09/19/2023

Commercial Explosives Industry Applauds Legislation to Incentivize Hiring and Retaining CDL Drivers

IME Urges Amendment to Include Class B Drivers for HazMat

WASHINGTON – Today, the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) sent a letter to Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) in support of their bipartisan legislation that would offer tax incentives for companies to hire individuals and retain employees who qualify for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).

The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act (H.R. 2450) would provide a $7,500 tax credit for each qualified licensed commercial truck driver and up to $10,000 in tax credits to each individual registered in a trucking apprenticeship.

“Congress passing this bill would be a tremendous step forward in helping to ensure the commercial explosives industry can attract and retain qualified CDL drivers to safely and securely keep our supply chain moving,” said IME President Clark Mica.

In addition to supporting the legislation, IME urged the bill sponsors to amend the legislation by adding Class B drivers to those eligible for the tax incentives. Class B drivers are specially trained and certified to transport hazardous materials – which includes commercial explosives. The legislation as introduced only allows for drivers with Class A CDLs to be available for the tax incentives.

“Like other industries, transportation-induced disruptions to the supply chain can lead not only to challenges within our industry, but also delays in significant infrastructure projects like those authorized as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, due to the inability to move our products in a timely fashion,” Mica wrote in the letter.  “These delays can lead to increased project costs and can even create potential safety hazards. By ensuring a strong and qualified trucking workforce, we can help to promote economic growth and national security.”