Feds launching teen truckers program amid supply chain crisis

The federal government is preparing to roll out a new apprenticeship program allowing some 18 to 20-year-olds to drive big rigs across state lines as part of efforts to address the ongoing supply chain crisis in the U.S.

Nearly every state in the union already allows 18 to 20-year-olds with commercial driver's licenses to drive semi-trucks within the confines of the state, but the new program mandated in Congress' bipartisan infrastructure package will allow up to 3,000 selected participants of that age group at any given time to haul loads beyond their home states. 

The program is being launched by the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and allows the younger truckers to conduct interstate hauls for 120-hour and 280-hour probationary periods under the supervision of an experienced driver along for the rides. Following the probationary periods the apprentices will be able to drive solo, but their employer must monitor their performance until they reach 21. 

No applicants will be accepted if they have violations on their record for either driving while impaired or causing an accident. Participating apprentices will not be allowed to transport passengers or hazardous materials, and they are also prohibited from operating special configuration vehicles during the program.