Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is set to reveal his trucking policy next week at Iowa 80, famously known as the “World’s Largest Truckstop.” Ramaswamy aims to emphasize the importance of truckers as essential contributors to America’s economy and guardians of freedom on the highways. His policy announcement comes in the wake of recent events in Canada, where the ‘Freedom Convoy’ showcased the perils of government overreach and the power of civil protest.
In a press release obtained by Digital, Ramaswamy states, “Truckers are a crucial link in the American supply chain that powers our economy. They’re not just haulers of goods — they’re the guardians of freedom on our highways.” He highlights the lessons learned from the Canadian truckers’ protest against an overreaching government, including speech censorship, arrests of peaceful protesters, and freezing of personal funds by big banks.
The trucking policy unveiling at Iowa 80 on Thursday, December 21, promises to lay out Ramaswamy’s detailed plan to support truckers and ensure freedom for all. The event will be attended by officials from CDL Drivers Unlimited, representing approximately 4.7 million CDL drivers in the United States.
Ramaswamy’s policy outlines various key areas of focus. He plans to direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prioritize driver retention over recruitment for economic efficiency. Citing a 2019 study revealing a 91% turnover rate among CDL drivers, Ramaswamy aims to implement measures that promote driver safety, including comprehensive mental health policies, truck parking safety, and common-sense hours of service regulation.
Additionally, Ramaswamy intends to address state-level efforts to limit the freedom of CDL drivers as independent contractors and crack down on broker fraud through the use of investigatory power.
The Iowa Caucus next month will be a crucial test for Ramaswamy’s bid for the GOP nomination. While trailing behind prominent figures like former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former President Donald Trump, who maintains overwhelming support among primary voters, Ramaswamy hopes to defy expectations and gain momentum with his trucking policy announcement.
For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, visit our Digital election hub. Media reporter Joseph A. Wulfsohn covers the 2024 campaign trail for Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected], and he can be reached on Twitter at @JosephWulfsohn.
