As truckers continue to track the progress of the highway bill, they should be aware of another bill on Capitol Hill that could affect small-business truck drivers who are qualified to haul loads for the Department of Defense.
Like the highway bill, the reauthorization of defense programs is currently in conference, meaning that House and Senate lawmakers have passed separate plans and are trying to negotiate final language that satisfies both chambers.
In any given year, the Department of Defense ships approximately 70,000 loads. Carriers and small businesses that haul them must meet strict criteria for safety and homeland security. Much of the criteria is based on technology that can be unaffordable for smaller carriers and owner/operators.