Trucker Bathroom Access Act Reaches Senate With November 18 Markup

The Trucker Bathroom Access Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate as S.5718, creating a new federal path for restroom access at pickup and delivery locations. Land Line Media reported November 13 that Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Deb Fischer of Nebraska introduced the bipartisan measure. The Senate Commerce Committee has placed the bill on its November 18 executive-session agenda.

As described by the sponsors and industry groups, the proposal would require covered businesses to give commercial drivers access to existing restrooms when they are picking up or delivering cargo. Drivers would receive the same access available to customers or employees. The general provision would not require a business to construct a new restroom. Separate language addresses drayage-driver access at marine terminals, and the proposal contains limits and exemptions that matter to how any final law would apply.

A House version introduced by Reps. Troy Nehls of Texas and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania was incorporated into the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's surface-transportation package earlier this year. Senate introduction and a scheduled markup are significant procedural steps, but S.5718 is not law. Committee approval would still leave additional congressional action and presidential approval before any federal requirement could take effect.

Drivers should continue following current facility rules while documenting recurring access problems through their carrier or shipper contact. Carriers can reduce delays and support drivers by confirming restroom availability in appointment instructions. Shippers and receivers can review visitor procedures now, identify a safe walking route and explain after-hours access without waiting for legislation. The bill focuses on basic facilities during freight work; it does not authorize drivers to enter restricted operational areas or bypass site security.