Old North News

David Rouzer, a representative for North Carolina's 7th District, said that the Highways and Transit Subcommittee is working to address trucking industry challenges and strengthen local economies through the next transportation bill. The statement was made on X on March 26.

"We talked about the important role of trucking in moving goods and the challenges truckers face, such as worker shortages, regulations, and rising costs," said David Cheston Rouzer, U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 7th congressional district (R). "As we work on the transportation bill, we'll look for ways to support truckers, improve disaster response, and boost local economies. Thanks to the witnesses for sharing their insights with the committee."

According to the Federal Highway Administration, strategic updates are being evaluated to improve freight movement, address workforce challenges in transportation, and strengthen disaster preparedness. The United States faces key infrastructure policy decisions as Congress works toward reauthorizing surface transportation legislation. These efforts are expected to guide future federal investments in highways, transit networks, and logistics systems.

The American Trucking Associations’ updated report forecasts that the industry could face a shortage of over 82,000 drivers in 2024, with that number potentially reaching 160,000 by 2031 if current trends continue. Factors contributing to the shortage include an aging driver workforce, low retention rates, and regulatory and lifestyle challenges. The industry will need to hire nearly 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade to meet freight demands and replace retiring workers.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, trucks carry about two-thirds of all freight tonnage and over three-fourths of freight value in the United States. In 2020, trucks moved 12.5 billion tons of goods valued at $13.7 trillion. This underscores the trucking industry’s critical role in national commerce and supply chain operations.

Congressman Rouzer represents North Carolina’s 7th District and is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, and is also a member of the House Agriculture Committee. Before Congress, Rouzer served in the North Carolina Senate and worked as a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.