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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help address truck driver shortages, reduce supply chain disruptions, and lower costs for American families. The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act, which is co-led by U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18), would create targeted tax credits for truck drivers, including a refundable credit for current drivers and an enhanced credit for new drivers and individuals enrolled in registered trucking apprenticeship programs.
“Right now, we’re facing a serious shortage of truck drivers, and it’s putting pressure on Iowa families and our nation’s supply chains,” said Rep. Nunn. “We are experiencing both a recruitment and a retention problem in the trucking industry. This is a simple fix to help get more drivers behind the wheel – improving our supply chain and bringing down costs for every Iowan.”
Iowa has approximately 36,000–38,000 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This large workforce plays a key role in supporting Iowa’s agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics sectors — all critical to the state’s economy.
“Truck drivers keep the American economy moving forward. They work long, hard hours with little support to make sure that people across the country have everything that they need for daily life,” said Rep. Ryan. “It’s no wonder that job retention rates in the industry are declining. We have to be encouraging more people to sign up to drive and stay there, which is why providing incentives like this is so important. Keeping more skilled drivers on the road will also help combat supply chain issues, which jack up prices for American consumers. Passing this bill is a no-brainer: better conditions for the workers that drive us forward, more high-paying union jobs, and lower costs for families across the country.”
According to a report by the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry faces issues with recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining its workforce. In 2022, the shortage of qualified drivers reached 78,800 drivers. The number is expected to continue to rise in coming years without action.
“Helping more qualified drivers get behind the wheel is essential to ensuring our industry can continue to deliver the nation’s freight safely and efficiently,” said Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Association. “The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act will grow and retain our essential workforce by making rewarding, good-paying careers in trucking even more attractive while also providing tax relief for new drivers. We commend Reps. Pat Ryan and Zach Nunn for working to reduce barriers to one of the few professions that can provide a middle-class lifestyle without the time and expense of a four-year college degree.”
In 2024, Rep. Nunn secured $1 million for the Des Moines Area Community College Transportation Institute Education Center and an additional $1 million for the Indian Hills Community College Truck Driver Education Center in Ottumwa.
“Iowa’s trucking industry provides over 100,000 good-paying jobs and fulfills an essential role in our supply chain. Supporting our workforce is an investment in Iowa families and our economy,” said Brenda Neville, President and CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. “By easing the financial burden for new drivers, the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act will open the door of opportunity for more hardworking men and women who choose to embark on this career path. We applaud Congressman Zach Nunn for his leadership to remove roadblocks to driver training and help Iowans secure rewarding employment in the trucking sector. We appreciate having such a great champion for not only for Iowa’s trucking industry but the entire industry.”
The bipartisan Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act would create a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for current truck drivers who drive at least 1,900 hours a year. It also establishes an enhanced tax credit of $10,000 for new truck drivers and individuals in trucking apprenticeship programs.
The legislation is endorsed by the American Trucking Association, the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the Trucking Association of New York, International Foodservice Distributors Association, and the Teamsters.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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