits commercial driver’s license holders under the age of 21 from crossing state lines. Barring safe, professional 18- to 20-year-olds from driving interstate only further exacerbates the significant truck driver shortage, which is expected to worsen as demand for freight transportation increases. Over the next decade, it’s projected that the trucking industry will need to hire an average of nearly 110,000 per year to keep up with demand.