Could Short Term Moves Help Ease Supply Chain Challenges?

While industry observers say there is no quick fix to the supply chain chaos that continues to confound consumers businesses alike, they say they would like to see short term moves that could help alleviate bottlenecks. Integrated Distribution Services, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mark DeFabis says an obvious move is to allow 18–21-year-olds with a commercial driver’s license to transport cargo across state lines.

“Right now they can drive an 18-wheeler from South Bend to Evansville, but they can’t go from Evansville into Kentucky, which is a little ridiculous,” said DeFabis. “We need to do some innovative things in the short term like that to really be able to have more velocity within the supply chain.”

DeFabis talked about the supply chain crisis and its impact on Indiana on this weekend’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick.

DeFabis points to the DRIVE-Safe Act, which was reintroduced in Congress earlier this year, co-sponsored by Indiana Senator Todd Young (R-IN).

Supporters say the measure would address the shortage of drivers in the trucking and logistics sectors, creating an apprenticeship program that would train younger drivers to legally operate big rigs across state lines.

DeFabis says this week Young and Indiana Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) will host what DeFabis describes as a listening session with Hoosier business owners and industry leaders.