Ceasing Age-Based Trucking Restrictions Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6691

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Last Updated

2026-06-03T08:06:04Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill aims to clarify that transporting goods from a port of entry (like a seaport or border crossing) to another location within the same state does not count as "interstate transportation" under federal rules for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). This could exempt such trips from stricter federal requirements, even if the goods originally came from outside the state or country. The short title, "Ceasing Age-Based Trucking Restrictions Act," suggests an intent to reduce certain federal limits, such as minimum age rules for drivers, on these specific routes.

Key Provisions

• New Legal Definition: Adds Section 31318 to Chapter 313 of Title 49, United States Code (which covers commercial motor vehicle safety and CDL requirements). This section states that moving goods by commercial motor vehicle from a port of entry to another spot in the same state—as part of trade or traffic starting outside the state or U.S.—is not considered "interstate transportation" for CDL-related rules.
• Table of Contents Update: Amends the chapter's outline to include the new section for organizational purposes.
• Scope: Applies specifically to commercial motor vehicles (trucks used for business) and focuses on CDL requirements under this chapter, such as licensing, testing, and safety standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Reclassification of Transport: Under current law, transport involving goods from out-of-state or foreign sources might be treated as interstate commerce, triggering federal oversight (e.g., by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA). This bill shifts such same-state port hauls to intrastate status, removing them from federal CDL interstate regulations.
• No Broader Revisions: Does not alter other parts of Title 49 or non-CDL rules; it's a targeted addition to exempt specific scenarios from interstate classification.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and FMCSA may see reduced enforcement needs for these routes, potentially lowering administrative costs. State agencies, like departments of motor vehicles (DMVs), could handle more licensing independently without federal interstate mandates.
• On Citizens: Truck drivers could face fewer federal barriers, such as age minimums (e.g., interstate rules often require drivers to be 21, while intrastate may allow 18), making jobs more accessible, especially for younger workers near ports. However, safety standards might vary by state, possibly affecting road safety.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it could streamline U.S. port logistics for imported goods, indirectly benefiting trade with countries by speeding up domestic distribution without added federal red tape.
• Broader Economy: May ease supply chain bottlenecks at ports by allowing more flexible trucking operations, potentially lowering costs for businesses handling imports.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Trucking Industry and Drivers: Commercial truckers and companies operating near ports (e.g., in states like California, Texas, or Florida with major ports) benefit from exemptions, possibly expanding job opportunities and reducing compliance burdens.
• Port Operators and Importers/Exporters: Businesses reliant on quick same-state delivery of goods could see faster, cheaper transport.
• State Governments: Gain more control over local trucking rules, but may need to align with federal safety baselines.
• Safety Advocates and Unions: Could raise concerns if reduced federal oversight leads to less uniform driver qualifications.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Clarifies the boundary between interstate (federal jurisdiction) and intrastate (state jurisdiction) commerce under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, potentially reducing legal disputes over port-related hauls. It aligns with precedents treating purely intrastate legs of interstate journeys as local.
• Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated, as it respects federalism by deferring more authority to states without overriding core safety laws.
• Political: Represents deregulation in transportation, appealing to pro-business interests aiming to address labor shortages in trucking (e.g., via age flexibility). Critics might argue it prioritizes efficiency over safety, sparking debates in Congress on balancing trade needs with driver standards. As an introduced bill (H.R. 6691, 119th Congress), it requires committee approval and votes to become law.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
• 2025-12-12: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-12-12: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Ceasing Age-Based Trucking Restrictions Act — issued 2025-12-12 — PDF (2 pages)