The Issue:

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) — the current surface transportation law — is set to expire on September 30, 2026. The next highway reauthorization bill is a critical opportunity to address the persistent shortage of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders. This shortage increases costs and creates risk throughout the supply chain.

Why It Matters:

More than 3,000 beer distribution facilities depend on a safe, reliable CDL workforce to serve hundreds of thousands of local businesses. The highway bill is a vehicle to invest in the training, recruitment and pipeline development needed to build the next generation of professional drivers to fill critical gaps in the supply chain.

Congress Should:

• Include robust workforce provisions in the 2026 highway reauthorization bill that expand CDL training opportunities, including support for apprenticeships, trade school programs and community college partnerships.
• Support policies that strengthen the CDL driver pipeline and reduce unnecessary barriers to entry for qualified new drivers without compromising safety standards.