For too long, truckers across the country have been stuck waiting for freight, with nowhere to go. Literally. But a new bipartisan bill aims to fix that.

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On April 1, Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) reintroduced the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, which would make sure truck drivers can use bathrooms at warehouses, ports, and other facilities if those restrooms are already open to employees or customers.

It’s not about building new bathrooms—just unlocking the ones that are already there.

“Truckers are this nation’s backbone,” said Rep. Nehls. “Our nation’s hardworking truckers keep our country moving and should have access to bathroom facilities while they are on the road—it’s common sense.”

Houlahan said lack of restroom access has become a serious issue, especially for women entering the profession. “As female drivers are increasingly filling essential trucking positions, they face a lack of restroom access while making deliveries and pickups,” she said. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure every truck driver is guaranteed access to a restroom while they do their critical jobs, breaking down a systemic barrier that has kept women out of the industry.”

The bill—now known as H.R. 3869—also includes a new rule requiring port and terminal operators to provide restroom access for drayage drivers.

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to flush out this issue. Versions of the Trucker Bathroom Access Act were introduced in both 2022 and 2023 but didn’t make it through Congress. Supporters hope the third time’s the charm, especially with growing attention on trucker working conditions and more industry groups backing the bill.

The legislation has strong support from the trucking industry. Groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), American Trucking Association (ATA), Women In Trucking Association, She Trucking, and the Teamsters have all backed the proposal.

“Over 70% of America’s freight is exclusively carried by trucks, yet every single day men and women truck drivers are forced to ‘hold it’ because they aren’t allowed access to the restroom when picking up or delivering freight,” said Todd Spencer, President of OOIDA. “OOIDA and our 150,000 members thank Representatives Nehls and Houlahan for showing tremendous leadership on this issue.”

“Such basic accommodations are more than just common courtesy,” added ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “This is about ensuring the dignity of drivers.”